Sir Malcolm Rifkind: Tory row over EU 'simply a tactic'

The prime minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US President Barack Obama as a debate rages within his party about the UK's future within the European Union.

David Cameron is expected to highlight the benefits to Britain of a trade agreement between Europe and the US.

The visit means he will miss a possible Commons vote on Conservative plans for a referendum on the EU. Two ministers have said they would opt for leaving if a referendum was held now.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Conservative party MP, told the Today programme's John Humphrys that "You don't split that coalition unless there is some fundamental issue of the national interest at stake and the only issue we're involved in this week is no issue of principle at all.

"It's not like Maastricht, when MPs voted against their party because it was a case of ratifying a treaty. This is simply a tactic.

"As to whether we try to pass legislation now, which of course be repealed if we don't win the next general election anyway. And it has no practical effect, and in any event, it can't even win," he explained.

The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson provided analysis.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 13 May 2013.