British Prime Minister David Cameron says proposals to change Britain’s relationship with the European Union reflect “real progress,” but that more work must be done.
He spoke after European Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday unveiled proposals aimed at keeping Britain in the 28-nation European Union. The proposals would make it possible for British lawmakers to work with European counterparts to block unwanted EU laws and also recognize that Britain now faces an “exceptional situation” regarding the influx of immigrants taxing Britain’s social services, the commission said.
“So, real progress, more work to be done, more detail to be nailed down, but we said we needed to deliver in four key areas; this document shows real progress on that front,” Cameron said about the proposals.
Cameron, who needs to convince skeptical members of his own Conservative Party that staying in the EU serves Britain’s needs, is seeking concessions ahead of a planned referendum on whether Britain should remain part of the EU. That vote may be held as early as June.
He said the document delivers the “substantial change” he had sought.