London, May 15 (RHC)-- David Cameron and his conservative party are under pressure to call a referendum on Britain’s membership in the European Union. Reports say some conservative backbenchers are pushing the prime minister to introduce legislation for an in/out referendum on the EU within the first 100 days of his parliament.

Cameron has already pledged to overhaul Britain’s role in the EU to restrict migrant access to welfare benefits and limit freedom of movement within the bloc of nations. The British prime minister said he has already begun talks with some European leaders over the issue. He is largely expected to hold a referendum as early as next year, after negotiations with the EU are over.

Economics professor at London’s City University, Keith Pilbeam told Press TV that the referendum would get rid of a sense of “uncertainty” over the issue. Latest polls suggest 45 percent of Britons want to stay in the EU, while 35 percent want the UK to leave the bloc.

However, Pilbeam suggested that British people will overwhelmingly vote for the membership. “I'm absolutely sure that the UK will vote to stay within the European Union. And the reason is simple when people come to vote they will be thinking about their jobs and all the parties will be supporting us to stay in except UKIP and all businesses or the vast majority will be supporting UK membership. So I have absolutely no doubt that it will be a large margin of victory despite what the opinion polls currently say.”