The UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum yesterday, with a key focus on the UK’s place in the EU. His outspoken support for the UK to remain in the EU has made some wonder why he announced a referendum in the first place. PM Cameron clarified, ‘I believe this referendum is so crucial. For years Britain has been drifting away from the European Union. The European Union has become increasingly unpopular in Britain. And added to that, the succession of politicians…have promised referendums, but never actually delivered them. And I think it’s absolutely essential to have full and proper democratic support for what Britain’s place should be in Europe and that’s why we’re holding the referendum.’
Cameron said that there is an ‘enormous prize’ should Britain and Europe reach reforms which would result in the British people voting to stay in Europe. He mentioned the importance of competitiveness, and highlighted how there is so much more for Europe to do to encourage and support competitiveness, rather than lagging behind other markets such as America.
While he stressed that he believed in Britain’s sovereignty and that Britain would be able to ‘succeed outside the European Union’ as a nation that harbours ‘a huge amount of talent and resources and brilliant people’, he also recognised that ‘the European Union is signing trade deals as fast as and more significant than we [Britain] could ever sign on our own’. Regardless of being ‘the fifth largest economy in the world’ or ‘members of many important organisations in our world’, Britain still has much to gain from being a part of the European Union.
Cameron’s speech made clear points, raising issues Britain felt ‘uncomfortable’ with. For example, the PM highlighted the pressures of free movement on the welfare system; the discomfort of Britain being ‘part of an ever-closer union’; and the issue of currency and being held accountable for eurozone problems. He continued: ‘There are many things that are imperfect about the European Union today, and there will be many things that will be imperfect about the European Union even after this negotiation. We do need reform in Europe: to make sure Europe works for the countries of Europe, for the peoples of Europe, for the businesses of Europe; for all the people who want to work and have security, and get on and make something of their lives. The reform will not be finished.’
Cameron also called on business, NGOs and other organisations, asking them not to hold back in being a part of the debate. ‘Even though the question isn’t settled, I think that if business backs my reforms – if you want to see the competitive Europe; if you want to see the flexible Europe; if you want to see a Europe where you can be in the eurozone and win or out of the eurozone and win – I would argue: get out there and support those things.’
Of course Britain is still negotiating its position with the EU, but Cameron has made it clear, ‘if there isn’t the right deal, I’m not in a hurry.’ While he does hope for a deal next month at the February European Council, Cameron has room to hold the referendum up until the end of 2017, so has plenty of time for negotiating and campaigning.