As the Conservative government openly defy Cameron and ask for an EU referendum, the Prime Minister has to make a decision whether to hold the referendum in 2017.
But what should he do?
Cameron has been in a tight corner this month and no matter what decision he makes on the United Kingdom’s remaining in the EU, he will upset someone. While Cameron has already promised a referendum, this next step will place it in stone – in case anyone thought the Conservatives would go back on an election promise.
There are 3 ways forward for the prime minister: If he holds the referendum tomorrow, the people will almost definitely vote ‘no’ for EU participation. In this economic climate, there is just too much hatred and scapegoating of the EU. This will lose Britain her only place in a rapidly globalising world. In the US, Obama has called for a strong Britain and a strong EU helping each other. Leaving the EU will create economic consequences all over the world.
If he doesn’t hold the referendum, it will be another election promise not fulfilled. And the next election isn’t looking too bright for Mr Cameron, with UKIP hovering, ready to pounce at the first fall.
But at least the Lib Dem’s will be happy. It seems likely that he will promise to hold one in 2017 if he is re-elected. If so, Britain’s economy will suffer. No-one will invest in such an uncertainty. France’s President, Hollande, has said that Cameron is ‘splintering’ Europe with this promise. Perhaps waiting is the worst thing Cameron can do.
But the fact remains that if this mammoth question is put to referendum, no one will decide the future of our country but us. So, “Do you think that the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union?” No pressure.
Article: Corinna Taylor
Photography: spectator.co.uk