David Miliband backs brother over EU referendum stance

David Miliband – who is in the UK as part of his new role with the International Rescue Committee – has broken his relative silence since leaving British politics by backing Ed Miliband’s stance on an EU referendum. Yesterday, the Labour leader ruled out pledging an EU referendum alongside a proposed package of reforms to Europe – and his brother has backed him. In an interview with the Mirror, the elder Miliband said:

“Ed has put the national interest first – and the national interest is in a stronger economic recovery.

“It’s evident the question mark over Britain’s European Union membership is a big problem. But in the US, the idea Britain would leave the EU is dangerous.

“They want Britain in Europe and with a strong voice in Europe.”

Miliband’s position has been broadly supported within the Labour Party, with the Shadow Cabinet said to be behind him, and Lord Mandelson backing him publicly yesterday. Miliband has also received the support of the CBI, but some Labour MPs already committed to a referendum (most notably Graham Stringer and Kate Hoey) have been critical of Miliband’s stance.