As critical negotiations on the EU’s next Commission President reach their endgame, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander MP says:
“The responsibilities on David Cameron this week are clear, he needs to deliver a President of the Commission who will make Europe work better, and make Europe work better for Britain.”
“There can be no excuses. David Cameron has a clear mandate from political parties here in the UK - including Labour - to build consensus across Europe for an alternative candidate for President of the Commission. "Getting the right candidate is ultimately a test of David Cameron’s influence with our allies to secure the best deal for Britain in Europe.”
“Even his strongest supporters recognise, that so far the Prime Minister has badly misjudged these vital negotiat ions, and his public anger appears a very poor substitute for private influence. "It was not just a bad negotiating approach, but it was bad for Britain for David Cameron to appear to threaten exit from Europe at a key moment of these discussions.”
“In the past we’ve seen David Cameron flounce out of the European negotiating room to little effect. "And even David Cameron’s own backbenchers know, bluster and belligerence are an unconvincing substitute for influence and leadership. "So in the vital closing hours of negotiations it’s time for leadership, not excuses from David Cameron.”