A balancing act
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon used a meeting with the Prime Minister to try to enlist his support for further harmonisation of "economic, fiscal and social policies".
Not surprisingly, this call for help was met with disdain from many Eurosceptic Tory MPs, but Mr Fillon warned that Britain would suffer "catastrophe and a disaster" if the European single currency failed.
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Hide AdA slender olive branch was offered – Mr Cameron said Britain would be a "helpful partner", but no more.
Many will applaud this strong stance, but it risks reigniting the battle within the Prime Minister's own party and igniting a new dispute with his coalition partners.
Mr Cameron is right not to 'flip flop' around the issue, it would only show him to be weak. Equally, he must not allow strength to be seen as confrontation; it would put the coalition at risk and jeopardise vital trade links.