THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has announced she will vote for the UK to remain part of the European Union.

Tory Ms Doyle-Price has broken ranks from her Tory colleagues in south Essex, with all the area's other MPs supporting the Leave campaign.

She had long maintained she was undecided on the referendum issue, but issued a statement on the issue this morning.

Ms Doyle-Price said: "Clearly some people have very settled views as to whether they want Britain to leave or remain in the European Union, but for many of us the issue is not so clear cut.

"There is no right or wrong answer. There are risks from leaving and risks from staying in. It comes down to personal judgment.

"I have been disappointed by some of the sensationalist claims on both sides. I wanted to see positive reasons as to why I should vote one way or another. Unfortunately much of the campaign has been negative.

"Let's be clear. Britain is a great country. We are the fifth largest economy in the world. Britain will succeed whether it leaves or remains in the European Union.

"Equally the claim by some that by leaving the European Union we will reduce immigration is false. People come here to work and while ever there are jobs they will keep coming. And half of our immigration is from outside Europe in any case.

"But I do think that the power and authority of Britain on the world stage is enhanced by being part of the European Union. And I do think our economy is stronger by being part of a single market of 500m people. I worry about the impact on manufacturing jobs if our exports to Europe were suddenly faced with an import tariff.

"So on that basis I have decided to vote to remain. I cannot in all conscience gamble with other people’s jobs.

"Ultimately, my vote is no more important than anyone else’s. This is a decision that will be made by the British people, not by Parliament. Parliament will take its instruction from the referendum. I would encourage everyone to vote on Thursday. We want a clear decision to settle this issue once and for all."

Tory MPs Sir David Amess (Southend West), James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East), John Baron (Basildon and Billericay), Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock), Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) and Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) are all backing the Leave campaign.