BURY North's MP said he is unable to sort out some of his constituent's problems because of the European Union.

David Nuttall spoke in a 'Brexit' discussion in a week when it became increasingly likely that a referendum will take place on June 23 on whether Britain should exit the European Union.

In a Parliamentary debate last Thursday, Mr Nuttall described how Britain's partnership with Europe has changed since 1975 when it joined the common market, which later became the European Community.

"It gradually attracted all the attributes of a state as it moved towards its goal of becoming a united states of Europe, with its own Parliament, its own flag, its own anthem, its own court, and its own foreign service," said Mr Nuttall.

He added: "We do not have to be Einstein to work out where the EU is going. It is heading in that direction".

Mr Nuttall continued: "This loss of sovereignty from this Parliament is at the heart of my opposition to our membership of the European Union.

"Handing over powers to the European Union means handing over the powers of my constituents in Bury North and of the British people.

"When my constituents come to me and ask for help, they expect this Parliament to have the power and the ability to be able to sort out their problem.

"In so many areas, that is no longer the case.

"Whether we like it or not, the reality is that the power has been handed over to Brussels."

Towards the end of the two-hour debate, Labour's Shadow Foreign Minister Pat Glass spoke after listening to scores of Conservative MPs voice their support for a Brexit.

Ms Glass said: "It is depressing that we have heard a rehash of many of the same, often ill-informed, myths and stories about how Britain no longer has control over its own sovereignty.

"What I find most disappointing is that…the speakers have largely been older grey-haired men in grey suits.

"I do not believe that that represents the country we are here to serve.

"This is largely a Tory party drama with very little relevant to the lives of ordinary people who are struggling to pay rents and mortgages and to get their kids to school."

She added that Britain cannot solve complex problems such as climate change, terrorism, international crime, people trafficking or mass migration alone.