OXFORDSHIRE MPs have backed the campaign for the UK to remain part of the European Union.

Culture Minister and Didcot and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood and Banbury MP Victoria Prentis have all put forward their pledges to stay in the EU.

Last night, Mayor of London Boris Johnson was the latest to reveal he would be campaigning for Brexit, the campaign to leave the EU.

It follows David Cameron’s announcement on Saturday that the IN/OUT referendum would take place on June 23 and individual ministers would be free to campaign on either side.

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Speaking to the Oxford Mail after the news Conservative MP Mr Vaizey said: “I am pleased with what the Prime Minister has achieved with negotiations and remain convinced Britain should stay in the European Union.

“I represent a constituency of huge science and technology businesses which attract skills from all over Europe and attracts investment.

“We are a powerful nation and could survive outside the European Union, but I think the experience of my constituency show we are better off in the European Union because of the benefits: attracting foreign investment and EU investments.”

Oxford West and Abingdon Conservative MP Nicola Blackwood tweeted her views: “#EURef defining choice for our generation.

“I back IN for jobs & security but I’ll fight with @reformineurope for a responsive reforming EU.

“UK is a science powerhouse. Voting IN protects life saving research, key R&D jobs &science & tech start ups.”

Banbury Conservative MP Victoria Prentis posted on Twitter: “The PM’s deal means Britain is stronger in Europe. Being in means more jobs, lowers prices & greater influence in the world."

“This is a good deal for our economy – less red tape, less regulation and more jobs in the UK from the EU’s single market.”

Among the first ministers to declare they would be campaigning for an “in” vote were Home Secretary Theresa May, Business Secretary Sajid Javid, International Development Secretary Justine Greening and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Following his return from his marathon EU negotiating session, the Prime Minister said that leaving would threaten Britain’s “economic and national security”.

“Those who want to leave Europe cannot tell you if British businesses would be able to access Europe’s free trade single market, or if working people’s jobs are safe, or how much prices would rise." All they’re offering is a risk at a time of uncertainty - a leap in the dark,” he said.

Oxford University backed the IN campaign as Vice-Chancellor Louise Richardson is one of nine university’s urged the public to consider the impact on the country's ‘world-class universities’.

In a letter printed in The Sunday Times, the university leaders said: “Inside the EU we are better able to collaborate with partners across Europe to carry out cutting-edge research from medical and healthcare advances to new materials, products and services.

“While no one is suggesting that the UK universities could not survive outside the EU, leaving would mean cutting ourselves off from established networks.”

Labour MEP for the South East Anneliese Dodds said: “I know a lot of people in Oxfordshire have jobs connected to being in the EU and it has been a worry.

“I think on balance we should stay in not because I think what the EU does is perfect but in terms of big issues such as the refugee crisis, we have got that international body to help us.

“In a county like Oxfordshire which is very international with our language schools and research it would be pretty crazy to cut that off.”