Guardian.uk: David Cameron ditches referendum and backs away from EU 'bust-up' - by Nicolas Watt
David Cameron today backed away from a full-scale confrontation with the EU when he outlined a six-point package of reforms but adopted a conciliatory tone by saying he wanted to avoid a "bust-up" with Britain's European partners. In his most significant statement on the EU since becoming Conservative leader, triggered this week by the final ratification of the Lisbon treaty, Cameron finally abandoned his pledge to hold a referendum on the measure in Britain. Flanked by the most senior members of the shadow cabinet, Cameron said he would instead demand six changes to ensure that powers are "never again" ceded by Britain to the EU without the agreement of the British people.
Note EU-Digest: Mr.Cameron had come under considerable attack for his earlier negative statements on the EU not only from members of his own party,but also from EU officials and even members of the US political establishment when he recently visited the US.
Labels: Britain, Conservative Party, David Cameron, EU, Lisbon Treaty
