JUNE 16 looks likely to be the date of the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, after the Prime Minister told press he had made progress on getting other European leaders to accept his reforms.
The SNP said Cameron’s negotiations were hurting Scotland’s reputation in EU.
Speaking to press at the end of the two day European Council Summit in Brussels, the PM said the UK had achieved “vital” reform.
“We’ve made good progress, we are a step closer to agreement on the significant and far-reaching reforms I have proposed,” he told reporters.
“I believe 2016 will be the year we achieve something really vital, fundamentally changing the UK’s relationship with the EU and finally addressing the concerns of the British people about our membership.
“Then it will be for the British people to decide whether we remain or leave.
“I believe if we can get these reforms right – and I believe that we can – I firmly believe that for our economic security and – increasingly for our national security – the best future for Britain is in a reformed European Union.”
Cameron’s key reform to restrict in work benefits to EU nationals until they have been in the UK for four years has been dismissed by many of the countries at the summit. The proposal, which needs to be backed by all 28 member states, has been criticised for undermining the EU principle of free movement.
The SNP’s Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins, said the Prime Minister’s negotiations were losing the UK “friends and influence amongst European leaders,” and could even damage Scotland’s reputation.
He said: “The Scottish government has a good relationship with partners across Europe and in the institutions but that is being jeopardised by David Cameron’s irresponsible actions.
“It is more important than ever that we make the positive case for Scotland remaining part of the European Union and all the benefits that brings.”
A poll released this week suggested Scotland is the only part of the UK who would vote to remain in the EU.
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