A Labour MP has pulled out of Nigel Farage’s rally against net zero after pressure from the party’s leadership.

Graham Stringer was set to appear at the former Reform UK party leader’s event alongside Richard Tice, its current leader.

Saturday’s rally in Bolton, Lancashire, is due to launch Mr Farage’s campaign to hold a referendum on net zero.

It is understood that Mr Stringer has now pulled out from the event after being spoken to by party whips.

The Labour MP’s office was said to be concerned by his appearance when it came to light.

This now sets back Mr Farage’s attempt to build a cross-party coalition on the referendum, similar to the campaign for a vote on Brexit.

‘More to be done on net zero’

Craig Mackinlay, who chairs the Conservative’s Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said that there is still more work to be done on the issue before it was time to back a referendum.

He told The Telegraph that Labour needs to set up its own group to discuss whether Britain should reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, regardless of the economic cost.

“I think the Conservative Party is listening. It still has headphones on, but we are getting some sound through,” he said.

Mr Mackinlay added that when Labour MPs start to “put their heads above the parapet”, it will likely come from constituents complaining about the cost of living.

“It’s going to be a drop of the dominoes once one comes forward.”