Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Lock, load and prepare for ambush – David Cameron’s very British approach to Brussels summits

Many Prime Ministers go native when they head to Brussels. But David Cameron’s hostility to the whole racket is hardening with every trip. At his post-summit press conference today, he was remarkably frank about what had just happened. “I have defeated this latest attempt to cut the rebate,” he said.

“I am frustrated I have to go through that battle all over again. But in this town you have to be ready for an ambush at any time, and that means lock and load and have one up the spout, and be ready for it. And that is exactly what I did… It is, and I won’t lie, it is immensely frustrating sometimes, the way this organisation works . . . I think this is no way for an organisation to conduct itself.”

The French tried to recalculate the rebate on British payments for east European farm spending.

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