There is lots of discussion going on today about David Cameron’s interview in this morning’s Daily Telegraph.
While the paper led on what he said about austerity, the thing that most struck me was what he said about a renegotiation of the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
The paper reports:
“He wants to negotiate a “new settlement” with the EU with powers returned to Britain.”
Good – British taxpayers are crying out for a better deal from our relationship with our European neighbours and it is high time the Prime Minister acted on his promises to get that “new settlement”.
However, the report continues:
“Mr Cameron will not countenance leaving the EU and says he would never campaign for an “out” vote in a referendum.”
WHAT?? How can Mr Cameron say now that leaving the EU is not an option? If he seeks that “new settlement” but our friends across the Channel refuse to cede enough ground to make an offer that might be acceptable to the British people, will he be happy to remain in the EU as it is today – over-centralised, over-bureaucratic, wasteful and interfering in issues which should not be within its remit?
The Prime Minister simply cannot claim that he could ever secure the best deal for British taxpayers if he goes into the negotiating chamber having already declared that he will not play his trump card – ie British withdrawal from the EU. Long in advance of the discussions, he has already given away his negotiating hand.
And he’s not the only one.
David Lidington, the Minister for Europe, wrote a piece for French newspaper Le Monde this week in which he said:
“Il n’est pas question qu’à l’issue de cet exercice, le Royaume-Uni se désengage ou se retire de l’Union.”
which translates as:
“There is no question of the UK disengaging or withdrawing from the EU as a result of this exercise.”
Again, a lamentable failure to follow this golden rule: Never give away your bottom line before entering a negotiation.
