David Cameron, party pooper
British PM promised ‘in-out’ referendum on the EU, spoils the mood in Davos
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron walks away after delivering a speech on the European Union and Britain’s role within it, in central London January 23, 2013. Cameron promised on Wednesday to give Britons a straight referendum choice on whether to stay in the European Union or leave, provided he wins an election in 2015. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN – Tags: POLITICS)
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There, he finally did it. British Prime Minister David Cameron delivered his much-anticipated and several times delayed Europe speech today, promising an “in-out” referendum over whether Britain should stay in the EU by 2017.
Predictably, other European leaders were not impressed.
Speaking at Davos, where the 43rd edition of the World Economic Forum is in full swing, outgoing Italian PM Mario Monti tried to sound a positive note, saying he is “confident” British people will vote to remain in the Union. But, sharp jab at British Eurosceptics, he also said the EU needs “willing Europeans.”
Needless to say, the news from across the English Channel spoiled the mood at the WEF: