A HAMPSHIRE MP has joined a Conservative group preparing to launch an “out” campaign if David Cameron fails to win a fresh EU deal.

Julian Lewis, the New Forest East MP, is among the founding members of ‘Conservatives for Britain’, which claims to have the support of up to nine Cabinet ministers.

The group states that Britain’s current relationship with the EU is “untenable” and will draw up a list of tests the Prime Minister must achieve in his renegotiation.

And it will “discuss how to prepare for a possible ‘out’ campaign, to be activated if it is apparent that negotiations will not achieve the objectives”.

Dr Lewis’ support for ‘Conservatives for Britain’ is in line with his desire for the EU to return to being a trading organisation, rather than a political project to build a united Europe.

However, a second Hampshire Tory Eurosceptic said it was too early for him to join the group in advance of Mr Cameron setting out “his negotiating position”.

Royston Smith, the Itchen MP, has said he will vote to leave the EU in the promised referendum without big changes to rules on immigration, fishing and farming.

But, on the ‘Conservatives for Britain’ group, Mr Smith said: “I am waiting to see what the prime minister suggests is his negotiating position.

“Saying yes or no before knowing what the question is is putting the cart before the horse somewhat.”

The group has been set up by Steve Baker, the MP for Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire.