SOUTH West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt has spoken in favour of Britain retaining its place in the EU to “retain full access” to the lucrative European single market.

Amid cabinet divisions and high-profile Conservative colleagues joining the Vote Leave campaign ahead of this summer’s EU referendum, the health secretary this week gave his backing to the prime minister David Cameron.

Mr Hunt said: “I firmly believe that after the deal the Prime Minister negotiated in Europe, Britain will be better off and more secure if we remain a member of the EU.

“The settlement secures special status for Britain, giving us a stronger voice and platform for freedom, democracy and human rights.

“It also means our sovereignty and the British pound are protected and will ensure that as part of the EU we carry more weight and influence on future important decisions.

“We will remain outside the Euro and the Schengen border-free area and be protected from deeper integration. But we will retain full access to the single market and a trading bloc of more than 500 million people.”