David Cameron tells Davos he is in 'no hurry' for EU referendum
The prime minister will meet with the European Council in February to discuss his proposals for Europe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Cameron has told an audience at Davos that he would walk away from a Brussels summit in February if an agreement can not be reached on the UK’s EU referendum.
“I want to put that to people in a referendum and campaign to keep people in the European Union. If there’s a good deal, we’ll take it. But if there’s not a good deal, I’m not going to hurry, I can hold my referendum any time until 2017,” Cameron said.
The prime minister will meet with the European Council in February to discuss his proposals for Europe, including a four-year freeze on in-work benefits for EU migrants that has been met with resistance in Brussels.
In his Davos speech, Cameron said that he supported the idea of free movement, but that where it had gone wrong was in the interaction of the UK’s welfare system with free movement.
“Net migration is running at 330,000 a year, as many as 3.3m people added to our population in the decade. It’s a concern about numbers and pressure. I don’t think the British people are unreasonable in having this concern because the pressure on communities is too great,” he said.
Cameron said he would campaign to keep the UK in the European Union, but that he would resist further political integration.
“Britain has never been fond of the idea that we are part of the same sovereignty. We are a proud independent country,” he said.
Ministers are allowed to campaign on either side of the referendum once the negotiations are complete.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments