The accusations of betrayal being hurled at David Cameron are, for the reasons I outlined earlier, deeply unfair. It is Labour that has broken its promise, not the Tories – a point that the Tories should be shouting from the rooftops. Also, Euro-sceptics should remember that Cameron did keep the pledge he made during the leadership to take the party out of the EPP despite the many siren voices urging him to renege on this commitment.
The whole referendum question, though, is turning into one of trust. Part of the reason for this is that the Tory leadership always seems slightly embarrassed by the issue of Europe. So it is imperative that tomorrow, David Cameron makes clear that he believes that the European Union already has too much power and that he will negotiate the return of powers — as he has already said he would — and that he will put the results of this effort to the British people. This would not be banging on about Europe but just stating a position that the polls show strong support for. It would also prove that Cameron is a Euro-sceptic; only those who want out altogether could be dissatisfied with a commitment along these lines.
If Cameron said this the position would be clear. At that point, Tory Euro-sceptics should allow Cameron to go back to talking about the issues that are most likely to determine the result of the next election.
Comments