Big business threats to pull the plug if Britain leaves the EU infuriated Tory MPs yesterday as Parliament wrangled over prospects for an in-out referendum.

But pro-EU Labour MPs eagerly seized on doom-laden warnings from Nissan and bosses' organisation the CBI.

Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn threatened that the car-maker would have to "reconsider its strategy" if Britain voted to leave the EU.

The CBI pitched in with a claim that Britain's EU membership was worth £3,000 to every household.

Harwich Tory MP Bernard Jenkin accused Labour members of using yesterday's parliamentary debate "to make the CBI case in favour of membership of the EU."

And Broxbourne Tory Charles Walker asked pointedly: "Is this the same CBI that said we would face economic ruination if we did not join the euro?"

Tory MPs turned out in force to support a private members' Bill calling for an EU referendum by 2017, which is backed by tricky Prime Minister David Cameron to please his rebellious army of eurosceptic backbechers.

A small band of pro-EU Labour MPs staged a filibuster during yesterday's report stage - forcing postponement of proceedings until November 22.

They spent hours talking about whether Gibraltar should be included in an EU referendum, amid arcane references to the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and the Colonial Laws Validity Act of 1865.

Ambitious multimillionaire Tory backbencher Adam Afriyie enjoyed a brief moment of fame by demanding an early EU referendum next year instead of 2017. But he gained little support from fellow Tories.

"I have never known a time in British politics when the political establishment has been so disconnected, so remote and out of touch with public opinion," proclaimed Mr Afriyie in a five-minute speech.

In contrast, Ilford Labour MP Mike Gapes managed to speak for 39 minutes, vehemently denying that his 53 amendments were "frivolous."

Former Labour minister Peter Hain was pulled up by Deputy Speaker Dawn Primarolo for being "a little repetitive" during a marathon 48-minute speech in which he claimed that EU exit would be "catastrophic for British jobs and prosperity."

Financial executives and the City took the view that EU membership "is positive for financial interests," argued Mr Hain.