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EU referendum: Final day of UK deal talks ahead of summit EU referendum: Cameron wrangling ahead of summit
(about 3 hours later)
British officials have entered the final phase of negotiations to change the UK's relationship with the EU, the day before the European summit begins. David Cameron faces last-minute wrangling over his EU reforms ahead of a crunch summit on Thursday.
David Cameron hopes to agree a deal at the Brussels summit, enabling a referendum on the UK's EU membership to take place as early as June. Poland and three other countries are reported to be still resisting welfare curbs while France is thought to be against financial regulation changes.
European parliament president Martin Schulz has warned that MEPs' backing for any deal cannot be guaranteed. If the PM gets a deal on Thursday he is expected to hold a referendum in June.
On Tuesday, Downing Street said the deal had the backing of MEPs. He is working on a separate plan to boost UK sovereignty aimed at getting sceptical Tories, including Boris Johnson, to get behind his reform deal.
Number 10 said leaders of the three largest groups in the European parliament had "made clear their support" for the UK's proposed EU deal. Mr Johnson - who is being touted as a possible leader of the out campaign - has met Mr Cameron at Downing Street.
But Mr Cameron's planned curbs to benefits for EU migrants appear to be a sticking point in the talks with the EU, with some eastern European countries reported to be opposed. "I'll be back," he told reporters as he left Number 10, adding: "No deal, as far as I know."
BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said the London mayor, who is "pivotal" to Mr Cameron's plans, would keep the PM waiting until he had returned from the summit before announcing which camp he would support, although his "no deal" comment was not thought to be a reference to his own concerns about sovereignty.
'Finely balanced'
Sources close to Mr Johnson say his decision on whether to back remaining or leaving the EU is "very finely balanced".
They say the decision by Mr Cameron to try and sell his proposed deal to Mr Johnson underlines how crucial he is likely to be if the prime minister is to win the referendum.
"They are pretty determined to get him on board," the source added.
They have strongly rejected suggestions Mr Johnson's decision is tied to his ambitions to lead the Conservative Party when Mr Cameron steps down.
"His decision is in no way predicated on any leadership question. It's based on what he thinks will be in the best interests of the country." the source said.
Mr Cameron's sovereignty plan is expected to suggest extra powers for the UK Supreme Court to protect UK law from challenges from the European Court of Justice, to assert the primacy of UK law over Brussels.
Diplomats 'confident'
If a deal is agreed at the European Council summit which takes place on Thursday and Friday, the UK could hold a referendum on whether to remain in the EU in June.
An EU source said negotiations on the draft text to be discussed by the European Council were likely to last until Wednesday evening.
The BBC's Europe correspondent Chris Morris said most diplomats were confident a deal could be agreed this week and that we could know on Friday when a referendum will be held.The BBC's Europe correspondent Chris Morris said most diplomats were confident a deal could be agreed this week and that we could know on Friday when a referendum will be held.
European parliament president Martin Schulz has warned that MEPs' backing for any deal cannot be guaranteed, but Downing Street said the deal had the backing of MEPs.
Mr Schulz, who described his meeting with Mr Cameron on Tuesday as "very constructive", said that once a deal was agreed by EU leaders, MEPs would start the legislative process as soon as possible.Mr Schulz, who described his meeting with Mr Cameron on Tuesday as "very constructive", said that once a deal was agreed by EU leaders, MEPs would start the legislative process as soon as possible.
A guide to how the EU worksA guide to how the EU works
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European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he expected proposed benefit changes to be at the heart of debate this week.European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he expected proposed benefit changes to be at the heart of debate this week.
Czech Europe minister Tomas Prouza told the BBC he expected benefit curbs would apply only to new applicants, and not affect the existing 34,000 migrants in the UK who were recipients.Czech Europe minister Tomas Prouza told the BBC he expected benefit curbs would apply only to new applicants, and not affect the existing 34,000 migrants in the UK who were recipients.
Downing Street has so far refused to say whether the changes extend to existing claimants or not.Downing Street has so far refused to say whether the changes extend to existing claimants or not.
Our correspondent Chris Morris said France was one of several member states anxious to ensure nothing in the deal would allow financial institutions in the City of London to benefit from lighter regulation than their continental counterparts. Chris Morris said France was one of several member states anxious to ensure nothing in the deal would allow financial institutions in the City of London to benefit from lighter regulation than their continental counterparts.
Ska Keller, vice-chairwoman of the Greens and European Free Alliance group of MEPs, said it was "very important" the final agreement did not include discriminatory measures and said the plans would not simply be nodded through. Meanwhile, unions warned that leaving the EU would put workers' rights at risk.
She told BBC Two's Newsnight that EU and UK citizens "will expect from us that we have a very close look as this". Speaking ahead of talks with Mr Juncker, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the debate so far had focused on "benefits to business", adding: "Leaving the EU would risk lots of the rights at work we all rely on - like paid holidays and breaks, parental leave, health and safety, and equal treatment for part-time workers."
In a separate development on Tuesday, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, spoke at a Foreign Office awards ceremony of how "in an increasingly turbulent world, our ability to unite in common action with other nations is essential". If a deal is agreed at this week's summit, the PM is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday evening.
Some observers interpreted this as signalling the prince's support for staying in the EU, with Britain Stronger in Europe saying "people from all walks of life are getting behind the campaign". The rival Leave.EU campaign said it "could just as easily claim" his words showed "we should not give any importance to the EU".
A spokesman for the prince denied it was an intervention in the EU debate, saying it had been a speech to young diplomats and the word "Europe" had not been mentioned once.
If a deal is agreed at this week's summit, the PM will hold a cabinet meeting on Friday evening, sources have told the BBC.
Downing Street has said ministers cannot speak out until the cabinet has met to agree a government position.Downing Street has said ministers cannot speak out until the cabinet has met to agree a government position.
Mr Cameron is seeking key changes on European integration, business competiveness, benefits restrictions and the operation of the eurozone.Mr Cameron is seeking key changes on European integration, business competiveness, benefits restrictions and the operation of the eurozone.
He has promised an in-out referendum by the end of 2017 on whether the UK should remain within the EU.
Are you in the UK or any other EU member state? What are your views on the current negotiations? What outcome are you seeking? Share your views. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in the UK or any other EU member state? What are your views on the current negotiations? What outcome are you seeking? Share your views. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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