UKIP'S would-be MP for Worcester has accused David Cameron of "copying" his party after the Prime Minister offered voters the prospect of an early say on Europe.

James Goad, the city's parliamentary candidate for the General Election, claims the Conservative Party is being "superficial" after the premier revealed he wants to bring forward an in/out referendum.

Until now the Mr Cameron has promised a snap European Union poll by the end of 2017 if attempts to re-negotiate Britain's membership terms fail.

He now says he would be "delighted" to bring it forward, insisting "the sooner I can deliver on that, the better".

The move, an attempt to appease voters considering voting UKIP in May, has been criticised by Mr Goad.

"The EU is an issue on the doorsteps of Worcester but it's not the primary one, that tends to be immigration and the general state of the Government," he said.

"But everything feeds off of that (EU discontentment).

"Nigel Farage has done a good job in linking these issues together because being in the EU is like being chained to an economic corpse, the (European) economy has stagnated in recent years.

"The more desperate David Cameron becomes the more promises he makes, it's superficial.

"We've been pushing for this as soon as possible - the Conservatives are copying us, it's like the tail wagging the dog, they are dancing to our tune."

The stance has been rejected by Worcester's Conservative Association, which was out in force in the city canvassing over the weekend.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "I voted for a referendum in 2011, let alone 2017, but the idea we are copying them is nonsense.

"We are a mainstream party whereas UKIP is a single issue one.

"What David Cameron is doing is saying he'll stick to the position of trying to re-negotiate our position within the EU while recognising there is concern 2017 might be a long time to wait for a referendum on it."

Branch chairman Dr David Tibbutt said: "People are concerned most about the economy - they clearly want that put right and realise we've been through a lot of discomfort, they don't want to go back and re-do all of that.

"If you raise immigration of course they will start commenting on it, but the top three issues are the economy, immigration and health.

"We've been in areas like Gorse Hill and the reception and courtesy has been second to none, people are thinking really carefully about how they will vote."

Labour leader Ed Miliband kicked off his party's campaign in Manchester today promising that his members will have face-to-face conversations with four million voters between now and polling day.

Councillor Joy Squires, Labour's Worcester parliamentary candidate, said: "David Cameron continues to play fast and loose over Europe, destabilising businesses that are already finding it hard to trade in the UK's fragile economic climate - and all to keep the right wing of his divided Tory Party from defecting to UKIP.

"This announcement has nothing to do with giving people a say on Britain's future in the EU. It has everything to do with trying to neutralise UKIP.

"While the Prime Minister plays politics with the vital issue of Britain's relationship with Europe, local businesses face uncertainty and instability."