COLCHESTER Council's Labour group are unanimously backing the vote to remain in the European Union.

The 11-strong group made the decision at a group meeting on Monday night. 

Labour was the only party to make a gain in seats during all-out borough-wide elections on May 5.

Tim Young, group leader, said: "The Labour Group on Colchester Borough Council is of one mind when it comes to the EU referendum.

"We think it’s in Britain’s and the Borough of Colchester’s best interests to remain within the EU.

"In terms of jobs, tourism, the local economy, our safety and security and our future prosperity we believe we are much better off as members of the EU."

Mr Young also warned time is running out for those people who are not registered to vote.

He added: "We would encourage everyone to register to vote, especially young people whose future depends on the outcome of this referendum, by the deadline of June 7 and then go out to vote on Thursday June 23.

"We can guarantee that there will be, at least, 11 of us voting to remain."

Labour's In for Britian campaign, chaired by MP Alan Johnson, says £26.5 billion is invested in Britain by EU countries every year and British workers benefit from EU agreements on workers’ rights, including the right to holiday pay, paid maternity and paternity leave, anti-discrimination laws, equal pay and protection for agency workers.

It also states exports to the EU are worth £227 billion a year to the British economy.