Conservative MEP Roger Helmer has said he is quitting his seat in the European Parliament because he is unhappy with the direction of his party. Mr Helmer, who represents the east Midlands, will stand down later this year - half way through his term. The MEP has attacked Conservative policy on Europe and called for a referendum on UK membership of the EU. Mr Helmer, first elected in 1999, has made a number of outspoken comments on social issues in recent years.