PM's EU Treaty Veto: 'I Did It For Britain'

[dutchman]

Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted he put Britain's interests first by using a veto to avoid signing up to a new European economic treaty.



Mr Cameron has come under fire for leaving the UK isolated after the 26 other European Union nations agreed on a closer fiscal union to preserve the euro.

As a result of the veto, 38 years after joining the European economic community, Britain has now taken a big step away from a greater Europe.

After 11 hours of bad-tempered talks in Brussels, Britain has been left standing alone on shaky ground as the other EU members forged ahead.

Mr Cameron told Sky News political editor Adam Boulton: "I said to the people of Britain if I couldn't get a treaty that was good for Britain I wouldn't sign up to it. And I was good to my word.

"What I have done is made sure Britain's national interest is protected. We have the right deal for Britain in Europe."

Mr Cameron acknowledged that it was unprecedented for a British Prime Minister to veto an EU treaty, but he insisted he had no choice.

"You've never seen Britain say 'no' to a European treaty before. There was a treaty on the table, it didn't adequately protect Britain's interests," he told Sky News.

"Instead of going along with it, I said no to it. I thought that's my job."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking near the end of the summit, confirmed the plan would move forward without Britain.

"We have achieved a major breakthrough over the past two days. We are going to implement a new commitment," Mrs Merkel said.

"One country has expressed a clear wish to distance itself, and that is Britain."

Mrs Merkel said the UK has been an important and constructive EU partner over the past two decaded, adding: "It is quite clear that Britain relies, as we do, on a stable Europe."

It is now expected at least 23 out of the 27 EU countries, led by Germany and France, will aim to reach a treaty deal by March.

The Czech Republic, Sweden and Hungary are also expected to agree to the changes, leaving Britain as the sole dissenter.

Mr Cameron resisted the plans because they might hamper the City of London's ability to attract vital business.

Roughly 10% of Britain’s GDP and 11.2% of its tax take comes from the financial sector.