Cameron vows to work with EU to deliver international security

Just 24 hours after it was announced that there will be a ceasefire in Syria within a 
week, Mr Cameron pointed the finger at Russia for its global posturing.

Russia has been accused of bombing civilians in the conflict by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and in a speech on EU reform last night delivered in Germany, Mr Cameron backed his minister by deliberately singling out the country.

The speech delivered in Hamburg late last night was the final major play by Mr Cameron for support over his EU renegotiation plans ahead of a meeting of all 28 member states next week at the EU Council.

It followed day long talks 
with German Chancellor 
Angela Merkel, who was expected last night to give her support to Britain remaining in the European Union. Mr Cameron’s Hamburg speech set out the wider aims of his EU reform agenda and put global security at the heart of his last public appearance in his month long dash around Europe to drum up support for his proposed deal.

He said: “The reason why I believe it is so vital to keep Britain in a reformed European Union is that when I look at the world today and where it is going I am convinced more than ever that we need Britain and Germany working together to shape a European Union that can deliver prosperity and security for us all.”

Mr Cameron said the reforms he proposed so Britain can in future avoid an ever closer political union and protect the pound against he euro, were in both countries shared interests.

Trade deals enrich both nations too, he added, but made no apologies for Britain holding the referendum, and his aim of achieving a renegotiated settlement that claws back more power for the UK.

He said: “So whether through trade, enterprise or security co-operation, Britain and Germany are leading the way in Europe - promoting our values and enhancing the prosperity and security of us all.

“Some may say Britain is sometimes seen as argumentative and rather strong-minded. I make no apology for that. It is who we are. We have the character of an island nation - independent, forthright, passionate in defence of our sovereignty - and of institutions that have served us well for many hundreds of years.”