David Cameron at the EU

Cameron’s opening bid — a 13 year benefit ban: Having spent all week telling other leaders they can’t change the text, that’s the first thing David Cameron tried to do in the UK summit discussion, but suggesting that his request for a seven-year benefit ban come with the option of two three-year extensions. The British Prime Minister came to the Parliament to seek support for his EU reform demands but he might well be up against it with demands like that. 

Meanwhile  in a snap poll 43 percent of Londoners are in favor of remaining in the EU while 41 percent are in favour of exiting; 14 percent are undecided. The poll by Marketing Metrix shows middle class and more prosperous areas of London are in favor of staying in the EU, while lower socio-economic groups favor exit.

The view from British Eurosceptic groups: They pre-prepared their response before the debate actually happened. Vote Leave Chief Executive Matthew Elliott said: “David Cameron is in Brussels for a row about a trivial set demands none of which will return control back to Britain. Despite all the bluster, the arguments today will be inconsequential … The PM set the bar incredibly low for his renegotiation and he’s missed even that. The only safe option is to Vote Leave.” Nigel Farage was equally scathing. All very predictable.

Cameron could still stage a referendum by the expected date of 23 June.