CONSERVATIVE MPs Scott Mann and Geoffrey Cox have both declared their intention of voting to leave the EU in the coming referendum.

North Cornwall MP Mr?Mann said his opinion on the referendum had not changed — despite Prime Minister David Cameron’s negotiations on EU reform.

His comments came after Home Secretary Theresa May indicated she felt the EU reforms gave ‘the basis for a deal’ — a boost to Mr Cameron.

­Mr Mann last month said it was time that the country ‘shaped its own destiny’.

Asked if he would be changing his stance in the light of Mr Cameron’s negotiations, Mr Mann said: “There are a lot of people up here that are trying to make up their minds. Ultimately, it won’t be our votes that win the day.

“From my point of view I will be campaigning to leave. Now that the full deal’s on the table I’m sure MPs will be looking at it and seeing what they are going to do as well.

“I think this is one of the most important decisions we will make as MPs. There are a number of EU regulations that get in the way of what Britain wants to do.

“I will be on the doorsteps asking people to consider it.”

Mr Cox has previously withheld judgment on the referendum but has now announced he feels compelled to vote and campaign to leave.

The MP for Torridge and West Devon told the House of Commons in a speech last Thursday that having examined the renegotiation proposals to be put to the European Council by the UK Government, he felt they could not adequately address the concerns of ‘thousands of constituents who have made clear their unease at the direction of travel of the European Union’.

He said: “After years and months of wrestling with my conscience, and with the competing arguments for and against our membership of the EU, the UK Government renegotiation proposals, which represent only very modest progress, have caused me to conclude that the case for leaving the EU is overwhelming.

“We do not need to be afraid of resuming full control over the government of our country and it is clear that our partners are unwilling to make the necessary adjustments to tackle the fundamental and deeply entrenched problems of the European Union.”

There is speculation that the referendum will be held on Thursday, June 23 this year.