Cameron says no more EU-turns – Media roundup: May 22nd, 2013

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Cameron says no more EU-turns

“After one of his most difficult weeks since becoming prime minister, David Cameron put in a polished and assured peformance on the Today programme this morning. The most notable line came on Europe, with Cameron declaring, “It doesn’t matter the pressure I come under from Europe, or inside the Tory party, this policy isn’t going to change. The date by which we hold this referendum isn’t going to change.” That was a clear signal to Tory MPs that any demands for a “mandate” referendum or for an early vote on Britain’s EU membership will be rejected. But having capitulated so many times before, first by promising to hold an in/out referendum and then by drafting a bill to enshrine it in law, it is an open question whether Cameron will prevail on this occasion. Here, for instance, is what he said about a referendum in October 2011: “It’s not the right time, at this moment of economic crisis, to launch legislation that includes an in-out referendum. This is not the time to argue about walking away.”” – New Statesman

Government u-turn means Afghan interpreters can come to the UK

“Around 600 Afghan interpreters are to be offered the chance to settle in Britain after an apparent rethink by the Government. About half the staff working with UK forces are expected to be granted visas in recognition of risks to their personal safety. The proposals could see all interpreters who have been in the job more than 12 months and put themselves in physical danger offered a resettlement package. They will need to have worked between December 2012 and December 2014, when troops are due to leave, to be eligible. They could be offered a five-year visa for themselves and their family, with help relocating and finding accommodation and work in the UK.” – Sky News

Other highlights

• Tory MP calls tweeter “manipulative little shit” over Equal Marriage vote  – Political Scrapbook
• Labour is leaching support too… – Mary Riddell, Telegraph
• Boris Johnson, the flawed Mayor of London – Sonia Purnell, Independent