THE upcoming EU referendum has left the Government paralysed by fear.

Yesterday morning, ahead of the Queen’s Speech, spin doctors issued statements proclaiming David Cameron’s legislative programme involved “difficult choices” and “big and bold reforms”.

If this was an attempt to show that despite the rancour in the Tory Party on the Brexit debate, there is still a coherent reforming agenda uniting government then it failed, miserably.

Instead, the speech detailed a series of new laws aimed at avoiding controversies that might jeopardise the Prime Minister’s referendum campaign.

The EU debate has split the Conservative Party and is becoming increasingly embittered with rows having the potential to filter through into other areas of policymaking.

This has left us with a Government who are afraid to tackle the big issues – such as jump-starting an economy that is stuttering to a halt – as they fear radical action might crack the party wide open.

We now have the ridiculous situation where ministers cannot make a decision on extending Heathrow Airport – for fear of upsetting Boris Johnson – but say they plan to construct Britain’s first Spaceports by 2020.

Measures that will encourage investment in driverless cars were yesterday put forward by a Government which itself lacks bold leadership and a clear idea about where it is heading.

It was telling that the most meaty reforms on show – to the prison service – were penned by Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary who is one of the leaders of the Brexit campaign.

Whichever way the referendum vote goes on June 23 there are growing signs that a power shift has already taken place within the ruling party which has left Messrs Cameron and Osborne looking increasingly like a lame duck leadership.