{New #2 Issue @ British Exempire: Major tipped to lead EU renegotiation} Former prime minister Sir John Major is in the running to lead Britain’s renegotiation of its membership with the European Union, it has been reported. David Cameron has pledged to alter the UK’s relationship with the EU before putting the new deal to the voters in an in/out referendum by the end of 2017. According to the Sunday Telegraph’s People Diary column, Sir John - who faced bruising battles with Tory backbenchers over Europe during his time in office - is being named by senior Conservatives as the ideal candidate to lead the talks. The paper says Sir John’s office had declined to respond to a request for comment, with Downing Street sources also downplaying the story. The former prime ministers decision to sign up to the the Europe-wide Maastricht Treaty in his second term prompted a series of rebellions from the Conservative backbenches, meaning any appointment would likely be controversial with the partys current eurosceptic wing. The Maastricht Treaty paved the way for the single currency in Europe as well as the so-called Social Chapter, which includes provisions on human rights and protections in the workplace, and which some Conservatives see as encroaching on British sovereignty. The speculation over Sir Johns appointment came as the Observer reported that Foreign Office officials are worried it may be unworkable for the UK to hold the rotating presidency of the European Union in July 2017 because of Mr Camerons planned referendum.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 11:06:52 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015