Cameron: Britain can have best of both worlds with EU deal

DAVID CAMERON will tell UK voters they can have the 'best of both worlds' if European leaders agree to the changes to Britain's membership of the European Union set out today.
European Council president Donald Tusk has announced the outline of the deal on Britains EU membershipEuropean Council president Donald Tusk has announced the outline of the deal on Britains EU membership
European Council president Donald Tusk has announced the outline of the deal on Britains EU membership

The Prime Minister said he was ready to make the case for Britain remaining in the EU with “no lack of passion” and he hoped to begin the referendum campaign “soon”.

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European Council president Donald Tusk today published the outline deal which will be discussed by EU leaders at summit later this month which includes plans for an “emergency brake” on in-work benefits for migrants, pledges on Britain’s status as a non-Euro country and powers for national parliaments to block EU legislation.

Hinting at the likely theme of his referendum campaign, Mr Cameron said: “I think we will be able to argue we’ve got the best of both worlds.”

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He continued: “I think this best of both worlds, out of the single currency, out of the no borders agreement, out of an ever closer union but in the things that work for Britain, that give us jobs, that give us security, that give us the ability to make sure we have a stronger and safer world, I think that is something worth fighting for.”

And he rejected criticism that the deal represented a significant watering down of commiitments made at the General Election.

“I can say hand on heart that I have delivered the commitments that I have made in my manifesto,” he said

The wording of the so-called emergency brake on benefits for migrants is likely to come in for scrutiny because while it allows for restrictions to be imposed for a four year period as requested by Mr Cameron it suggests migrants should be able to begin to claim some benefits during that period with amount growing over time.

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The deal also stops short of the complete ban on EU migrants sending child benefit home and instead index links it to the standard of living in the migrant’s home country.

In a letter to EU leaders, Mr Tusk wrote: “To my mind it goes really far in addressing all the concerns raised by Prime Minister Cameron. The line I did not cross, however, were the principles on which the European project is founded.

“I deeply believe that our community of interests is much stronger than what divides us. To be, or not to be together, that is the question which must be answered not only by the British people in a referendum, but also by the other 27 members of the EU in the next two weeks.

“This has been a difficult process and there are still challenging negotiations ahead. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. I am convinced that the proposal is a good basis for a compromise.”

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Representatives of all the EU nations are due to discuss the proposals later this week ahead of a summit of EU leaders to agree the deal.

Mr Tusk wrote: “To succeed we will all need to compromise. To fail would be compromising our common future.”

The publication of the proposed deal today means the UK referendum could be held before the end of June.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Now this draft plan is on the table the referendum campaign begins in earnest. It is the biggest vote in a generation and it will settle not only Britain’s relations with Europe but also our place in the world.

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“The Liberal Democrats will wholeheartedly stand against the idea that Britain should be isolated and alone. Nigel Farage and his gang are dead set on turning back the clock, and turning away from progress and prosperity.

“The public should be given their say on this as soon as possible. The SNP have added their voice to right-wing Conservatives to call for a delay. They are, for their own agendas working to destabilise the economy and paralyse politics.

“In Europe, Britain can thrive. Together we will be a stronger and more prosperous nation, creating opportunity for future generations, respected all over the world.”

But the deal was immediately criticised by Eurosceptics.

Yorkshire Ukip MEP Jane Collins said: “The deal is so convoluted, with so many coloured cards to wave around if EU legislation is not wanted that MPs will be more like primary school teachers trying to teach toddlers the colours of the rainbow.

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“But it still doesn’t address the fundamental problems of sovereignty and of democratic accountability, of uncontrolled migration driving down jobs and the British tax payer topping up low salaries with tax credits.”

Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: “‘None of these changes even come close to the fundamental changes promised to the public. We are being asked to risk staying in the EU based on the back of empty promises from the EU that are not even backed up in Treaty.”

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