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| David Cameron's EU speech: panel verdict | David Cameron's EU speech: panel verdict |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Emma Reynolds: Bad for British business | Emma Reynolds: Bad for British business |
| The prime minister's speech today demonstrated that he is following rather than leading his own backbenchers on the issue of Europe. Instead of promoting the national interest, his speech focused on addressing the deep divisions within the Conservative party. It has more to do with his party's interest than it does with foreign policy. | The prime minister's speech today demonstrated that he is following rather than leading his own backbenchers on the issue of Europe. Instead of promoting the national interest, his speech focused on addressing the deep divisions within the Conservative party. It has more to do with his party's interest than it does with foreign policy. |
| Announcing a referendum today to take place in 2017 is bad for British business and could dangerously jeopardise vital inward investment at precisely the time when the economy most needs it. Cameron has ignored the warnings from British business leaders about the deeply damaging effects of this uncertainty on our economy. | Announcing a referendum today to take place in 2017 is bad for British business and could dangerously jeopardise vital inward investment at precisely the time when the economy most needs it. Cameron has ignored the warnings from British business leaders about the deeply damaging effects of this uncertainty on our economy. |
| He has also ignored the friendly advice of President Obama and many European leaders that the UK's influence is much stronger as part of the world's largest single market and trading bloc. | He has also ignored the friendly advice of President Obama and many European leaders that the UK's influence is much stronger as part of the world's largest single market and trading bloc. |
| Cameron may want to claim credit for making this announcement after much delay and dither – but in reality it has only created more uncertainty. His speech could put at risk our fragile economic recovery and diminish the UK's influence in the world. The prime minister has quite simply addressed the wrong priorities at the wrong time and has failed the challenge of leadership. | Cameron may want to claim credit for making this announcement after much delay and dither – but in reality it has only created more uncertainty. His speech could put at risk our fragile economic recovery and diminish the UK's influence in the world. The prime minister has quite simply addressed the wrong priorities at the wrong time and has failed the challenge of leadership. |
| • Emma Reynolds is Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and shadow minister for Europe | • Emma Reynolds is Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and shadow minister for Europe |
| Nigel Farage: Ukip's biggest victory to date | Nigel Farage: Ukip's biggest victory to date |
| The very fact that we are talking about the possibility of Britain leaving the European Union is Ukip's biggest victory to date. | The very fact that we are talking about the possibility of Britain leaving the European Union is Ukip's biggest victory to date. |
| Even five years ago the thought of this issue being even discussed was an anathema and it is a great triumph for the tens of thousands of Ukip members and supporters that they have, through calm and passionate arguments, put it on the nation's agenda. | Even five years ago the thought of this issue being even discussed was an anathema and it is a great triumph for the tens of thousands of Ukip members and supporters that they have, through calm and passionate arguments, put it on the nation's agenda. |
| Today we heard the skeleton of the yes side's argument, how the prime minister will lead a yes vote. We saw how he refuses to answer the question as to whether, given he will fail in his proposed negotiations, he will support an out. | Today we heard the skeleton of the yes side's argument, how the prime minister will lead a yes vote. We saw how he refuses to answer the question as to whether, given he will fail in his proposed negotiations, he will support an out. |
| It is clear the prime minister has been forced by public opinion to offer a referendum but it is also clear that the options he offers are no options at all. | It is clear the prime minister has been forced by public opinion to offer a referendum but it is also clear that the options he offers are no options at all. |
| Our friends on the continent have no intention of giving anything more than lip service to the repatriation of powers. They might let us catch herrings in the Solent but not much more. | Our friends on the continent have no intention of giving anything more than lip service to the repatriation of powers. They might let us catch herrings in the Solent but not much more. |
| The genie is out of the bottle: the fight for our country's liberty starts today | The genie is out of the bottle: the fight for our country's liberty starts today |
| • Nigel Farage is leader of Ukip | • Nigel Farage is leader of Ukip |
| Maria Margaronis: The speech of a beleaguered Tory prime minister | |
| How different Europe looks from above and from below. For David Cameron, the main problem with the EU is that it prevents British businesses from exploiting their workers more so that they can compete with China: he wants the single market without the social safeguards. For the demonstrators he mentions as evidence of Europe's failings in Athens, Madrid and Rome, the problem is the opposite: their social safeguards have been slashed to meet the needs of the market. He says he wants the EU to succeed ("Darling, I only want what's best for both of us") but won't engage with the tension that's always been at its core, between self-interest and solidarity. | |
| Of course, this wasn't meant as the speech of a European leader. It was an attempt by a beleaguered Tory prime minister to keep his options open while pacifying Ukip and the Tory right. Despite a reference to the rubble of Berlin the mood music was all English: the skies of London lit by flames; Churchill; Caesar's legions; a train-wreck of a metaphor about caravans and sidings. • Maria Margaronis is London correspondent for The Nation | |
| Imke Henkel: A raw speech, but brilliant in parts | Imke Henkel: A raw speech, but brilliant in parts |
| When David Cameron had finished his multiple times postponed speech I wondered whether he still might have given it too early, before his thinking on Europe was properly done. What he said felt raw and in many parts like work in progress. | When David Cameron had finished his multiple times postponed speech I wondered whether he still might have given it too early, before his thinking on Europe was properly done. What he said felt raw and in many parts like work in progress. |
| There were many brilliant bits. My favourite was: "There is a growing frustration that the EU is seen as something that is done to people rather than acting on their behalf." This is indeed true not just in Britain but equally in Germany and many other EU-member states. And it is about time to address this frustration. | There were many brilliant bits. My favourite was: "There is a growing frustration that the EU is seen as something that is done to people rather than acting on their behalf." This is indeed true not just in Britain but equally in Germany and many other EU-member states. And it is about time to address this frustration. |
| For far too long in pro-European countries such as Germany any doubts about the democratic accountability of the institutions in Brussels were dismissed as anti-European. This them-and-us spirit (like under Thatcher, just the other way round), that also reigns in Brussels in sometimes fearful ways, has to end now and make room for the very difficult debate about how to reform the EU institutions so that European citizens do feel represented by them. Cameron made clear that he does not believe in a European demos. It certainly does not exist now. But shall we therefore just forget about it instead of aiming to create it? | |
| • Imke Henkel is the London correspondent of the German weekly Focus | • Imke Henkel is the London correspondent of the German weekly Focus |
| Andrea Leadsom: A clear choice for the country | Andrea Leadsom: A clear choice for the country |
| David Cameron is right to say that Europe must change and the EU needs to serve the interests of the British people much better. The status quo in Britain's relationship with the EU is no longer an option. The eurozone is moving towards fiscal and banking union, and this is not a path that the British people will go down. With such fundamental change inevitable, it is right that the prime minister seeks to negotiate a deal that promotes our national interest. | David Cameron is right to say that Europe must change and the EU needs to serve the interests of the British people much better. The status quo in Britain's relationship with the EU is no longer an option. The eurozone is moving towards fiscal and banking union, and this is not a path that the British people will go down. With such fundamental change inevitable, it is right that the prime minister seeks to negotiate a deal that promotes our national interest. |
| And when significant changes occur, it is also right that the British people are given the opportunity to decide the nature of the UK's future relationship with the EU. The Labour government denied the people that choice under the Lisbon treaty negotiations and that was hugely damaging. | And when significant changes occur, it is also right that the British people are given the opportunity to decide the nature of the UK's future relationship with the EU. The Labour government denied the people that choice under the Lisbon treaty negotiations and that was hugely damaging. |
| The PM's speech sets out a clear choice for the country: under a Conservative government, the UK will negotiate a new settlement with the EU and voters will be given a say. I believe the country will unite behind this approach and we can focus our efforts on a robust but achievable renegotiation to establish a relationship with Europe that the majority of British people are comfortable with at last. | The PM's speech sets out a clear choice for the country: under a Conservative government, the UK will negotiate a new settlement with the EU and voters will be given a say. I believe the country will unite behind this approach and we can focus our efforts on a robust but achievable renegotiation to establish a relationship with Europe that the majority of British people are comfortable with at last. |
| • Andrea Leadsom is Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire | • Andrea Leadsom is Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire |
| Mark Boleat: The UK must stay a gateway to Europe and beyond | Mark Boleat: The UK must stay a gateway to Europe and beyond |
| The prime minister's speech set out a vision that makes clear the UK remains committed to engaging fully with Europe – albeit on better terms. | The prime minister's speech set out a vision that makes clear the UK remains committed to engaging fully with Europe – albeit on better terms. |
| Such an explicit commitment is crucial to safeguarding against uncertainty that could potentially damage the City, the UK and ultimately Europe. This is particularly vital given that the lengthy timetable for the planned referendum – scheduled to take place by 2017 – in itself risks delaying important investment decisions by international businesses in the City. | Such an explicit commitment is crucial to safeguarding against uncertainty that could potentially damage the City, the UK and ultimately Europe. This is particularly vital given that the lengthy timetable for the planned referendum – scheduled to take place by 2017 – in itself risks delaying important investment decisions by international businesses in the City. |
| London's position as Europe's leading international financial and business centre plays an integral role in sustaining jobs and growth not just in the UK but across the continent. Uncertainty over this relationship with Europe risks making the UK less attractive as an international centre across many industries – not just financial and professional services – by clouding the business environment. | London's position as Europe's leading international financial and business centre plays an integral role in sustaining jobs and growth not just in the UK but across the continent. Uncertainty over this relationship with Europe risks making the UK less attractive as an international centre across many industries – not just financial and professional services – by clouding the business environment. |
| It is vital, therefore, that we are up front about the need for the UK to remain a full member of the European Union, continue to operate completely within the single market and continue to have its say on EU regulations affecting us. Europe needs to adapt and meet the competitiveness challenge posed by the changing global economic landscape. | It is vital, therefore, that we are up front about the need for the UK to remain a full member of the European Union, continue to operate completely within the single market and continue to have its say on EU regulations affecting us. Europe needs to adapt and meet the competitiveness challenge posed by the changing global economic landscape. |
| The defining characteristic of London is its international nature. In order to remain a gateway to Europe and beyond, the UK needs to fully engage with our EU partners to make sure that this relationship works for both sides. | The defining characteristic of London is its international nature. In order to remain a gateway to Europe and beyond, the UK needs to fully engage with our EU partners to make sure that this relationship works for both sides. |
| • Mark Boleat is chairman of the policy and resources committee of the City of London | • Mark Boleat is chairman of the policy and resources committee of the City of London |
| Guy Verhofstadt: He risks pleasing nobody | Guy Verhofstadt: He risks pleasing nobody |
| David Cameron tried to please everybody, but there were so many inherent contradictions that in the end he risks pleasing nobody. | David Cameron tried to please everybody, but there were so many inherent contradictions that in the end he risks pleasing nobody. |
| First, Cameron said the EU must work together to fight crime and terrorism, reiterating his recent statement that the threat of terrorism requires an international response. But then he said he wants to opt out of European police and judicial co-operation measures. Would this really be in the national interest, or merely a way to appease his deluded backbench Tories? | First, Cameron said the EU must work together to fight crime and terrorism, reiterating his recent statement that the threat of terrorism requires an international response. But then he said he wants to opt out of European police and judicial co-operation measures. Would this really be in the national interest, or merely a way to appease his deluded backbench Tories? |
| Cameron also claims he wants Britain to stay in the heart of the single market and that this should be based on a common set of rules. But immediately after he demands a flexible Europe and opt-outs for Britain in areas such as social and employment legislation. Similarly, Cameron asked why there is not a single market council. But he ignored the fact that there is already a competitiveness council to examine precisely these issues. | Cameron also claims he wants Britain to stay in the heart of the single market and that this should be based on a common set of rules. But immediately after he demands a flexible Europe and opt-outs for Britain in areas such as social and employment legislation. Similarly, Cameron asked why there is not a single market council. But he ignored the fact that there is already a competitiveness council to examine precisely these issues. |
| Cameron is right that the EU needs reform. Indeed it is already doing so as a result of the financial crisis. But instead of making undeliverable demands, he should be working with his allies in Europe to reform the EU as a whole, making it more efficient, democratic and able to meet the many challenges facing us in the 21st century, | Cameron is right that the EU needs reform. Indeed it is already doing so as a result of the financial crisis. But instead of making undeliverable demands, he should be working with his allies in Europe to reform the EU as a whole, making it more efficient, democratic and able to meet the many challenges facing us in the 21st century, |
| • Guy Verhofstadt is president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe | • Guy Verhofstadt is president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe |
| Katinka Barysch: A counterproductive strategy of blackmail | Katinka Barysch: A counterproductive strategy of blackmail |
| Germany, France and other EU countries have indicated that they want to accommodate Cameron to help Britain to stay in the union. What they simply cannot do is to allow Britain a pick-and-choose membership in response to the threat of withdrawal. Why should Britain be allowed to flout some club rules but not Poland, Denmark or Ireland? | Germany, France and other EU countries have indicated that they want to accommodate Cameron to help Britain to stay in the union. What they simply cannot do is to allow Britain a pick-and-choose membership in response to the threat of withdrawal. Why should Britain be allowed to flout some club rules but not Poland, Denmark or Ireland? |
| Of course Cameron's EU strategy is driven by domestic constraints. To some extent this is true for all European leaders. However, Cameron and his cabinet colleagues have time and again called for other EU leaders, most importantly the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to overrule domestic public opinion and lead in the euro crisis. This would have been the opportunity for Cameron to show leadership by telling his party and his people where Britain's real interests lie and what a smart EU strategy looks like. | Of course Cameron's EU strategy is driven by domestic constraints. To some extent this is true for all European leaders. However, Cameron and his cabinet colleagues have time and again called for other EU leaders, most importantly the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to overrule domestic public opinion and lead in the euro crisis. This would have been the opportunity for Cameron to show leadership by telling his party and his people where Britain's real interests lie and what a smart EU strategy looks like. |
| Cameron is right to defend the sanctity of the single market as the eurozone countries move towards fiscal union and more stringent economic rules. He is also right to object to financial market regulation that would substantially harm the City of London. It is these things that Cameron should spend his political firepower on. Not on trying to get an opt-out from the working time directive or fisheries policy or other parts of a "new deal". By adopting a strategy of blackmail he is in fact undermining his ability to fight for Britain's interests. | Cameron is right to defend the sanctity of the single market as the eurozone countries move towards fiscal union and more stringent economic rules. He is also right to object to financial market regulation that would substantially harm the City of London. It is these things that Cameron should spend his political firepower on. Not on trying to get an opt-out from the working time directive or fisheries policy or other parts of a "new deal". By adopting a strategy of blackmail he is in fact undermining his ability to fight for Britain's interests. |
| • Katinka Barysch is deputy director of the Centre for European Reform in London | • Katinka Barysch is deputy director of the Centre for European Reform in London |
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