Following marathon talks in Brussels last night, British Prime Minister David Cameron, announced that a deal had been struck on reforms. The timetable would now see a Cabinet meeting held the following day, the first on a saturday since the Falklands War, to put forward a government recommendation.
The Prime Minister has been negotiating with other member states and the European Council for around nine months on a package of reforms.
The agreement, which will take effect immediately if the UK votes to remain in the EU, includes the following changes:
Mr Cameron said that it was a package of reforms that meant he was now satisfied to recommend to the British people that the country stays in the EU. However there were some differences to previous speeches and crucially the pledges in the Conservative Party manifesto at the 2015 General Election.
The original pledge for a complete ban on migrants sending child benefit abroad was forced into a compromise after some eastern European states rejected that and also insisted that existing claimants should continue to receive the full payment.
On how long the UK would be able curb in-work benefits for new arrivals, Mr Cameron had to give way on hopes of it being in place for 13 years, settling for seven instead.
On financial regulation, a change was made in response to reaction from the French “to ensure the level-playing field within the internal market”. They feared the UK was getting a competitive advantage.
The ‘red card’ although still in the deal is seen by critics as an empty gesture due to the hoops that would need to be jumped through to ever activate it.
Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, has described the negotiations as a “sideshow” who’s entire purpose was to satisfy members of the Prime Minister’s own party rather than address the important issues affecting the country. He added that he believed the EU brought “investment, jobs and protection for British workers and consumers.”
Offically the Labour Party, will support remaining in the EU, although like the Conservatives there are Members of Parliament who will join Brexit campaigners.
Following the emergency session of Cabinet Mr Cameron spoke outside No.10 Downing Street to the gathering press. He said the Cabinet had agreed with him to recomend remaining in the EU. He said the UK would also be stronger in the EU because it can make “big decisions” on trade and security from “within.” Watch his speech below.
Despite having a Cabinet position recommending to remain in the EU, Mr Cameron had announced some weeks ago that the principle of Cabinet collective responsibility, whereby you honour the decision made publicly or resign your post, would be lifted. After much speculation five Cabinet members, plus a Minister who attends Cabinet, have made the decision to join the Brexit campaign. These are:
Many other Conservative Ministers, such as Andrea Leadsom, or Members of Parliament have also now declared that they will be backing Brexit having waiting for the Brussels negotiations to conclude.
Key members of Cabinet who are campaigning to remain in the EU, some to much surprise, are:
Despite protests from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about the date being too close to their national elections being held in May, the date of the referendum will be Thursday 23 June 2016. The Electoral Commission will now designate an official leave campaign as there are several competing at the same time.
The question that will be put to the people on 23 June is very straight forward. “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
