A LEAFLET that explains why the Government believes voting to remain in the European Union is the 'best decision' for the UK will be landing on doormats this week despite a petition calling for delivery to be halted.

The £9 million taxpayer-funded pro-EU leaflet has been criticised by Eurosceptic Tory backbenchers who are now threatening to seek to derail George Osborne's Budget in protest at what they say is an 'unfair skewing' of the referendum debate.

Ex-cabinet minister Liam Fox wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron calling for the case for a 'leave' vote on June 23 to be included in the publication.

But it has already been printed and is expected to arrive in some households in England from today - with delivery to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland delayed until after elections to devolved governments in May.

More than 200,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the Government abandons the plan. 

Prime Minister David Cameron says the the leaflet is 'money well spent' and insists it is 'necessary and right' to put the Government's case for staying in but critics - including Justice Secretary Michael Gove - say it is unfair and a waste of public money.

To view the petition, click here.