What makes this such a big deal is that such a stance by any media outlet as recently as 2 years ago would have seemed unthinkable. It would be like the Chicago Tribune calling for the US out of the UN - perhaps a good idea but something that would never be given voice in any major newspaper or TV station.

The Express has thrown down the gauntlet:

From this day forth our energies will be directed to furthering the cause of those who believe Britain is Better Off Out.

The famous and symbolic Crusader who adorns our masthead will become the figurehead of the struggle to repatriate British sovereignty from a political project that has comprehensively failed.

After far too many years as the victims of Brussels larceny, bullying, over-regulation and all-round interference, the time has come for the British people to win back their country and restore legitimacy and accountability to their political process.

Following the debacle of the Lisbon Treaty - disgracefully imposed upon the public without the referendum they were promised by the three main political parties - many had expected matters European to take a lower profile in British politics.

But the opposite has been true as those on board the European gravy train have mounted one power grab after another.

At a time of austerity throughout Europe they have expanded their bloated budgets, pushing Britain's disproportionate contributions even higher.

Great Britain has to pony up to bail out Ireland and the rest of them even though they don't even use the Euro as their currency. Billions of pounds better used to alleviate England's own economic woes are being sent to Brussels where arrogance, waste, and a maniacal desire to control economies through regulation has propelled most of the Euro-zone into crisis.

The Express may be the first paper to advocate getting out of the EU but they almost certainly won't be the last.