William Hague: Carswell decision is 'counter-productive'

The prominent Conservative MP, Douglas Carswell, has announced he is defecting to the UK Independence Party.

He will resign as an MP, triggering a by-election in his Essex constituency of Clacton.

William Hague, Leader of the House of Commons, said the government already had a strong record on negotiating change in Europe and support for UKIP was counter-productive.