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EU referendum: 'No consensus' over UK welfare reforms, Donald Tusk says EU referendum: 'No consensus' over UK welfare reforms, Donald Tusk says
(about 2 hours later)
There are "substantial political differences" over the PM's demands for welfare curbs for EU migrants, the European Council president says.There are "substantial political differences" over the PM's demands for welfare curbs for EU migrants, the European Council president says.
Donald Tusk said there was "presently no consensus" within the EU about David Cameron's desire to restrict in-work payments for four years.Donald Tusk said there was "presently no consensus" within the EU about David Cameron's desire to restrict in-work payments for four years.
Mr Tusk has written to EU leaders warning that uncertainty over the UK's future in the EU is "destabilising". Mr Tusk has written to EU leaders warning that uncertainty over the UK's future in the EU was "destabilising".
Mr Cameron has promised an in-out referendum by the end of 2017.Mr Cameron has promised an in-out referendum by the end of 2017.
The PM said he was "encouraged" that the UK's reform agenda was being "taken on".
Last month he set out his goal of a "new settlement" for the UK in the EU, made up of four key objectives:Last month he set out his goal of a "new settlement" for the UK in the EU, made up of four key objectives:
In his letter, Mr Tusk described the PM's plans as a "significant and far-reaching agenda".In his letter, Mr Tusk described the PM's plans as a "significant and far-reaching agenda".
Of the four strands to the UK's demands, he said welfare reform was the most "delicate" and would require "substantive political debate" at this month's EU summit.Of the four strands to the UK's demands, he said welfare reform was the most "delicate" and would require "substantive political debate" at this month's EU summit.
Mr Cameron is attempting to reduce co-called "pull factors" for migrants in an attempt to reduce immigration figures.Mr Cameron is attempting to reduce co-called "pull factors" for migrants in an attempt to reduce immigration figures.
Mr Tusk wrote: "This is certainly an issue where we need to hear more from the British prime minister and an open debate among ourselves before proceeding further."Mr Tusk wrote: "This is certainly an issue where we need to hear more from the British prime minister and an open debate among ourselves before proceeding further."
On the demand to protect the interests of countries like the UK which are members of the EU but not of the euro currency, Mr Tusk said non-eurozone countries could have a mechanism to raise concerns, but appeared to rule out a "veto" right.On the demand to protect the interests of countries like the UK which are members of the EU but not of the euro currency, Mr Tusk said non-eurozone countries could have a mechanism to raise concerns, but appeared to rule out a "veto" right.
'Honest broker''Honest broker'
On the question of the founding principle of "ever-closer union", he does not offer a view one way or the other on the UK's request to be exempted from that goal.On the question of the founding principle of "ever-closer union", he does not offer a view one way or the other on the UK's request to be exempted from that goal.
Mr Tusk said the idea of "ever closer union" allowed countries to integrate at different levels and that there was a "largely-shared view" on the importance of national parliaments.Mr Tusk said the idea of "ever closer union" allowed countries to integrate at different levels and that there was a "largely-shared view" on the importance of national parliaments.
The European Council president said good progress was being made in the talks, describing his role as that of an "honest broker" and saying all states had to show "readiness for compromise". The European Council president said good progress was being made in the talks, describing his role as that of an "honest broker" and saying all states had to show "readiness for compromise".
He added: "Uncertainty about the future of the UK in the European Union is a destabilising factor. That is why we must find a way to answer the British concerns as quickly as possible."He added: "Uncertainty about the future of the UK in the European Union is a destabilising factor. That is why we must find a way to answer the British concerns as quickly as possible."
Mr Cameron said "of course" the whole renegotiation was difficult and said he hoped for a successful conclusion.
His official spokeswoman said Mr Tusk's letter "marks another step forward in the renegotiations".
UK's EU referendum in-depthUK's EU referendum in-depth
Q&A: What Britain wants from EuropeQ&A: What Britain wants from Europe
Guide to the UK's planned in-out EU referendumGuide to the UK's planned in-out EU referendum
BBC News EU referendum special reportBBC News EU referendum special report
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said he remains "upbeat" and has "complete faith" in Mr Cameron's ability to secure welfare reforms as part of his renegotiations.Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said he remains "upbeat" and has "complete faith" in Mr Cameron's ability to secure welfare reforms as part of his renegotiations.
The PM, who has not ruled out campaigning to leave if his demands are refused, has already said a deal will not be reached by Christmas.The PM, who has not ruled out campaigning to leave if his demands are refused, has already said a deal will not be reached by Christmas.
Mr Tusk recently said this month's EU summit should "pave the way" for a deal by February.Mr Tusk recently said this month's EU summit should "pave the way" for a deal by February.
Robert Oxley, from the Vote Leave campaign, was dismissive of the PM's demands.
"The one thing you could not describe these reforms as is ambitious," he told the BBC.
But Lucy Thomas, of Britain Stronger In Europe, said it was a "really good agenda for reform" which "the rest of Europe wants to see as well".