Gareth Thomas MP, Labour’s Shadow Europe Minister, responding to David Cameron’s press conference, said:

“Twelve months on from his Bloomberg speech, David Cameron’s referendum policy is already fraying at the seams. His own backbenchers are baying for more, while other EU members have dismissed his arbitrary timetable of 2017.

“Europe does need to change, but the UK’s partners are already ruling out treaty change on the arbitrary timetable that David Cameron has set out.

“David Cameron’s approach to Europe risks leaving the UK more isolated in the EU and undermines Britain’s ability to secure much needed reform in Europe.”

ENDS