News from Labour Matters

Conservatives back away from Euro referendum promise

Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, was asked this week about the pledge of David Cameron to hold a referendum on the treaty if he comes to power before it is fully ratified. The French leader’s response was ­telling, reports the FT.

“I am watching the debate in that country,” Mr Sarkozy said. “I simply want to say that we have been happy to have Gordon Brown round the table with us because he has assumed his responsibilities and he has acted with courage by bringing his country with him on the path of European integration.”

Mr Sarkozy’s tribute to Mr Brown’s “courage” on Europe spoke volumes of his low opinion of Mr Cameron’s Euroscepticism.

Perhaps that’s why Ken Clarke recently backed the party away from holding a referendum if the Irish vote in favour of the treaty?

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