Gareth Thomas MP, Labour’s Shadow Europe Minister, said: 

“David Cameron’s own officials have already apparently poured cold water on these latest headlines, dismissing it not as a proposal, a policy, or a plan, but merely as ‘speculation’.

“Europe does need to change to be made to work better for Britain, but the real tragedy is that David Cameron is spending more time negotiating with his backbenchers than negotiating with other European leaders. 

“Labour are clear that leaving Europe would be bad for British jobs and investment. David Cameron seems willing to flirt with his own backbenchers over leaving the EU, whilst trying to talk warm words to business about the risks of a British exit.”