Clegg Expresses Bitter Disappointment Over Cameron's Veto of EU Treaty

Strategic Insights -

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has expressed "bitter disappointment" over Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to veto a new EU treaty, stating that the outcome is "bad for Britain." Clegg accuses Cameron of failing to bring back new safeguards for the British economy, leading to a danger of the UK being isolated and marginalized within the EU. This move has sparked undisguised fury among senior Liberal Democrats, with Clegg emphasizing that he had made his concerns clear to Cameron during a 4am telephone call on Friday morning.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nick Clegg expressed "bitter disappointment" over David Cameron's decision to veto a new EU treaty, calling it "bad for Britain."
  • Cameron's move has led to a danger of the UK being isolated and marginalized within the EU, posing a threat to jobs, growth, and families in the UK.
  • Clegg accused Cameron of failing to bring back new safeguards for the British economy, making his decision "untenable" for Clegg to welcome.
  • Clegg dismissed any suggestion of the coalition breaking up over the disagreements and made clear he would not allow Britain to leave the EU.
  • Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable and Lib Dem backbencher Lord Oakeshott expressed concern over the government's negotiating position in the EU summit.
  • Foreign Secretary William Hague suggested that Clegg had signed up to the government's bargaining position in advance of the summit.

Statistics:

  • The EU summit took place in Brussels last week.
  • The summit resulted in a veto from David Cameron, which Clegg described as "bad for Britain."
  • Clegg stated that he had told Cameron that the outcome was "untenable" for him to welcome.
  • Clegg also stated that the outcome posed a danger of the UK being isolated and marginalized within the EU.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph (Online Edition), "Clegg expresses bitter disappointment after Cameron vetoes EU treaty", 2011
  • BBC News, "Clegg: Veto decision 'bad for Britain'", 2011
  • The Guardian, "Cameron's EU veto 'leaves Britain isolated and marginalised'", 2011