Cameron seeking stronger curb on migration before UK-EU deal
British Prime Minister David Cameron says he is not in "hurry" to hold a referendum and that a deal with the European Union is possible only if the bloc offers "strong enough curb" on migration.
Speaking to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday, Cameron said he is optimistic of securing a deal with the EU at next month’s summit in Brussels. Cameron said he has made good progress with his plan to renegotiate terms of Britain’s membership.
"If there’s a good deal on the table, I will take it," he said. “But if there isn’t the right deal, I’m not in a hurry. I can hold my referendum any time up until the end of 2017.”
The premier said he is not asking for anything outrageous from European Union leaders. Cameron, who will be seeking a deal on a package of reforms at a summit in Brussels on 18 and 19 February, has demanded reforms in several areas, the most controversial being a four-year ban on top-up benefits for EU nationals working in Britain.
There is less opposition to other demands which got backing from some countries during Cameron’s recent trip to European nations. During his visit to Germany earlier this month, Cameron argued that London's proposals would benefit the bloc and the UK both.
Despite claiming he could campaign for the UK to leave the EU if the deal is not satisfactory, the prime minister is already making the case for the country to keep its membership. In an appeal for business backing, Cameron said the referendum would be “a once-in-a-generation moment and the stakes are high”. He said: “The voice of business must be heard in Britain and across the whole continent”.
Meanwhile, European leaders have once again warned against "disastrous" impact of "Brexit". French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has said that Britain’s demands for avoiding exit from the EU must not be met at any price. However, he said it would be a very bad thing if Britain leaves the EU.
The 43-year EU membership has long been a contentious topic in Britain. Pro-Europeans warn the move would not only hurt the economy but could possibly trigger the break-up of the kingdom by prompting another Scottish independence vote.
Opponents of EU membership say Britain would prosper outside the bloc. A number of recent opinion polls have suggested that a growing number of Britons now favor the break up from the EU.
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