There’s widespread support amongst voters across Europe (but not leading politicians) for a fundamental European Union reform programme, but our Government never seriously considered leading on this front.
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On Saturday, Cameron called a cabinet meeting over the issue.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, is also among those campaigning for the United Kingdom to leave the EU.
“Too many people come here sitting on social, doing nothing, it’s just no good”, he said, adding that he will vote “Out” in the referendum.
The decision to hold a referendum still has to be formalised by the British parliament, but it is widely expected to be adopted since Cameron’s Conservative party holds the majority.
“I think we should stay in Europe and I will be pleased when we can put this whole thing behind us”. European leaders on Friday night reached a deal on British Prime Minister David Cameron’s reforms after marathon talks, President of the European Council Donald Tusk tweeted.
The deal has effectively fired the starting gun for referendum campaign groups – one for leave and one for remain – that will be designated by the Electoral Commission.
Britain has always remained somewhat apart from the European project, preferring to keep its own currency rather than adopt the euro and declining to join the passport-free Schengen zone in place in much of Europe. “All they’re offering is a risk at a time of uncertainty – a leap in the dark”. “If we leave, it’s very hard to see what the trade patterns of the future will be”.
“I know there will be many passionate arguments over the months ahead”, he conceded.
Cabinet ministers arriving at 10 Downing Street in London did not indicate Saturday whether they will back the deal.
“And if, at this moment of decision, I didn’t say what I believe I would not be true to my convictions or my country”, he said.
The vote is likely to be held in June after the prime minister secured an agreement, which he said would give “special status in the European Union”.
“That is not the question in this referendum”, he stressed.
He said Britain will be safer, stronger and better off remaining a member of the EU. The leaders’ agreement says moves by the 19 eurozone countries to bring their economies closer together are voluntary for the other member states, and stresses that businesses in non-eurozone countries must not face disadvantages within the EU’s single market.
“It underlines our special status through which families across Britain get all the benefits of being in the European Union, including more jobs, lower prices and greater security. This deal has delivered on the commitments I made at the start of this process”.
He spoke to the British people: “The choice is in your hands”.
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“My recommendation is clear”.
