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Cameron names referendum date as Gove declares for Brexit – live Cameron names referendum date as Gove declares for Brexit – as it happened
(about 2 hours later)
4.26pm GMT4.26pm GMT
16:2616:26
Closing SummaryClosing Summary
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
• David Cameron has called for his referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU to take place on 23 June, after the cabinet formally agreed to campaign to stay in despite several minister openly supporting Brexit.Speaking from outside Downing Street, the prime minister said he had secured a good deal with Brussels to give the UK a special status and leaving the EU would “threaten our economic and national security”.• David Cameron has called for his referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU to take place on 23 June, after the cabinet formally agreed to campaign to stay in despite several minister openly supporting Brexit.Speaking from outside Downing Street, the prime minister said he had secured a good deal with Brussels to give the UK a special status and leaving the EU would “threaten our economic and national security”.
• Michael Gove has said that the European Union is encouraging extremism across Europe as he joined five other cabinet ministers in breaking ranks with David Cameron to campaign to take Britain out of the EU.The justice secretary, one of the prime minister’s closest political friends, posed for for a photo with his cabinet colleagues at the headquarters of the Vote Leave campaign group shortly after a rare Saturday cabinet meeting.• Michael Gove has said that the European Union is encouraging extremism across Europe as he joined five other cabinet ministers in breaking ranks with David Cameron to campaign to take Britain out of the EU.The justice secretary, one of the prime minister’s closest political friends, posed for for a photo with his cabinet colleagues at the headquarters of the Vote Leave campaign group shortly after a rare Saturday cabinet meeting.
• A marathon round of talks over two days, during which the prime minister managed just three hours of sleep in the early hours of Friday morning, led to an agreement for the UK shortly after 9pm on Friday.In a lengthy statement, which will form the basis of his main message in the referendum, the prime minister said that he had strengthened his key demands since the European council president, Donald Tusk, outlined his draft agreement on 2 February.• A marathon round of talks over two days, during which the prime minister managed just three hours of sleep in the early hours of Friday morning, led to an agreement for the UK shortly after 9pm on Friday.In a lengthy statement, which will form the basis of his main message in the referendum, the prime minister said that he had strengthened his key demands since the European council president, Donald Tusk, outlined his draft agreement on 2 February.
• Angela Merkel has said that the UK’s European Union deal had demanded “a lot of willingness for compromise”, but that such compromises were easier to justify if they meant Britain was more likely to stay in the EU.The question of “ever-closer union” had proved a particularly sensitive subject, the German chancellor said, because it was “an emotional issue” although one she is in favour of.• Angela Merkel has said that the UK’s European Union deal had demanded “a lot of willingness for compromise”, but that such compromises were easier to justify if they meant Britain was more likely to stay in the EU.The question of “ever-closer union” had proved a particularly sensitive subject, the German chancellor said, because it was “an emotional issue” although one she is in favour of.
4.19pm GMT4.19pm GMT
16:1916:19
Nicholas WattNicholas Watt
As the so called “gang of six” of Tory cabinet ministers backing a vote to leave the UK posed next to a signed banner saying: “Let’s take back control”, Boris Johnson has been keeping Downing Street waiting about which way he will jump in the referendum campaign.As the so called “gang of six” of Tory cabinet ministers backing a vote to leave the UK posed next to a signed banner saying: “Let’s take back control”, Boris Johnson has been keeping Downing Street waiting about which way he will jump in the referendum campaign.
The Guardian’s Nick Watt reports:The Guardian’s Nick Watt reports:
Amid some irritation in No 10, the London mayor is expected to wait until the prime minister outlines his plans to re-assert the sovereignty of parliament before announcing his plans. Johnson said last week that he would endorse one side in the referendum campaign with a “deafening éclat” soon after the prime minister reached a deal in Brussels.Amid some irritation in No 10, the London mayor is expected to wait until the prime minister outlines his plans to re-assert the sovereignty of parliament before announcing his plans. Johnson said last week that he would endorse one side in the referendum campaign with a “deafening éclat” soon after the prime minister reached a deal in Brussels.
The mayor appears to have been wrongfooted by the prime minister’s decision to confirm within an hour of his deal in Brussels on Friday night that Gove would be campaigning for Brexit. The move by Gove puts immense pressure on the London mayor to join the leave side. He had hoped that the prime minister’s new parliamentary sovereignty initiative would give him an option to campaign for remain.The mayor appears to have been wrongfooted by the prime minister’s decision to confirm within an hour of his deal in Brussels on Friday night that Gove would be campaigning for Brexit. The move by Gove puts immense pressure on the London mayor to join the leave side. He had hoped that the prime minister’s new parliamentary sovereignty initiative would give him an option to campaign for remain.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.28pm GMTat 4.28pm GMT
4.12pm GMT4.12pm GMT
16:1216:12
Here’s a potentially interesting development in the race to become designated as the official campaign advocating for a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.Here’s a potentially interesting development in the race to become designated as the official campaign advocating for a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.
As UKIP's MP, I am so pleased to see so many Cabinet ministers joining the @vote_leave campaign of which I'm a part #CrossParty #WinningAs UKIP's MP, I am so pleased to see so many Cabinet ministers joining the @vote_leave campaign of which I'm a part #CrossParty #Winning
Vote Leave has been competing with the rival group Leave.EU to be designated as the official Brexit campaign by the Electoral Commission.Vote Leave has been competing with the rival group Leave.EU to be designated as the official Brexit campaign by the Electoral Commission.
Figures from the cross-party Grassroots Out campaign, UKIP and Leave.EU - but not including Vote Leave - have formed an umbrella group which will pitch to become the official campaign.Figures from the cross-party Grassroots Out campaign, UKIP and Leave.EU - but not including Vote Leave - have formed an umbrella group which will pitch to become the official campaign.
Crystal clear? Good.Crystal clear? Good.
3.58pm GMT3.58pm GMT
15:5815:58
Get ready to see a lot more of that tie. Describing the deal negotiated by David Cameron in Brussels as “pathetic,” UKIP leader Nigel Farage has issued a statement welcoming the decision to hold the referendum:Get ready to see a lot more of that tie. Describing the deal negotiated by David Cameron in Brussels as “pathetic,” UKIP leader Nigel Farage has issued a statement welcoming the decision to hold the referendum:
The 23rd is our golden opportunity, let battle be joined. Mr Cameron keeps on telling us that Britain would be better in a ‘reformed Europe’. But he fails to point out that there is no reformed European Union on offer here. The Prime Minister’s EU deal is pathetic.The 23rd is our golden opportunity, let battle be joined. Mr Cameron keeps on telling us that Britain would be better in a ‘reformed Europe’. But he fails to point out that there is no reformed European Union on offer here. The Prime Minister’s EU deal is pathetic.
We must look forward to work with everybody who cares about our future, a future where the people of Britain controls her own borders, where we can make our own trade deals and make our own laws.We must look forward to work with everybody who cares about our future, a future where the people of Britain controls her own borders, where we can make our own trade deals and make our own laws.
We have the prospect of a free, secure prosperous and exciting future outside of the EUWe have the prospect of a free, secure prosperous and exciting future outside of the EU
3.49pm GMT3.49pm GMT
15:4915:49
Not quite as exciting, perhaps, as the announcement of PJ Harvey’s return to Glastonbury, but an important one nonetheless for anyone under the impression that they could cast their referendum vote at the festival:Not quite as exciting, perhaps, as the announcement of PJ Harvey’s return to Glastonbury, but an important one nonetheless for anyone under the impression that they could cast their referendum vote at the festival:
It won’t be possible to have an #EUreferendum polling station at Glastonbury 2016. You can register for postal votes https://t.co/N6rF44BKVTIt won’t be possible to have an #EUreferendum polling station at Glastonbury 2016. You can register for postal votes https://t.co/N6rF44BKVT
3.46pm GMT3.46pm GMT
15:4615:46
Referendum timetableReferendum timetable
So what can be expected over the next few months as that June 23 vote on EU membership approaches?So what can be expected over the next few months as that June 23 vote on EU membership approaches?
The Guardian’s Chris Johnston has put together a useful timetable. You can read it in full here, although below are some highlights:The Guardian’s Chris Johnston has put together a useful timetable. You can read it in full here, although below are some highlights:
Monday 22 FebruaryMonday 22 February
The prime minister will address the House of Commons, which must formally approve the date for the referendum.The prime minister will address the House of Commons, which must formally approve the date for the referendum.
March/AprilMarch/April
Secondary legislation that follows theEuropean Union Referendum Act 2015 will come before parliament toSecondary legislation that follows theEuropean Union Referendum Act 2015 will come before parliament to
Six weeks to goSix weeks to go
In the run-up to the vote, there is a formal campaigning period during which rules on campaigning, spending and finances apply. The Electoral Commission will publish a timetable showing the dates and deadlines for the referendumIn the run-up to the vote, there is a formal campaigning period during which rules on campaigning, spending and finances apply. The Electoral Commission will publish a timetable showing the dates and deadlines for the referendum
Thursday 5 MayThursday 5 May
Elections for devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be held, along with the vote to decide’s London mayor and for control of many councils in England.Elections for devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be held, along with the vote to decide’s London mayor and for control of many councils in England.
Thursday 23 JuneThursday 23 June
Millions of voters will cast ballots to answer the question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”Millions of voters will cast ballots to answer the question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
July and beyondJuly and beyond
If a majority vote to leave, the UK could do so two years after notifying the European Council of its intention. However, the process would not be simple and would still involve “complex and probably lengthy negotiations”, according to a parliamentary briefing paper (PDF).If a majority vote to leave, the UK could do so two years after notifying the European Council of its intention. However, the process would not be simple and would still involve “complex and probably lengthy negotiations”, according to a parliamentary briefing paper (PDF).
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.02pm GMTat 4.02pm GMT
3.30pm GMT3.30pm GMT
15:3015:30
Staying with Scotland for a moment, the Guardian’s Libby Brooks points out how there are a few Scottish #indyref cobwebs on some of the slogans being deployed by David Cameron at the outset of the European referendum.Staying with Scotland for a moment, the Guardian’s Libby Brooks points out how there are a few Scottish #indyref cobwebs on some of the slogans being deployed by David Cameron at the outset of the European referendum.
Someone really needs to fix the random slogan generator...."stronger, safer & better off/together" is so Sept 2014 https://t.co/lV4WQxTg9mSomeone really needs to fix the random slogan generator...."stronger, safer & better off/together" is so Sept 2014 https://t.co/lV4WQxTg9m
3.27pm GMT3.27pm GMT
15:2715:27
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has pledged that the Scottish National Party will lead a “positive and upbeat” campaign to keep Scotland in the EU.Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has pledged that the Scottish National Party will lead a “positive and upbeat” campaign to keep Scotland in the EU.
She said that the referendum has been driven by the Conservative Party’s longstanding internal divisions on Europe and the challenge to the party from UKIP, rather than by the specifics of David Cameron’s renegotiation. Sturgeon added:She said that the referendum has been driven by the Conservative Party’s longstanding internal divisions on Europe and the challenge to the party from UKIP, rather than by the specifics of David Cameron’s renegotiation. Sturgeon added:
We made it clear to the Prime Minister that we were opposed to a June 23rd referendum, given the overlap with our own Scottish election – but now that that date has been named we will get on with the job of campaigning for an ‘in’ vote.We made it clear to the Prime Minister that we were opposed to a June 23rd referendum, given the overlap with our own Scottish election – but now that that date has been named we will get on with the job of campaigning for an ‘in’ vote.
It’s important that the campaign to remain in the EU learns the lessons of Scotland’s independence referendum, so that it does not lapse into scaremongering and fear – that is why the SNP will be a leading voice in the weeks and months ahead in making the positive case for Scotland and the rest of the UK remaining in Europe.It’s important that the campaign to remain in the EU learns the lessons of Scotland’s independence referendum, so that it does not lapse into scaremongering and fear – that is why the SNP will be a leading voice in the weeks and months ahead in making the positive case for Scotland and the rest of the UK remaining in Europe.
She was never a politician that could easily be caged in though..She was never a politician that could easily be caged in though..
3.18pm GMT3.18pm GMT
15:1815:18
A good round-up of initial reactions across the European press to the UK-EU agreement is also here, courtesy of Vincenzo Scarpetta, a policy analyst at Open Europe.A good round-up of initial reactions across the European press to the UK-EU agreement is also here, courtesy of Vincenzo Scarpetta, a policy analyst at Open Europe.
Le Figaro’s front page editorial, headlined: ‘The kiss of death’ jumps out:Le Figaro’s front page editorial, headlined: ‘The kiss of death’ jumps out:
If Britain remains in the EU on the conditions it has been offered, it kills it. If it leaves, it kills it too…As it is not combined with a project of collective relaunch, the Brussels compromise puts the worm into the fruit.If Britain remains in the EU on the conditions it has been offered, it kills it. If it leaves, it kills it too…As it is not combined with a project of collective relaunch, the Brussels compromise puts the worm into the fruit.
No-one has reason any longer to bend to the common rules, since one can escape them by means of a little blackmail.No-one has reason any longer to bend to the common rules, since one can escape them by means of a little blackmail.
In Italy, Adriana Cerretelli, Brussels correspondent for business daily Il Sole 24 Ore, doesn’t think the deal will change much at all though:In Italy, Adriana Cerretelli, Brussels correspondent for business daily Il Sole 24 Ore, doesn’t think the deal will change much at all though:
In the end, the agreement arrived – without winners or losers. A deal between opposed weaknesses, shared by both those who want more Europe and those who want less.In the end, the agreement arrived – without winners or losers. A deal between opposed weaknesses, shared by both those who want more Europe and those who want less.
Perhaps it wasn’t worth wasting so much time changing something that would change almost nothing.Perhaps it wasn’t worth wasting so much time changing something that would change almost nothing.
3.11pm GMT3.11pm GMT
15:1115:11
From Germany, the Guardian’s Philip Oltermann draws attention to quite a strong comment piece in the newspaper, Die Zeit, where Matthias Krupa offers a damning critique of David Cameron’s strategy:From Germany, the Guardian’s Philip Oltermann draws attention to quite a strong comment piece in the newspaper, Die Zeit, where Matthias Krupa offers a damning critique of David Cameron’s strategy:
He [Cameron] evoked the image of cumbersome Brussels bureaucracy because he is feeling the pressure at home. But this Brussels is yesterday’s cliche.He [Cameron] evoked the image of cumbersome Brussels bureaucracy because he is feeling the pressure at home. But this Brussels is yesterday’s cliche.
While Aleppo is being bombarded and hundreds of thousands are fleeing their homes, Cameron has forced the EU to spend months engaging with the minutiae of the British benefits system. [...]While Aleppo is being bombarded and hundreds of thousands are fleeing their homes, Cameron has forced the EU to spend months engaging with the minutiae of the British benefits system. [...]
The British prime minister isn’t the only one in the EU is questioning the union at the moment. But rarely has a national leader been so shameless in formulating and pursuing his national egotism as Cameron. If others follow his example, the union will not become stronger, but much weaker.The British prime minister isn’t the only one in the EU is questioning the union at the moment. But rarely has a national leader been so shameless in formulating and pursuing his national egotism as Cameron. If others follow his example, the union will not become stronger, but much weaker.
3.01pm GMT3.01pm GMT
15:0115:01
The odds are strongly in favour of a vote for Britain to stay in the EU - but could change dramatically should Boris Johnson come out on the side to leave, according to the bookmaker, William Hill.The odds are strongly in favour of a vote for Britain to stay in the EU - but could change dramatically should Boris Johnson come out on the side to leave, according to the bookmaker, William Hill.
Its Current odds are 2/7 for Britain to remain in the EU, and 5/2 to leave.Its Current odds are 2/7 for Britain to remain in the EU, and 5/2 to leave.
Of the three regions in the UK William Hill is currently offering bets on, the odds suggest England, at 9/4, is more likely than Wales, at 3/1, and Scotland, at 6/1, to vote to leave.Of the three regions in the UK William Hill is currently offering bets on, the odds suggest England, at 9/4, is more likely than Wales, at 3/1, and Scotland, at 6/1, to vote to leave.
2.58pm GMT2.58pm GMT
14:5814:58
The social media war continues. Here’s a fresh tweet from David Cameron, framing his argument for a vote for Britain to remain in the UK, and linking to his statement earlier following this morning’s cabinet meeting:The social media war continues. Here’s a fresh tweet from David Cameron, framing his argument for a vote for Britain to remain in the UK, and linking to his statement earlier following this morning’s cabinet meeting:
On June 23rd, you will decide if Britain is stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU. My #EUref statement: https://t.co/sK9kAu567pOn June 23rd, you will decide if Britain is stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU. My #EUref statement: https://t.co/sK9kAu567p
2.55pm GMT2.55pm GMT
14:5514:55
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, has been framing the negotiations as a success from his country’s point of view.Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, has been framing the negotiations as a success from his country’s point of view.
Dan Nolan reports on a press conference by Orban, who was a key negotiating partner for David Cameron over the past 12 months:Dan Nolan reports on a press conference by Orban, who was a key negotiating partner for David Cameron over the past 12 months:
Orbán said “The success of the negotiations is underlined by the fact that Hungarian workers will continue to have access to benefits, free from discrimination. Thanks to the results achieved at the negotiations, they will continue to be eligible for everything that they have paid for to date.Orbán said “The success of the negotiations is underlined by the fact that Hungarian workers will continue to have access to benefits, free from discrimination. Thanks to the results achieved at the negotiations, they will continue to be eligible for everything that they have paid for to date.
The regulations on foreign workers have also remained unalterable. For those who have taken up employment in Britain and who have families, the negotiating parties have succeeded in ensuring that if their children live in another EU Member State they should be eligible for social benefits adjusted to the standard of living of the country of origin.The regulations on foreign workers have also remained unalterable. For those who have taken up employment in Britain and who have families, the negotiating parties have succeeded in ensuring that if their children live in another EU Member State they should be eligible for social benefits adjusted to the standard of living of the country of origin.
Families whose children live in the United Kingdom will be eligible to all the benefits that are available to children in British families. “We have done everything we could; the decision now lies with the British.Families whose children live in the United Kingdom will be eligible to all the benefits that are available to children in British families. “We have done everything we could; the decision now lies with the British.
“The media hasn’t really evaluated it yet, as they have been so focussed on the immigration crisis until now,” according to Mariann Öry, a journalist at the pro-government Magyar Hírlap. She told the Guardian on Saturday afternoon that “I think yesterday evening the main question in all the newspapers was ‘what the hell should we write on the cover about the European conference?’”“The media hasn’t really evaluated it yet, as they have been so focussed on the immigration crisis until now,” according to Mariann Öry, a journalist at the pro-government Magyar Hírlap. She told the Guardian on Saturday afternoon that “I think yesterday evening the main question in all the newspapers was ‘what the hell should we write on the cover about the European conference?’”
Hungarian Socialist Party MEO István Újhelyi called the deal “humilating” for Viktor Orbán, who “has never really cared about those he interests of young people and families who have left Hungary for the UK. They are even constantly lying about the numbers,” he added.Hungarian Socialist Party MEO István Újhelyi called the deal “humilating” for Viktor Orbán, who “has never really cared about those he interests of young people and families who have left Hungary for the UK. They are even constantly lying about the numbers,” he added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.05pm GMTat 4.05pm GMT
2.48pm GMT2.48pm GMT
14:4814:48
There’s a view emerging in France that David Cameron came out on top during tussles in Brussels, reports Bruce Crumley, who has been looking at reactions for the GuardianThere’s a view emerging in France that David Cameron came out on top during tussles in Brussels, reports Bruce Crumley, who has been looking at reactions for the Guardian
In his own post-agreement comments on Friday French President François Hollande argued that nothing granted to London compromised any EU founding principles.In his own post-agreement comments on Friday French President François Hollande argued that nothing granted to London compromised any EU founding principles.
“There were no exceptions (given) on single market rules, no revisions for treaties, there is no United Kingdom veto for the eurozone” Hollande declared, stressing Paris’ rejection of changes that could lead to The City gaining regulatory breaks or advantages that other European financial centres don’t enjoy,” he said.“There were no exceptions (given) on single market rules, no revisions for treaties, there is no United Kingdom veto for the eurozone” Hollande declared, stressing Paris’ rejection of changes that could lead to The City gaining regulatory breaks or advantages that other European financial centres don’t enjoy,” he said.
Not everyone was buying that claim of firmness, however. In his coverage, Libération’s Brussels’s correspondent Jean Quatremer quoted politicians from EU states criticizing the deal, and warned “concessions envisaged by the 28 (members) to avoid Brexit risk creating a dangerous precedent.”Not everyone was buying that claim of firmness, however. In his coverage, Libération’s Brussels’s correspondent Jean Quatremer quoted politicians from EU states criticizing the deal, and warned “concessions envisaged by the 28 (members) to avoid Brexit risk creating a dangerous precedent.”
The story quoted Belgian Socialist Paul Magnette fretting the accord may mark “a potential unraveling” of the EU as other states similarly seek tailored rules. Magnette also spanked Hollande for caving in on fundamental issues he’d pledge to defend.The story quoted Belgian Socialist Paul Magnette fretting the accord may mark “a potential unraveling” of the EU as other states similarly seek tailored rules. Magnette also spanked Hollande for caving in on fundamental issues he’d pledge to defend.
“(The EU) should have been firm and told London, ‘Political declarations, perhaps, but no engagements that risk reversing European integration. Certainly not’,” Magnette said.“(The EU) should have been firm and told London, ‘Political declarations, perhaps, but no engagements that risk reversing European integration. Certainly not’,” Magnette said.
Libération also quoted French centrist European MP Dominique Riquet complaining “the spectacle created by (threatened) Brexit is pathetic… It’s simple after all: if Great Britain doesn’t want to be in, then it’s out!”Libération also quoted French centrist European MP Dominique Riquet complaining “the spectacle created by (threatened) Brexit is pathetic… It’s simple after all: if Great Britain doesn’t want to be in, then it’s out!”
That latter view jibed with the majority of reader responses to coverage of the agreement – along with the prevailing sentiment that Cameron got the better of Hollande and other EU leaders. Bernard Monot, an EMP from anti-EU National Front agreed, told le Figaro that based on Cameron’s deal, “Frexit will be pasted from the Brexit model, and we’ll demand the same concessions as the United Kingdom.”That latter view jibed with the majority of reader responses to coverage of the agreement – along with the prevailing sentiment that Cameron got the better of Hollande and other EU leaders. Bernard Monot, an EMP from anti-EU National Front agreed, told le Figaro that based on Cameron’s deal, “Frexit will be pasted from the Brexit model, and we’ll demand the same concessions as the United Kingdom.”
2.37pm GMT2.37pm GMT
14:3714:37
So we’ve got the June 23 date for the referendum confirmed. But what’s it going to face in terms of competion?So we’ve got the June 23 date for the referendum confirmed. But what’s it going to face in terms of competion?
Well, for starters, there’s Glastonbury, which takes place on June 22-26. Make sure you arrange a postal vote as well as putting aside a pair of wellies.Well, for starters, there’s Glastonbury, which takes place on June 22-26. Make sure you arrange a postal vote as well as putting aside a pair of wellies.
Middle class problems - people complaining about the #EUreferendum clashing with GlastonburyMiddle class problems - people complaining about the #EUreferendum clashing with Glastonbury
Plus it’s slap bang in the middle of the European Championships, which last from June 10 to July 10.Plus it’s slap bang in the middle of the European Championships, which last from June 10 to July 10.
Whether England or Wales will still be competing that that time is another matter (cough)..Whether England or Wales will still be competing that that time is another matter (cough)..
The EU referendum campaigns have big June opportunity with voters who find football boring! May struggle for attention until late with fansThe EU referendum campaigns have big June opportunity with voters who find football boring! May struggle for attention until late with fans
Amazing how many Arsenal supporters like me have been forced to miss the Hull match by need to make sense of Government's European policyAmazing how many Arsenal supporters like me have been forced to miss the Hull match by need to make sense of Government's European policy
2.05pm GMT2.05pm GMT
14:0514:05
It’s doubtful that the reforms reached in Brussels by David Cameron will significantly bring down migration from the rest of the EU, according to the influential think tank, the Institute For Public Policy Research, which has released an analysis.It’s doubtful that the reforms reached in Brussels by David Cameron will significantly bring down migration from the rest of the EU, according to the influential think tank, the Institute For Public Policy Research, which has released an analysis.
IPPR Research Fellow, Marley Morris, adds however:IPPR Research Fellow, Marley Morris, adds however:
Our research suggests that the public care about the issue of benefits in principle, because they see the current rules as unfair on Britain, and so the changes are an important part of the final deal.Our research suggests that the public care about the issue of benefits in principle, because they see the current rules as unfair on Britain, and so the changes are an important part of the final deal.
On the other hand, when discussing the draft deal with some of our research participants in Peterborough, they were unimpressed with the details of the emergency brake - particularly when they discovered that its use had to be authorised by other member states.On the other hand, when discussing the draft deal with some of our research participants in Peterborough, they were unimpressed with the details of the emergency brake - particularly when they discovered that its use had to be authorised by other member states.
The question now is whether, in the public’s mind, these changes will be perceived as a credible effort to address concerns or as too complicated and insubstantial to fully convince.The question now is whether, in the public’s mind, these changes will be perceived as a credible effort to address concerns or as too complicated and insubstantial to fully convince.
1.52pm GMT1.52pm GMT
13:5213:52
Can David Cameron remain as leader and prime minister if the UK votes to leave the EU?Can David Cameron remain as leader and prime minister if the UK votes to leave the EU?
“Yes he can stay, and he must,” Chris Grayling told BBC Radio 4.“Yes he can stay, and he must,” Chris Grayling told BBC Radio 4.
That would put Cameron in the position of having to be at the forefront of renegotiating Britain’s new position outside of Euope, something which he has described as a leap in the dark. Cameron is expected by many commentators to fall on his sword in the even of a vote to leave.That would put Cameron in the position of having to be at the forefront of renegotiating Britain’s new position outside of Euope, something which he has described as a leap in the dark. Cameron is expected by many commentators to fall on his sword in the even of a vote to leave.
Grayling said earlier that it wasn’t a question of not trusting the prime minister’s judgement, insisting that the Conservative Party would not be divided over the coming months.Grayling said earlier that it wasn’t a question of not trusting the prime minister’s judgement, insisting that the Conservative Party would not be divided over the coming months.
“We are friends and colleagues. We are not going to allow this to rip the Conservative party apart,” he added.“We are friends and colleagues. We are not going to allow this to rip the Conservative party apart,” he added.
Here’s a little more of what he said to Mark Mardell on the BBC’s World At One:Here’s a little more of what he said to Mark Mardell on the BBC’s World At One:
1.40pm GMT1.40pm GMT
13:4013:40
Chris Grayling says David Cameron had moved mountains but that there is only “so much change” that the EU is willing to countenance.Chris Grayling says David Cameron had moved mountains but that there is only “so much change” that the EU is willing to countenance.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 in the last few minutes, the leader of the House of Commons, said that the UK would be bit “part players” if it continued to remain in the EU.Speaking to BBC Radio 4 in the last few minutes, the leader of the House of Commons, said that the UK would be bit “part players” if it continued to remain in the EU.
“There are whole series of key decisions which I think we need to be take in our national interest, and which we have given to the EU,” he added.“There are whole series of key decisions which I think we need to be take in our national interest, and which we have given to the EU,” he added.
He said that he had known for a long time that he would campaign against remaining in the EU, having sat through five years of “frustrating” meetings in Brussels.He said that he had known for a long time that he would campaign against remaining in the EU, having sat through five years of “frustrating” meetings in Brussels.
He instanced new pieces of legislation that he said added extra levels of bureaucracy, health and welfare costs.He instanced new pieces of legislation that he said added extra levels of bureaucracy, health and welfare costs.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.41pm GMTat 1.41pm GMT