Cameron makes his “bastard” dilemma a problem for UK citizens

Europe has always been the Tory’s Achilles heel, since John Major was brought down by his “bastard” backbenchers. Frustrated by having to govern with pro-European Lib Dems, and emboldened by the surge in UKIP support, hardline Tory Euro-skeptics are upping the pressure on their leader for a UK exit from the EU. 100 Tories have signed a letter demanding that David Cameron’s pledge to hold an In/Out vote on Europe be enshrined in law.

Fast losing grip on his party, Cameron was forced to declare his hand on Europe.  On the one hand he was trying to appease business friends who want to stay in the EU but would be happier without a social dimension. And on the other hand Tory hardliners who want an all-out exit.

If Cameron negotiates the UK into a position that the EU is only there for business without social benefits, this is not the EU that millions of UK citizens want.  Such a scenario would mean the end to rights to paid holidays and rest breaks, a collapse in support for mothers, jeopardising their access to work.  It would risk other key employment rights such as those preventing exploitation of agency workers many of whom are recent immigrants:  a level playing field encourages community cohesion.

And it is not the real agenda.  British jobs and working conditions are under threat.  Foreign companies are less likely to invest in isolationist Britain – or indeed in one which is so uncertain in its leadership.  EU accounts for nearly 50 percent of our experts, and certainly Obama has made it plain that the USA wants Britain to remain central.

This indecision and uncertainty can only prolong the recession in the UK. It will lead to job losses and stagnation. What is actually required is the opposite – Britain at the centre of Europe, leading and directing out of recession, by substantial investment to kick-start the economy, create jobs and increase demand.  This could be paid for by a financial transaction tax and the closing of all tax avoidance means.

But that will only come about with a tighter, stronger Europe, not a looser alliance.  Cameron’s problem with his party is fast becoming one for the citizens of the UK.