David Cameron's EU negotiations: what would be on your shopping list?
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Version 0 of 1. David Cameron has set out his stall for EU renegotiations ahead of a referendum on Britain’s membership. First in a speech, then in a letter sent to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, the prime minister said he would campaign “with all my heart and soul” for Britain to remain in the EU - provided the government’s EU reform proposals were successfully negotiated. You can read the full text of Cameron’s letter here, and the full text of his speech here. The four-point plan to renegotiate Britain’s membership demanded: Related: David Cameron's EU demands letter explained • A reduction in the numbers of EU migrants coming to Britain • Greater protections for non-euro members • A British opt-out from the EU’s commitment to “an ever closer union” • A comprehensive commitment to greater competitiveness within the EU. Conservatives in favour of Brexit were not impressed with Cameron’s proposals. Jacob Rees-Mogg called them “pretty thin gruel”, Sir Bill Cash dismissed them as “a pig in a poke”, and Peter Lilley said he was only after “symbolic” changes. Cameron’s speech also attracted opprobrium from the left. The Green party’s Caroline Lucas, board member of Britain Stronger In Europe campaign, described the prime minister’s vision for the EU as “little more than an increasingly deregulated free market” and “deeply depressing.” “The EU has given us so much – free movement and the right to make a living across a continent, protections at work and key environmental laws – yet the Prime Minister wants to reduce our relationships with neighbouring countries to little more than business transactions. That’s not a vision I share.” What would convince you to vote for Britain to stay in the EU? We want to know what you think Britain’s renegotiation priorities should be. If you’re a eurosceptic, what assurances would change your mind? If you wish for Britain’s membership to continue but think the union requires substantial changes, what would they be? What would you prioritise? Whether it’s freedom of movement, greater protection of worker’s rights, or something else entirely, we want to hear what Britain would be demanding if you were leading the regotiations. You can take part by filling in the form below. We’ll incorporate a selection of your suggestions in our ongoing coverage. |