A policy on Europe that people can believe in

Comment by TREVOR PEAT on November 4, 2009 at 9:56 pm

David , most voters dont have much idea what the Lisbon treaty is about . This battle is now lost but not the war ,it takes a big leader to know when it’s time to move on and focus on what voters care about most . Voters want to know how we will stabilise the economy to secure there jobs and provide the right economic upturn to create more , they want to feel safe in there homes and on the streets .They want a health service that spends more money on health and less on admin and they want a government that listens . Listern to the people David and not the Euro sceptics and you will get your reward with a good majority . God gave us two ears to listen with if he had wanted us to argue with ourselves we would have one ear and two mouths .

Comment by Josie Hughes on November 4, 2009 at 10:04 pm

I was going to vote for your party as you promised a referendum, now I am disappointed and will not be voting for anyone.

Comment by tezza on November 4, 2009 at 10:05 pm

Yet another politician not keeping a promise

Comment by Mike Hawkins on November 4, 2009 at 10:08 pm

David,

With the power already given to the EU, will you be allowed to pass the legislation you now plan?

Comment by Ryan Bruce on November 4, 2009 at 10:09 pm

You have my vote for PM! We have been lied to time and time again by this administration regarding Europe! We need a government willing to stand up to Europe instead of one which is constantly lying down for it! We need a change of gevernment and we need that government to be a conservative one if we are to stand any chance of Britain avoiding becoming part of a federalised Europe (especially one which has Tony Blair as it’s President!)

Comment by Mark Shelton on November 4, 2009 at 10:09 pm

Yes, a referendum on Lisbon would now be futile. But a referendum to define the national attitude to the EU, as suggested today by David Davis, would not only be a negotiating card in Europe, but would also help the party to define its attitude. And is overdue.

Comment by gary powell on November 4, 2009 at 10:10 pm

I am disapointed but not surprised that yet another politician is breaking a promise.Give us a referendum so we can show the EU what we really think.I saw bill cash on gmtv and can only agree with everything he said.Ithought you were going to be different from what we have had in the past so dont spoil it now

Comment by GODFREY KING on November 4, 2009 at 10:10 pm

Totally agree in every detail with your letter, David. Roll on the election, and let’s get back to putting Britain back on its feet. Every good wish. Godfrey

Comment by Darryl on November 4, 2009 at 10:10 pm

I must admit I am not a big fan of the United Kingdom being part of the EU at all, in being so we simply opened our boarders and started pumping money into countries other than that of our own. However, I do not understand the reasons for joining it in the first place therefore I currently am in a bit of a confused state of the whole EU agenda and what is in it for the British Public

Comment by John W. on November 4, 2009 at 10:12 pm

Why can’t we just come out of Europe altogether and leave them to their own devices ?

Why can’t we NOT pay our EU Membership, then we could save a heap of cash and give it too people who really deserve it instead of the sticky fingers in Europe spending it for us.

Why cant we be more like Norway, who do not really take part in Europe at all.

Did you know, Davis that whilst Australia and Canada were UNAFFECTED by a recession, which I know for a fact as I have customers there, all of Europe was – including us. therefore is there a point to Europe at all.

anybody who talks rubbish about it affecting trade and the economy does not know what they are talking about since we have traded with our neighbours LONG BEFORE the EU ever came into being.

C’mon lets see a real Prime minister with real STEEL BALLS !! – who wont fudge this issue or answer it with another question.

Maybe i’m hoping spring is eternal too. You are elected by the people therefore are you going to do what the people say ?

I thought not somehow.

John W.

Comment by Philippe on November 4, 2009 at 10:12 pm

David’s principled position is exactly why, as a Frenchman, I have joined the British Conservatives: the concept and practice of democratic Sovereignty vested in a sound Parliament together with a guardian, independent Judiciary.

Comment by David Thomson on November 4, 2009 at 10:13 pm

I had a gut feeling all along that you would renege on your promise, so I’m afraid that as a life long Conservative member I have no option but to now vote UKIP along with millions of other supporters who are also sick of being taken for a ride by politicians that cannot keep their promises.

David Thomson

Comment by Roy Chamberlain on November 4, 2009 at 10:14 pm

We have heard all the EU promises many many times and it seems to be that Mr Cameron is getting more like Tony the Spin every day. I just do not believe we will get any changes and the promises will be just promises. Trevor Peat has made some valid points and how I wish I could be has trusting as he is but after years of promis, nothing but irrevocable statements of intent WITH dates and irrevocable resignation if they are not carried out will lead me to vote for someone other than the conservatives for the very first time in over 40 years of voting.

Comment by Sue Metcalf on November 4, 2009 at 10:14 pm

I have to agree with the majority of what Trevor Peat above said. Think it is an excellent idea that the Tories will listen to the people more and, if we are promised a referendum on anything, then we will get it. I really would like to see you David leading the country and stating (and doing) what needs to be done. You will be voted in, unlike the present Prime Minister who most certainly was not!!

Comment by Peter C on November 4, 2009 at 10:15 pm

This is the only stumbling block for me and the Conservative party. I am completely in favour of our involvement in Europe, having studied, lived in, worked in and benefited from all that the continent has to offer to its citizens. I have spent time in Brussels, and in Strasbourg, and our country is viewed with such disdain by representatives of the other European states BECAUSE of our insistence that we are not part of it – saying “I’m going to Europe” is in itself tautological – we are already in it for crying out loud! I really do wish the Conservative party would get behind the European cause instead of banging on about the need to keep our distance. And would a federal Europe be such a bad thing?

Comment by Nigel on November 4, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Read your email and saw primeminister questions. I thought the comments form the labour bench were a littke pot and kettle – I also think David Davis has the right idea – Promise a referendum on what we would like our relationship to be like and then stuff it up the labour toads – Plus as David Davis argues it will make your bargening position a whole lot stronger – Otherwise lying tosser who bullied his way to the premiership will keep dragging out the “cast iron” promise every time a camera is pointed in his direction

Nigel

Comment by Val Duncan on November 4, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Mmmm the Lisbon Treaty does NOT allow the British government to make their own laws… so how are we going to have United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill ? Will we ask the EU and expect them to say…Yes, of course you can…?
***************************
we want to negotiate three specific guarantees with our European partners over powers that we believe should reside with Britain, not the EU
And you expect 26 other Heads of State to say…Yes, of course you can…?
Don’t talk rubbish! Why should they when the EU have spent nearly 30 years getting ALL our power and rights screwed down?
This is waffle and you know it.

Comment by P Nichols on November 4, 2009 at 10:17 pm

I am sorry to say that I was disappointed with your press conference today in which you spoke about your response to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. What the British people want is a say on their role in Europe and you are fully aware that if you offered a referendum on the in or out issue that the people would vote to leave the EU. Although this would give you the mandate you need to negotiate a less federalist role for Europe you are afraid to take this role. Obarma called you lightweight and I now believe he had a deep insight into your personality. Had you had the courage of your conviction you would follow the route which David Davis wants to follow and give the UK a referendum on re-negotiating our role in Europe. You would find that the EU needs the UK much more than we need the EU and they would soon give us the concessions that we want. Unfortunately you are not only afraid to do this but I believe you are a closet European federalist. Since your announcement I have spoken to many work colleagues and personal friends who are expressing the same sentiments as I am expressing to you in this email. Although I intended to vote Conservative I will now give my vote to UKIP as will many of my friends and colleagues. Your current position will cost you many votes and may rightly rob you of any majority you hoped to have in the next election. It is a disgrace to treat this country in this manner.

Comment by mickdx on November 4, 2009 at 10:17 pm

How on earth can you not give us a say on who runs our country, I think you should vote UKIP, because I honestly believe them on the EU.
This make do and mend will not wash, we have had 12 years of liars over all this.
Stand up for this country or stand aside for someone who will.
Give us the vote over the EU…..

Comment by Mark Perry on November 4, 2009 at 10:17 pm

There is one principle here which no diluted, fancy sounding initiatives and responses can hide. This is “Sovereignty ” which has been lost without any democratic consultation, as a result of a conspiracy of silence by all mainstream political parties. This will not be forgotten by the electorate (and others in the ranks of UKIP and more extreme organisations) and will therefore not go away – particularly when the newly legitimised Euro-grandees (potentially Mr Blair?) start to strut on the international stage. You may be preparing for Government, but what will your mandate be and what real power will you have to achieve anything of consequence when all decisions will come from Europe?

Comment by Dick Schrader on November 4, 2009 at 10:17 pm

It simply isn’t good enough, whilst being aware that the treaty has come into force a more robust approach may still have been possible.

A statement that the signature by Gordon Brown was not legitimate as Labour had promissed a referendum which had not taken place and that the EU should not proceed until the UK had a referendum should have been made. This would need to have beeen backed up by the threat that in the event that the EU proceeded anyway the referendum would be about our continued membership. Whilst it is quite possible that the EU would have taken no notice the Tories would have the moral high ground and a referendum on our membership would settle our position and give a very strong bargaining position to gain the opt outs that I am afraid are not enough and in any case are unlikely to be granted.

I have little hope that Cameron will see sense and the lost votes to UKIP at the next election will most likely bring a hung parliament.

Whilst Labour is to blame Mr Cameron, the shame is on you for being so weak.

Comment by John W. on November 4, 2009 at 10:18 pm

Another E.U’ism for you folks

Soon you will not be allowed to take shoddy goods back to a shop for a refund. the Europeans want to stop it.

In other words when somebody’s child has its eye poked out by a dangerous toy, made in india or China the shop keeper wills say:

“Tough luck mate you bought it – not my fault, now
go away i’m busy”

Thanks Brussels

John W.

Comment by Jim Geraghty on November 4, 2009 at 10:19 pm

David
I’m sorry, but this isn’t good enough. Please don’t echo the New Labour cry of “Let’s move on…”

We were promised a vote on EU Constitution and we were not given one. We know Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson, Tony Blair and others are liars. But let’s not show Conservatives being liars too. I want a vote for the British people, EVEN THOUGH it is too late. I want Europe to know what we think, and I want the vote to serve notice that things are going to change.

The smirking, gurning Brown may think he has won by preventing the people from having a voice. We must show the idiot what the result WOULD HAVE BEEN.

By the way, I got an email from Idiot Brown today, responding to the Downing Street petition for his resignation. Apparently he is the best man to sort things out.

Regards

A Conservative voter who will vote next year for the party that gives me the vote we were promised.

Comment by Joe Scott on November 4, 2009 at 10:20 pm

The lisbon treaty doens’t change anything significant.

Comment by Peter Scheldt on November 4, 2009 at 10:20 pm

We have sat patiently waiting for the opportunity to leave the EU, we never agreed to it, the only mandate that the government has is for EFTA. Anything more is neither desirable nor necessary. The EU is a drain on our resources, has undermined our legal system and way of life and even now is determined to destroy the one major area of success that we enjoy, in our international banking and financial services supremacy. If we are to sell off, cheaply, at EU insistance a significant part of our finance industry to outsiders to ensure that we can never again rebuild our dominant position on the international stage, then can we see a comparable gesture from the EU with the French and German subsidised industries being broken up and sold off to the Far East or whoever wants them. We need to get out of this organisation whilst there is anything of our country left and go back to our Commonwealth colleagues where we belong. Let’s not subsidise rich EU farmers so that they can dump produce undermining the ecomomies of Africa. Lets invest directly into Africa and other Commonwealth nations, whilst we can. The Arabs and the Chinese are investing into those countries where we were once so well established. We don’t need Europe and it doesn’t want us. We need the Commonwealth and they might just welcome us back. We were promised a referendum and we want one. Then you will have a clear mandate to withdraw from this disasterous and wholly inappropriate marriage.

Comment by mary maddock on November 4, 2009 at 10:21 pm

Mr Cameron said many times that a referendum would only be possible if the Treaty had not been ratified by all 27 member states He clearly stated that if it were then he would see what else could be done.He has not lied. For some reason the Czech Republic couldn’t wait to sign so we now have to move on to plan B.
Don’t let anyone forget that it was Gordon Brown who sneaked off and signed our country away without so much as a by your leave!

Comment by steve downey on November 4, 2009 at 10:21 pm

I feel let down and you have given some ammunition to this hated govenment I cannot support the liberals. So where can I go for real change?

Comment by Allen Champion on November 4, 2009 at 10:22 pm

you have let me down, you have lost my vote.

Comment by Alan Jenner on November 4, 2009 at 10:22 pm

This is too little and too late.
We DO need our sovreignty returned which you have addressed But the EU needs a totally different constitution if it is to be any GOOD to anyone.
The European Commission has declared itsellf immune from investigation and it’s members have lifetime immunity from prosecution.
Where are those audited accounts???
The “Divine Rght” of kings lives on in Brussels.
Europe NEEDS a Magna Carta.

Comment by ian wright on November 4, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Thank heavens and a moment too soon. I love Europe but I’m an Englshman first so lets have our judicary, education, social rights/obligations etc, etc governed by an elected Parliiament sitting in London and not by some faceless official dictating unelected federalism

Comment by Nick on November 4, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Britain, a once great industrial and financial nation is now shrinking whilst once third world countries such as India and China and oil rich countries are growing rapidly and buying our businesses. We need to be able to compete on equal terms, but our nation has been decimated by years of mis-management and humongous debt.
We need the might of Europe and their ability to recover from recession to survive in the future. However, we do not need to be governed by a bureaucratic federation (especially with a president like Mr. Blair). This is why David Cameron talks sense. Lets start taking the initiative and make Europe work for us, for a change. Also we have to stop “playing by the rules”, which many EU states ignore – finding ways to block trade and apply restrictions on businesses from outside of their own state.

Comment by Graham Forrest on November 4, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Not enough, David! In principle, it’s very easy – we still have a referendum, and when the electorate vote a huge no, we tell Europe to sling their hooks!

Then we put Gordon Brown, et al, in the dock charged with treason.

Just in case anyone thinks I’m some kind of radical nutter, I spent 20 years in the Submarine Service, fighting the Cold War at the sharp end. I’m loyal to Britain through and through.

I just never thought that an unelected, incompetent, cowardly, compulsive liar would ever give our Islands away.

Do what’s right – not what’s ‘proper’.

Give us a Government for BRITAIN !!

Comment by d j mortimer on November 4, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Yes I am one of the old coggers that can remember the EEC referendum which if my memory serves me well meant European Economic Community. No sorry it was not. it was European Everything Community. !

Comment by peter nicholls on November 4, 2009 at 10:24 pm

mr cameron, i have hated what brown and his party have done to this country for hell of a long time we must not be run by europe.you must listen and act on what the british public want dont treat us like idiots like the labour party.be honest and the voters will support you we know you will have hell of a job to get us out of this mess but if you are honest you will get the support you need.

Comment by Mark Sumner on November 4, 2009 at 10:25 pm

I’m afraid this may well be Mr Cameron’s Kinnock moment. So very close but now I can’t vote for a man that break’s his word!

Comment by L Porter on November 4, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Oh dear,

That may have just lost you my vote….

But then I am having a hard time finding a non-racist, non-socialist party who realise the EU is several steps too far regarding eroded sovereignty but also accepts protectionist trade as necessary (because a lack of it just ends up “protecting” global companies rather than the communities you are elected to serve).

Gah, I am sick of the politics in this country. Idiot europhiles, spineless middlegrounders or inane racists. What hope is there for someone who doesnt fall into these nonsense boxes (

Comment by Dr Lawrence Haar on November 4, 2009 at 10:25 pm

Brave and thoughtul words Mr. Cameron. Clearly the Labour Party has presented you with a fait accompli. Your planned actions however would only be bolstered, your negotiating hand strengthened by holding a symbolic referendum on the Treaty, or even a Statement as you propose: That Europe is a body of independent states and not federalist institution.

Comment by kenb on November 4, 2009 at 10:27 pm

why hasn’t gordon brown been charged with fraud – he promised a referendum and did not give us one. one rule for the politicians just like if you pay back your expenses your’e in the xclear

Comment by steven winning on November 4, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Sadly david it IS a federal europe albeit controlled by german and french interests, the rest has yet to follow and until the corruption in the EU and MEPs are made to follow that of UK MPs, (seeing is believing, as I believe there will be a mad rush in the next five years of MPs increasing their property portfolios). No one seems to have the courage to clean up the EU, which is more important than anything else. best wishes, steven

Comment by kenb on November 4, 2009 at 10:28 pm

Gordon brown promised a referendum if he won the elction.
he did and one could consider that he won by fraud because we have not had a referendum.
Why hasn’t been charged with fraud?
Another rule for the politicians just like the expenses situation.

Comment by sue reid on November 4, 2009 at 10:28 pm

lets FACT IT FOLKS DOWN HILL ALL THE WAY NOW FOR UK UNDER BIG BROTHER EUROPE

Comment by Mrs J Chown on November 4, 2009 at 10:28 pm

TOO damn late Mr Cameron. You have colluded with Labour by your total inaction. It is no good you now saying you will do this, you will do that, they have us by the preverbials and there is NOTHING you can do about anything! I am so f*****g angry about this whole situation, it is OUTRAGEOUS that a bunch of socialist prats could hijack OUR country and ‘democracy’ and just give it all away for their own self gain & satisfaction. You are all traitors to OUR Queen and country.
I have voted Tory all my life, but it will be BNP next time, if only as a PROTEST VOTE!
We are bllions in debt, yet we give billions to the EU every day, our country, our laws, our culture is gone. TRAITORS THE LOT OF YOU.

Comment by Martin on November 4, 2009 at 10:28 pm

Why has Mr Cameron such low regard for democracy? Why Mr Cameron do you say one thing and in the next breath back away? WILL YOU GIVE DEMOCRACY A CHANCE? My vote now goes to the UKIP, they will deliver a referendum. Are you scared of government Mr Cameron

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 4, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Hold on a second, wasn’t it Edward Heath that took us into the European Union in the first place. Every treaty since, hasn’t been for the benefit of the working class person in this country, so far. It is easier to sack British People from their jobs, than to sack either French or German Workers, because they have more rights, and it is more expensive for Employers to sack those people so if there are two plants identical, one either in France or Germany, then one in Britain, it will be the British people who will lose their jobs. The immigration policy is a joke, Eastern Europeans, are coming over taking British Jobs, yet British people are more or less being forced out of their homes, and into the streets, as they cannot afford to keep themselves. Yet no one will stand up for the British People. Sorry, so far I have heard of lot of hot air with no real conviction.

Comment by Tom on November 4, 2009 at 10:30 pm

I’m disappointed that you’re now reneging on your cast-iron guarantee to hold a referendum on the Treaty.

There are many people completely indifferent to the idea, who now see the Conservatives as a Party of hollow promises.

With only a few months before the next General Election we can’t afford to alienate the electorate by dithering on policy.

I know a lot of my fellow members will share that sentiment.

Comment by Simon Pett on November 4, 2009 at 10:31 pm

David, totally dissapointed. When will politicians learn to speak straight and not dress up messages in political speak. Have the courage to stand up and lead and clearly state what you stand for. I had hoped for this on the EU debate. Its a fantastic community to be part of, but it is now too overbearing. I see multiple EU parliment buildings staffed by career politicians who are never likely to vote to make their world smaller; whywould they. But we end up paying for them yet have no democratic way to influence it. All that your approach will do is to drive more people towards UKIP and all that will do is marginalise Britain in EU as our representatives there will not reflect the British parliment.

Bottom line is that you have missed a great opportunity to give a generation who never voted for the EU the opportunity to give you a mandate for change and worse still you are likely to get Mr Blair overseeing all you do.

Dissapointed.

Comment by John Hine on November 4, 2009 at 10:32 pm

It may be too late to have a referendum about the Lisbon Treaty but we could have one about whether to stay in the Euro-Union or withdraw! To negotiate the guarantees that DC wants we need a strong bargaining position – i.e. they agree to our proposals or we have a stay in / get out referendum.

Comment by J.L.Beswetherick on November 4, 2009 at 10:33 pm

One more vote for the Conservatives lost!

Comment by Cllr.Sandra Eden on November 4, 2009 at 10:33 pm

David, Give the people a say on what happens now. There must be a referendum on future procedure. The people have been robbed of their power to Europe – our forefathers didnt fight two wars for this to happen. You MUST give the people a say, this will give you a trump card in future negotiations. Keep faith with the people and announce this before the election. It will help us footsoldiers and our faith in you. Remember, UKIP are out there. Europe is now another word for socialism, stem it now. The Socialist are afraid of the British peoples’ will – Tories are NOT. We dont treat the electorate as irrelavant. Be BRAVE!

Sandra Eden

Comment by Stephen Richards on November 4, 2009 at 10:33 pm

I would like an explanantion as to why I should believe yet another “Guaranteed” Referendum when not one party who has offered one, has actually delivered it.

What happens if Europe just ignores the UK, which is exactly what has happened with the French, Dutch & Irish voters.

As my old master said “needs to try harder”, until then I’m afraid my vote will not be forethcoming

Comment by Cairene on November 4, 2009 at 10:34 pm

David,
I’m a party member, a donor, a local activist and about to host a fundraising event for our local candidate at our house. Sorry, but your response is an insult to my intelligence.

You gave us a “cast-iron guarantee” that we would have referendum. Now you have discarded that.

Regarding your three campaign points, they are, as you well know, completely meaningless. Let’s take them in turn
- …”we will prohibit, by law, the transfer of further power to the EU without a referendum…”. The treaty already gives the EU the power to take such powers as they wish (the escalator clause). So you don’t prpomise that such powers will NOT be transferred – you simply promise a referendum. So you hold a referendum on a propsoed transfer, we vote NO, and the power transfers anyway – as EU law overrides local law under the treaty..
- “…we will introduce a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority stays in this country, in our Parliament. “. You don’t promise to pass such a law – and any such law is meaningless anyway as the treaty states that EU law
overrides local law – so again pointless…
- “…And third, we want to negotiate three specific guarantees with our European partners over powers …”. You can pretty well guarantee the EU will say NO to this one. And what happens then. Precisely nothing.

You promised us a cast-iron guarantee of a referendum. Honour that promise, as David Davis asks you to… !

Comment by Peter Fiore on November 4, 2009 at 10:34 pm

As much as I admire you Mr Cameroon your escape from having a retrospective referendum is so badly handled.
By all means have it written in law that any more changes etc in europe have to be agreed by a referendum. Sorry but there is nothing of substance left to give europe-so it is a minor political exercise.

A more important issue is that of uncontrolled immigration into the UK. Ask the question why we continually see hundreds of young men milling around in Calais (and many other places along the french coast) Europe is humanitarian is it not? Why do feel the need to cross from Italy, Germany and France etc to come the the UK? Is it not that we have generous benifits for the pickings. While to pay for this we trim the allowances to our own people? It will come back to haunt a British Government one day, of that I am sure. Now this is something the British should have a referendum on-do we want to overload our country and by- pass an already generous legal immigration system? I support asylum and fair equal immigration. I do not support the present free for all system. This is another issue that has got away under the radar.
Someone has to address this problem-let us hope it is you.

Comment by Lesley Windsor on November 4, 2009 at 10:34 pm

The words stable door and horse come to mind! What a load of waffle! Sorry Mr Cameron, but you are now no different from any of the other politicians since Heath who have lied about Europe and our membership thereof. It is now a Federation and we are merely a minor player therein. Who of those with their noses in the trough are going to listen to anything you or any other English politician says. Dream on. We are now no longer the United Kingdom we are merely another set of regions in the European Federation and all this without our permission. Why are we trying to convince the rest of the world that we belong to a democracy and that it is the only way. It’s a joke – and I don’t mean the funny kind!

Comment by Richard Harding on November 4, 2009 at 10:34 pm

I feel that David Cameron should go a lot further and hold a rederendum in the first year of a tory government on withdrawing the uk from the EU.

Comment by D Biter on November 4, 2009 at 10:37 pm

I am staggered that having broken a very clear promise – can you get clearer than “cast iron guarantee”? – DC can’t come up with something better than this footling statement. The word inept springs to mind. And if I can’t believe DC on this, why should I believe him on anything else? The Tories’ tax position seems pretty dubious too – i.e. they don’t seem in a hurry to stop tax rises for the better off – so can anyone tell me what is the point of voting Conservative? Tories need more meat, DC. DO NOT RELY ON YOUR CORE VOTE!!

Comment by Huw Williams on November 4, 2009 at 10:38 pm

This is one of the most gutless, unprincipled, meaningless sets of promises I’ve heard from a politician yet. What really grates is that it has been obvious for months that the treaty could be ratified before an election and I think we all hoped you could do better than this. How on earth will you deliver on the implied promise of, for instance, a UK Sovereignty Bill when it’s all gone? Your only hope of getting any negotiating leverage and not being laughed out of court is a referendum that shows Europe how strongly our people feel. How about wording it ‘would you like the UK to remain in Europe under the current arrangements (including the Lisbon Treaty)?’. If the answer is ‘yes’ then so be it – let’s move on. If ‘no’ then we should ask what the people really want. I think they want the UK playing an active role in a free trade area/ common market and NO MORE than that.

I was going to campaign for my local candidate in a marginal currently held by the Lib Dems. Now he can sink on his own as far as I’m concerned. I’ll probably vote UKIP just to help you guys get the message about how upset we are.

PS How ironic that the two anti-spam words at the bottom of the screen as I type this are ‘am’ and ‘robbed’. Pretty much sums it up.

Comment by Simon Frain on November 4, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Not good enough David, this treaty gives the EU all the hallmarks of a state already. We have already slid into a federal Europe. If you become Great Britain’s prime minister you will be bound by the treaty provisions to promote the EU.

I will quote from eureferendum.blogspot.com:-

“In short, the heads of states and governments of the member states, who comprise the European Council, cease to represent their own member state interests and become absorbed into a tier of the EU government, bound by its laws and obliged to further the aims and objectives of the Union.”

Is this really the sort of prime minister you wish to be?

Merely a puppet of the EU, without any real teeth, pretending to run a country when the real controls are in Brussels.

I’m sorry David but I had high hopes you would keep your promise. The only real referendum we can now have is in or out and I know you won’t have the guts to go for that option.

The only choice now is the UKIP.

Comment by Chris McLaughlin on November 4, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Gutless posturing will not do. You made a cast iron committment to a referendum. You know we cannot negotiate opt outs. Don’t behave like Blair and take us for granted. Madelson has out manoeuvred everyone.

Comment by matthew on November 4, 2009 at 10:40 pm

Why can we not leave the EU, we provide more Troops in Afgan than any of our cowardly neighbours . We harbor all their immigrants,now they want all our power. we should have a referendum if we should stay in Europe. If you get in power Mr Cameron please be very strong with Europe, I am a Sergeant Major in the British Army Fighting for this countrys intrests and defence but it seems like our hold on this Green and pleasent land is slipping away. If you are strong you will get my vote, dont be like Labour, WEAK!!!!

Comment by nigel schofield on November 4, 2009 at 10:40 pm

hello david,totally agree with your email re europe but we need to return to the border controls we had pre joining europe,we had 2 lanes-uk nationals and others in a 2nd lane and it was well policed-not a lane that says EU nationals only.
Re MPS expenses-well this is an area where the whole populus other than the patricians of westminster are aghast at-no other job i know of has allowed workers to claim for a mortgage!-normal members of the public have to struggle just to survuve-I feel ALL politicians are so far out of touch with the ordinary people,example-you guys in london on 4 x 4 so called tractors-it maybe a staus symbol for you lot-its a neccesity of life for us in rural areas!.
Now one for your reseachers-DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER-What a rip off britain disaster for penshioners and others-Inspite of advice from radio amateurs and radio proffesionals we told this government a digital signal wont hit everyone and weve been proven right-Ive got 78 yr old penshioners with no tv signal-no tv-and what keeps penshioners going -TV-Please David at next MPQS ask Mr Brown-if penshioners cant get any tv-will this government pay for them to watch tv via bts vision cable line?its their only way.=regards nigel schofield-im voting for you!

Comment by peter dyke on November 4, 2009 at 10:40 pm

What will Mr Cameron do? Invent a NEW law to stop further power being lost to Brussels? YEA! sure…. Watch out England it looks very much to me like our MOTHER of democracies has been well and truly outwitted by our European neighbours… Well done all UK politicians.. Oh yes… Dont forget to collect your cheques and would the last person out of the door please turn out the lights.

Comment by Christopher Ashton-Jones on November 4, 2009 at 10:41 pm

David, Would it ever be possible for the UK to leave the EU or are we tied in forever?

Comment by Ben on November 4, 2009 at 10:41 pm

What a soulless contribution, David. Spinelessness is surely an open door to defeat in the next general election.

Comment by F.E.Sharpe on November 4, 2009 at 10:41 pm

please view the lisbon treaty petition on the number10 web site at
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/lisbontreatyvote/ and leave your mark we need that lisbon treaty vote now.

Comment by Chris Scott on November 4, 2009 at 10:42 pm

I am sorry David, but Labour said we would have a referendum. That has not happened now, so why should I even believe anything you or any politician says.

History has taught me that the big changes talked about pre election are rarely fulfilled.

I will not be voting this time round and probably not for the foreseeable future.

Comment by Chris Lenton on November 4, 2009 at 10:42 pm

David I am sorry but this is just not good enough and completely unacceptable. We now need a referendum on whether we should continue with our EU membership. Unpalatable as this is for you, you must give the voters the opportunity to vote on this issue. Brown wouldn’t do so on the treaty because he knew he would lose. Do not deny us this vote for the same reason! No government can rule legitimately without a new mandate in the EU we have been denied by Brown and Clegg, when he instructed his party to abstain on the vote, our last hope was you and you have now failed us. I would strongly recommend you announce that in addition to what you have already said you will give the electorate the opportunity to vote in 2010 on our continued membership of the EU. As this is what it will come down to in the end.
Chris Lenton, Chairman – The Chartered Institute of Marketing

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 4, 2009 at 10:43 pm

When will the government learn that the Europeans don’t really like us, and they will do anything to bankrupt this country while their countries are doing alright.

We are told what to do , what to think and we are not allowed freedom of speech anymore, because everything is gone over with a microscope from the ‘political corrections police.’ Our country has gone to the dogs, and it is rotten right from the top, because if the European MEP’s can’t balance the books for the European Union, and the MP’s can’t accept what is right and wrong, The banks cannot accept what they are doing wrong, then how do you expect to lead by example. It is time to take the billions of pounds poured into the European Union, and start to back it back into British Farms, British Industry, and maintain the British way of life, without interference from anyone else. There was only one person who stood up to the European Union and You gang up on her and treated her really badly. Margaret Thatcher, had the real policies, and she battled for Britain. The other PM’s since have been either American or European Puppets.

Comment by S Lovett on November 4, 2009 at 10:43 pm

I’m still with the Conservatives – but only just. I’m willing to accept everything Mr Cameron has said above, but am wary that it will be possible to implement.

How could Gordon Brown and his despicable government sign away our sovreignty with the loathesome Lisbon Treaty? It’s disgraceful. I fear though that if the Conservatives win the next election, it will all be too late to rectify.

What a depressing thought that we are now governed by Europe – which in reality means France and Germany! I really hope David Cameron can pull us back from this awful state of affairs – but I still have doubts.

Comment by John Kost on November 4, 2009 at 10:43 pm

While I agree that a referendum no longer makes sense, I have to say promising to negotiate opt out to the social chapter is either nieve or disingenuous as the likelihood of our European partners agreeing to them is remote or zero.

While I like the idea of a legal obligation for a referendum on any future changes I wonder if the legal changes can be delivered in a way that a future labour government could not work around?

Comment by John on November 4, 2009 at 10:44 pm

To be honest I subscribed to your site because I’m ashamed at how Labour leaders have treated us both in terms of lies and in trying to cover up their actions and mistakes.
What a breath of fresh air it would be to hear a politician admit to error!
Anyway, back to the point, for me your weakness, and you don’t have many, is Europe. Consider showing leadership and working with our neighbours rather than the USA who only help us when it suits them.
I’d love to see the end money changing when I holiday in Europe.
With regard to European law it is my impression that the vast bulk of nonsense paperwork only arises once our ‘boys in Whitehall’ get their hands on legislation.
Best-
John

Comment by Jon O’Donnell on November 4, 2009 at 10:45 pm

This has gone someway to restoring my faith, however, I want uk to remain in control of its military forces and not under european leadership such as in the Indian Ocean and in a rapi reaction force. And lastly we must control our own foreign policy, europe consistantly fails to act and we cannot be constrained by their inability to make decisions when morally we know we must act.

Comment by G. Unwin on November 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Dear Mr Cameron,
I am disillusioned and disappointed. My vote – along with millions of others, I hope – will now go to Ukip. No two ways about it. And I keep my promises, unlike you.

Comment by Ken Moore on November 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Dear David,

Its a great pity, because I really thought you could be different from the present administration i.e. Brown and formerly Blair, but I rather think that to some degree your just as dishonest. You promised a referuendum on Europe and the Lisban treaty, Europe I am all for as I have lived in France, Germany and Switzerland for over 15yrs, but I returned to the UK”UNFORTUNATLY”.to find that it had been taken over by a political and ideaoligical “elite” who had no respect for the very people they profested to represent and who placed their trust in them.
I agree you are unable to prevent the Lisban treaty fro become effective prior to the general election in the UK however you can give a commitment on behalf of the conservative party to hold a referendum on the future relaionship between the EU and Great Britian. And one whic you can not at a future date find a means of renaging on. Without this sort of promise I fear many people like myself will not vote for you at the next general election and perhaps chose a more radical party or not vote at all. PS I will never vote for Brown and would never have voted for Balir..

Comment by Alan on November 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm

I have always voted Conservative and if we don’t get a vote mine will go to UKIP.

It will be a shame if Labour get back in because David Cameron lied…

Comment by Dave Dawson on November 4, 2009 at 10:48 pm

It seems to me that Europe is governed by failed politicians and non politicians (Neil and Glyns Kinnock for example). This makes Tony Blair the ideal candidate for President! Labour promised us a vote but didn’t give us one. Labour takes more than any previous government in taxes and they have squandered it this constitutes a government of liars and theives! We must get rid of them…. And never let the do it again!

Comment by Tony Molloy on November 4, 2009 at 10:48 pm

I’m so very disappointed with the Conservatives and, what appears to be, its spineless leader. I expected more, but there again, I’m from an era when we had a proper leader – BRING BACK MAGGIE!

I cringed as I saw Brown gloating in PMQs today, leaving David Cameron and his crony ‘yes-men’ looking foolish.

The Conservatives PROMISED us a referendum on the Treaty, so there should be NO turning back. If it’s impossible to do so now – or so we are being told – then let’s have a vote on our EU membership instead.

It appears that the Conservatives are no better than Labour… promises, promises, promises!

Comment by Ian Phillipson on November 4, 2009 at 10:49 pm

This is a total capitulation and climbdown which has massively damaged the credibility of the party and leadership. It is clear the people of this country want a proper say on the continued erosion of our rights and ability to govern ourselves by the EU.
Tony Blair must be laughing his socks off when he lied about a referendum and will end up being president of the EU to which the UK will be subservient with a Conservative government.
Mr Cameron, it’s time to stand up to Europe and let the people decide if we want to be part of this expensive over-reglating federal ‘project’, or if we want to exist like Norway and Switzerland and govern and regulate ourselves for the betterment of Britain.

Comment by John Kelly on November 4, 2009 at 10:49 pm

I do not support referendums. I believe in electing intelligent people who will study all specialist matters to do with the EU and act upon good advice and experience and make decisions and LEAD. Labour should never have promised a referendum. You should not conduct referendums. For God’s sake use that expensive education and trust in your Oxford first to take parliament with you and lead the nation. Go and consult the Great Clarke about Europe. He will (with the great Heseltine and the great Howe and the Great Brittan) show you the way forward.

Comment by avril jarman on November 4, 2009 at 10:51 pm

David, I don’t think I have ever felt so cheated, afraid & sorry for the families who lost loved ones in two wars for our freedom, to now be soldout to the enemy of a united europe. I am not european I am english , yes even british but not european. this has taken every belief i ever had. for sixty years i have been proud of my country now i do not belong, i feel like the gurkas must have , stood up for, respect every thing british and now great britain is given to europe, i just feel sick with worry for the future of the beloved british isles

Comment by Ali M on November 4, 2009 at 10:52 pm

David it is not ‘if’ but when, and again when you are PM….positive thinking!

Comment by Andrew Marks on November 4, 2009 at 10:53 pm

Cameron- you just don’t get this at all, do you? Neither you, Brown or Clegg. You collectively sit cosseted away in your Ivory Tower that now passes as a poor excuse for Parliamentary democracy, making decisions for an electorate that has long since disengaged from the political process because we have had enough of misguided policies, patronising sound bites, spin, puff and smoke, broken promises, and being patronised by successive politicians who arrogantly presume that they know better than the electorate and can ride roughshod over time established democratic principles and fail to address the problems that most exercise the minds of the broad electorate.
It is frankly hard to see the difference between the policies that the ‘New’ Conservatives pronounce on and what ‘New’ Labour have saddled us with and what the oxymoronic Liberal Democrats dream about. The days of conviction politicians who had a genuine vision for this country’s future and the freedoms and rights of the genuine liberal loving population that inhabited this isle are now history. It is irrelevant who we vote for because the combined financial, economic, social, and demographic problems heaped on this country and that this country now faces are so vast and intractable that it will take a politician of greater moral fibre and strength than we currently have in what passes for our parliament to have the vision and moral authority and sense of purpose and resolution to address these issues and deliver a solution. Without that the issues we face will prove so insurmountable without such a measure of pain that no politician will dare to take the ‘hard path’ to take us through this. Whilst we try and promote democracy through military intervention in foreign countries and our politicians send our inadequately equipped soldiers to fight and die in those lands for this cause, we are incapable of exercising applied democratic principles in our own country and ensuring that those democratic principles are upheld. Can our politicians really not appreciate the hypocrisy and irony of their actions and the message that this sends to the wider global community? How can we lecture on democracy abroad when we meekly sit by and see our rights won over centuries often through blood shed by our ancestors so fecklessly abandoned because our sorry bunch of invertebrate politicians cannot stand by their manifesto commitments made to their electorate. It is both pitiful and shameful that this appears lost on them. Then perhaps we should not expect any more from a collection of individuals who seem to have been more interested in the main in enriching themselves personally in the act of delivering democracy than in really representing the best interests of the electorate. This is a shameful period in our country’s history and we shall come to regret the fact that we failed to stand up for our rights and our democratic principles in a Europe that has long since lost the perspective and objective to genuinely represent the interests of the peoples that it professes to represent. Pitiful.

Comment by P.M.Hughes on November 4, 2009 at 10:53 pm

Dear David,I am most disapointed that you will not let your voters have a referendum on Europe as promised if you cannot keep your promise I and my wife will vote UKIP,this is a last resort,being let down by the Tories on this subject leaves a nasty taste in the mouth,and leaves you in the same league as Brown,Yours Sincerely P.M.Hughes.

Comment by steve on November 4, 2009 at 10:54 pm

im looking for party that give me the truth stick by its promises like i stuck with this party for 38 yrs

Comment by Daniel Parker on November 4, 2009 at 10:55 pm

I thought I was a conservative, but to be honest, after the last couple of emails from you David, I am really not impressed at all. At the moment my vote goes with some minority party(something alot of voters will go for as they are all disillutioned with their normal choice. This country really has gone to the dogs as all politicians don’t seem to represent the people, and where they don’t know they don’t ask. I don’t think this is democracy!

Comment by Mr J Wilson on November 4, 2009 at 10:56 pm

The damage is now done as far as the Lisbon Treaty is concerned, like a lot of people in this country I am not happy at the outcome.
However, what will you be doing about the immigration and deportation of those that are not legally supposed to be in this country.
Stopping the sale of British industry to other countries (those that we have left)
Getting police back on the streets and dealing with the SERIOUS side of crime , instead of picking soft targets to boost their detection rates.
Obscene payments that Bankers and “other” high profile positions pay themselves – I wish I could pay my pension a similar large bonus, but have to rely on the Government for whatever amounts we pensioners think we deserve, which is not a lot by what previous Governments have deemed fit to give us.
Lastly our poor servicemen deserve better from whatever Government is in office, give them what they need, I am sure with whatever you save from the bankers and other obscene wage packets, this will go a long way to helping them.
Thankyou, my soap box is now back in its cupboard.

Comment by Graham Campbell on November 4, 2009 at 10:56 pm

I have no problem with your new policy; after all it was Labour who welched on their referendum promise. What I don’t understand is why you are allowing the media to portray Cameron as having reneged on a ‘cast iron promise’ of a referendum when, in recent months at least, he has done no such thing. He has always stated that in government, he would hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, but only if it had not already been ratified by all member states. It is this fundamental proviso that BBC et al choose to ignore. Why on earth do you let them get away with it?

Comment by jeff whalley on November 4, 2009 at 10:58 pm

David,clear concise & very positive response to an unacceptable situation.Thankyou & best wishes Jeff

Comment by Tony Dunlop on November 4, 2009 at 10:59 pm

Labour have renaged on their manifesto commitment to hold a referendum. In my view they had no mandate to sign the Treaty and acted ultra vires in doing so. The Conservatives should inform our European partners that the UK is a Sovereign Nation and Labour had no authority to sign the Treaty and if the Conservatives are elected a referendum will be held to enable them to endorse or withdraw from the Treaty.

Comment by Dave,Edinburgh on November 4, 2009 at 10:59 pm

In a few short weeks will Gordon Brown, with the blessing of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, attend at Copenhagen to sign away all the rights and values given to the British people in the year 1215 at Runnymede with the signing of the Magna Carta?

With the establishment of the Lisbon treaty, our politicians have already surrendered British law in favour of European law.

All that remains now is for the establishment of a World Government under the terms laid down by the United Nations,

Feudalism, Fascism, Socialism and Communism are merely distinctions with no difference. An individual or small group of individuals will have complete control of all property and all human activity. Once in power, they will rule unopposed. It is no surprise that there are those who lust for this control. It must be a genetic defect that so many long for or accept this type of rule.

As observed by Lord Monkton, (previous Conservative scientific advisor to Lady Thatcher)
At Copenhagen, “A world government is going to be created”. The word, government, actually appears as the first of three purposes of the new entity.
The second purpose is the transfer of wealth from the countries of the West to third-world countries [Some 90 billion pounds of taxpayers money is being touted] in satisfaction of what they call a “climate debt,” because we’ve been pumping CO2 into the atmosphere and they haven’t and we’ve been screwing up the climate.
We haven’t been screwing up the climate, but that’s their line.
And the third purpose of this new entity, this Government, is enforcement.

How many of you think that the word election or democracy or vote or ballot occurs anywhere in the 200 pages of this treaty? Quite right. It doesn’t appear once, because as soon as this World Government is in place, there will be no need for elections, the Government will be the Government and if you don’t like it, TOUGH. Why all our politicians are falling over themselves to sign up to this nonsense is because they all want to secure their position in the administration of this New World Order.

The putrid stench of TREASON hangs in the air as the vultures sense a much larger corpse than their expenses to gorge upon.

Get used to it, you no longer answer to British law, you now answer to European law.
Did the people vote for or even have a say in this farce? No, this decision was taken on your behalf, without consultation, because CO2 is bad, so bad that belief in Man Made Climate Change now has the same recognition in law as religion.

Brown will sign because he thinks he can “save the planet” (Ed Miliband told him so)
Obama may also sign away the rights of the American people (they gave him a Nobel Prize, he’ll sign anything), and like the UK, may cede the peoples laws, values and freedom to One World Government under the terms of the United Nations. AND ALL BASED ON LIES.

Under World Government the concept of political accountability will no longer exist and all previous values will have to be redrawn to suit the New World Order. One particular value that will be up for redraft reads as follows…………………………..

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government….”

Quote…..”It would have been quite impossible to render this into Newspeak while keeping to the sense of the original. The nearest one could come to doing so would be to swallow the whole passage up in the single word “Crimethink”…..the final adoption of Newspeak had been fixed for so late a date as 2050.”
(from the final paragraph of George Orwell’s 1984.)

Watch Lord Monkton’s speech or read a transcript:

http://www.dakotavoice.com/2009/10/un-climate-treaty-in-december-2009-a-threat-to-us-sovereignty/

A shorter vid. with the important observations is on you tube, search: Is Obama Poised to Cede US Sovereignty?

I see troubled times ahead when the general public realise they have been conned by unscrupulous politicians using weasel words and junk science, there will be riots on the streets.

http://www.globalclimatescam.com/documents/un-fccc-copenhagen-2009.pdf

(This watered down version does NOT, however, replace the revised negotiating text, which remains on the table. see paragraph 2 of the introduction, page 3 of pdf)

Although growing numbers of people worldwide now recognise AGW as simply a scam, there are still a few “self appointed” individuals who will produce endless streams of dodgy data, in an effort to “prove” that only they are right while everyone else is wrong, These pompous individuals feel it is their “duty” to show that anyone who does not share their bias is a scientific ignoramus, your “Magna cum Laude” Phd counts for nothing with these fanatics, while they themselves offer NO evidence whatsoever to support their claims. Indeed all, yes ALL empirical evidence proves the contrary.

Like any other public health crisis AGW Fanaticism should be treated as a sickness, it is an epidemic. paralysing the believer’s ability to behave in a rational manner, and given that their proposed “cures” for anthropogenic warming will lead to extreme hardship and even death for millions of people, these eco-mentalists pose an increasingly grave threat worldwide.

Comment by J Wheeler on November 4, 2009 at 11:00 pm

David, like the majority of voters I am disappointed in this attitude that nothing can be changed. Surely a referendum would legitimise Mr. Brown’s signature on the treaty or alternatively indicate that it was an invalid gesture from a minister who fails continuously to represent his countrymen. It appears we are fated to be absorbed by a community with as many agendas as it has countries, the time is right for leadership not acquiescence if the party is to fulfil its ambitions.

Comment by Paul Robson on November 4, 2009 at 11:00 pm

This is tripe. The tinpot tyrants of the EU won’t accept or allow any such laws. The whole point of Lisbon is that they can now extend their power without need for any more votes. After the election you will forget all about this and you know it.You yourself are an EU-sucking sell out, Cameron.I hope to see Nu Labour smashed at the next election, so badly that they will be finished for good. The election after it will be Blu-Labours turn.

Comment by d j mortimer on November 4, 2009 at 11:01 pm

I used to be so proud of my country.

Comment by Don on November 4, 2009 at 11:01 pm

Your actions on this are much better than any other party, so you will have my vote – I voted Labour every election since I could vote but am now disillusioned with how they are destroying our country.

Comment by Steve on November 4, 2009 at 11:03 pm

What a load of old waffle. You gave us hope that we would have a vote on that corrupt cesspit that is Europe.
It is true that clown Brown sold us out but you gave us hope, now we have been sold out again.
They will not allow you to make good on your promises so why make such devious hollow jestures, more lies?
You may well get elected next year but I warn you it will be a poison chalice and you will be left holding a very angry baby.
I dont feel that you are ballsy enough to handle this issue so get out now and give somebody who cares the helm.

Comment by mt on November 4, 2009 at 11:04 pm

I will no longer be voting conservative. These promises are disingenuous.

(1) The promise of a referendum on any future transferal of power to the “Union” – anyone who has read the Lisbon Treaty knows that it provides for such transferrals without any such treaties, so there will be none.

(2) The sovereignty bill that states that ultimate
authority stays in this country – what use is that when the terms of membership of the Union contradict it and Union law is the higher? UK legislation of this kind would require full withdrawl from the Union to have any purpose.

“we must never allow Britain to slide into a federal Europe”

But you are.

Your faux objections aren’t fooling me. Minus one vote.

By the end of the next parliament, the House of Commons will be nothing more than local “state” government, and everyone knows what local elections are for – PROTEST VOTES.

Comment by hazel channon on November 4, 2009 at 11:04 pm

David – one word brilliant

Comment by Eoghainn C MacLean, Advocate on November 4, 2009 at 11:05 pm

It should be party policy to have a referendum on the third point, without which there will be no strength in any negotiation for the return of such powers and no congruence with the perception of a long stated policy for a plebiscite on European matters. The Conservatives ought to continue to be the only major party offering the voters a chance of direct demoracy on Europe. Otherwise, it will lose the advantage of having clean hands on this and risks haemorrhaging votes to UKIP.

Comment by Harry Royle on November 4, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Mr. Cameron, you said today “We will make sure that this [the surrender of British sovereignty to Brussels] never, ever, happens again.” Is this another of your “cast iron guarantee”s? Give me one good reason why I , who has tirelessly worked for local Conservatives for several years now, should ever vote Conservative again whilst you are the Party’s leader. Yes, I know that to vote for a minority party (such as UKIP) might result in Labour getting a fourth term in office. But, so what? It would (a) prevent them from blaming the savage economic medicine they would be forced to administer on “the nasty Tories”; it would (b) concentrate the minds of the 3 major parties on the incandescent rage of the British public over being ruled from an unelected and corrupt EU dictatorship, and (c) it might just help transform one or more of the minor parties into a major political force (people are more easily persuaded to join a “minor” party when they see that party’s votes growing.. I await your answer with interest.

Comment by hazel channon on November 4, 2009 at 11:05 pm

I read your recent e mail it gave me renewed hope.

Comment by nagswoman on November 4, 2009 at 11:06 pm

Well, I think David has just lost himself an election and my (probably wasted) vote is likely to go to UKIP.

Comment by TV on November 4, 2009 at 11:06 pm

And the main political parties are wondering why UKIP are becoming so popular?!? Even with the BBC bias against the party, they were extremely successful in the Euro elections. Reading their policies on their website I am now looking to them to sort out the mess previous governments have left this country in.

Comment by Edward on November 4, 2009 at 11:06 pm

I THOUGHT LIKE MANY OTHERS THAT CAMERON WAS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER POLITICIANS……THOUGHT I COULD TRUST HIM … .. IF ANYTHING HE WOULD KEEP HIS OATH TO HM QUEEN ELIZABETH THAT HE GAVE AS AN MP AND PRIVY COUNCELLOR…
BY BREAKING THAT OATH …LIKE ALL THE OTHERS …WHO HAVE VOTED AND SIGNED AWAY THIS COUNTRY TO A LOAD OF UNELECTED NONTITIES WHO ARE RUNNING A UNION WHOS ACCOUNTS HAVE NOT BEEN SIGNED OFF FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS…I CALL THEM TRAITORS …THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE FOR THEM..THAT IS THE TOWER.

Comment by John Mason on November 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm

William Hague, said it was “a bad day for British democracy”.
If that`s so then it`s his duty to give notice to Europe that we will not be bound by the signature of a discredited and failing Prime Minister, if a referendum goes against.

If Cameron can`t do that then he can`t have my vote; he`d be of little use !

Comment by Arthur Dent on November 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Do you take your potential voters for simpletons. A British Sovereignty Act would, as you well know, not be worth the paper on which it is written. The Lisbon Treaty and all previous treaties back to the Treaty of Rome make it crystal clear that in areas where the EU has competence it is EU Law that is the ultimate authority.

The Lisbon Treaty also has an enabling clause that means that further EU Integration can take place without the need for a further treaty, so the in built referndum proposal is also a useliss figleaf.

December the 1st will go down in history as the day that the United Kingdom became the UK Province of the EU. What Charlemagne and Hitler failed to achieve by force has been achieved by bureaucrats by stealth.

There is little point in voting in the UK elections since the 646 MPs at Westminster have no more real poer than my local council

Comment by David Baldwin on November 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Why not simply TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT what it means to the man-in-the-street? You’re OK – just like all of the ‘fat cats’ but I really don’t believe that you actually understand what it’s like to be a ‘normal’ man-in-the-street. Until you and every other Labour and Conservative politician understands the basics then you’re living in a fools paradise. You once responded to one of my emails about David Curry and said ‘I cannot control my back-benchers’ – if you can’t control a dead-leg like Curry, followed by this ‘U-turn’ then how do you expect to count on my vote after over 40 years of voting Conservative?

Comment by Diana on November 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Am I stupid or what ? How can we have a vote when it has already been ratified? Let’s move on and get these idiotic cronies out before we have no Great Britain left.
You have my vote all the way David and do keep William on board at all costs.

Comment by PSJ on November 4, 2009 at 11:08 pm

The three words everybody needs to learn about Europe are BOO – better off out.

But given that we are in, this repatriation of powers is sensible. And the Sovereignty Act is a good start, and, if properly exploited, could well be the start of our taking our country back. We should also take back control over immigration – we need some EU immigrants, but simply cannot afford to extend the legal right to live and work in the UK to the countries of Eastern Europe, many of whom have living standards a fraction of our own.

I was thinking about voting for UKIP yesterday, but will not now be doing so.

Comment by Robert Shaw on November 4, 2009 at 11:08 pm

David,

The EU seems to allow, even to enforce, successive votes such as the recent Irish referendum, in order to get its own way eventually. Can we not reciprocate and have retrospective voting to unpick their tightening grip?

What can Europe do if we “un-sign”?
They will still want to trade with us, and sell us their cars, their cheese and their pigs. They will still want us to holiday on their beaches. And they will still want our soldiers to do the hard work instead of theirs.

Don’t weaken,
Robert Shaw

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 4, 2009 at 11:08 pm

I will be honest, I like many other poor people of this country feel very much let down. The European Union loses billions of pounds, in fact the auditors gave up, because they couldn’t balance the books, and not one MP or government official has said ‘hold on, if you cannot find where these billion’s of pounds are going, then we are not sending anymore, which is what anyone else with any sense would do.’

No everyone gets either a nice pension, and/or a nice job in the European Union, after they have been in government, so they are not going to rock the boat.

The person in the street can see this, and they are losing faith in all the politicians because they promise to act on behalf of the British people before they get into office and then they soon forget their promises once they get there.

If you are a criminal, you are better treated than if you are if you are disabled or you are an old age pensioner, who needs care. I could tell you outrages that would make your hair curl, however I feel like many others that MP’s don’t care as long as they are alright. However it is a sad fact of life that people don’t matter anymore where big businesses and government just keep trying their best to make everyone’s lives a misery in this country. That is why that many young people want to emigrate which I for one don’t blame them as their is no hope in this country anymore.

Comment by Harry Royle on November 4, 2009 at 11:09 pm

A POSTSCRIPT: Having commented on your blog at 10.05pm this evening, I received a message thanking me for my comment made “at 11.05pm”. Have you never heard of British Summer Time and Greenwich Mean Time? This incompetence hardly inspires confidence in the Conservative Party does it?

Comment by John Waller on November 4, 2009 at 11:09 pm

I’ll admit that I was one of the fools that believed it was to be a commom market not a dictatorship, to me the real solution is to get out as quickly as possible. Especialy as Blair is out to grab control.

Comment by John Young on November 4, 2009 at 11:10 pm

Sorry David but I’ve voted Conservative all my life but this is the end .
I’m Chairman of a local Conservative branch but how can I continue now that you have renegade on a ‘cast iron’ promise.
I now have great sympathy with my 27 year old son who says — ‘what’s the point in voting they all say one thing and do another’
Sorry David but your no different than the rest of those sycophants in Westminster — just when will you listen to the people our country is finished you were our last hope and you’ve blown it.
We need a CHURCHILL but we simply haven’t got anyone who could lick his boots.

Comment by P.Rhymes on November 4, 2009 at 11:11 pm

It’s all very depressing. I agree about Maggie. She is being made out as some sort of demon but she swung her bag for us many times.

Comment by Jim Colville on November 4, 2009 at 11:11 pm

this is just hot air, when will political leaders admit that the government is supposed to reflect the will of the electorate the vast majority of which does not want to be a part of the Europe which just came into being, I know a lot of people but I dont know anyone who is not horrified by what this government has done.
Will you, if elected, take us out of the new superstate, will you send home all the illegal immigrants and stop the inflow, we dont mind people coming here to work but we are just full up, in fact we’re overflowing.
If you want my vote you will have to do more than this blog says

Comment by jim on November 4, 2009 at 11:11 pm

Dave,what don’t you understand about… I am going to vote UKIP.People say politicians just don’t get it,you are a classic example.Goodbye.

Comment by k donlon on November 4, 2009 at 11:12 pm

you almost had me back on your side, you almost had me beleiving in you, however after your refusal to hold a referendum you have .lost my vote again, what is it about politicians who have cause to deceive.

Comment by stuart on November 4, 2009 at 11:14 pm

no more sold us down

Comment by Mike Gallafent on November 4, 2009 at 11:15 pm

What a dreadful state of affairs. My vote has now to be UKIP

Comment by Petr Stojan on November 4, 2009 at 11:15 pm

I’m proud to be member of CP and strongly believe in EU too. Letter of DC is so wise. I’m definitely sure that UK will always stay in the heart of new Europe. Vaclav Klaus is thief and ex agent KGB. No more any cooperation with this looser.

Comment by alan broomhead on November 4, 2009 at 11:15 pm

dear david, i think its high time we threw out
of the eu,it is a ridiculas state of affairs when
they dictate to us how to run our own country.now i have been a conservative voter
all my life,but i must ask you how you stand on
this muslim sharia law,as i am getting very concerned about this as i fear that they are
getting too powerfull in trying to erode our way of life and our customs as they wont stop at this they will demand more till they get
what they want.i would like to see you in no 10 but i would like to know how you feel about
my concern,thank you.

Comment by Hamski on November 4, 2009 at 11:15 pm

David Cameron made it perfectly clear on the Andrew Marr show many weeks ago that despite the rhetoric, he had no intention of doing what was necessary to ensure we got a referendum and thereby stop the treaty in its tracks. The treaty he apparently does not agree with, but would do nothing about. He would only say that it depends upon what happens with the treaty before coming into office knowing full well that it would be a done deal by then. Andrew Marr made him look a fool. Cameron could have helped stop the treaty being ratified by committing to the referendum no matter what. Now we have yet another two-faced politician who can’t be trusted. Talking now of holding a different referendum to negotiate on what is left is way too little, too late. Too much that matters has been given away already and we are a whole lot further down the road of a Federal European State and the UK as an independent Sovereign State with control over its own destiny will be a thing of the past.
Both Gordon the Moron and Cameron will go down in history as traitors.

Comment by Fiona and John Ryland on November 4, 2009 at 11:16 pm

David

We understand it is too late to have a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. The concern is that the transfer of power that has just happened will make it impossible to introduce the United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill and other measures that you suggest.

Leaving the EU, or at least threatening to leave the EU may be the only course of action left open to us. If we allow ourselves to dragged into a Federal Europe, however much we protest in the process, we will leave future generations in this country, like my neice and nephew, sinking under the burden of two layers of government.

We would welcome a referendum on our future membership of the EU.

Best wishes, Fiona and John (Conservative Party members)

Comment by Jon on November 4, 2009 at 11:16 pm

Mr Cameron, I’m 40 years old and have voted Conservative in every election since I was 18. In the past I have stood in both local and county council elections for the Conservative Party.

You’ve betrayed me Mr Cameron in the same way that Labour have betrayed this country for the past 12 years.

I for one have had enough of it now and will vote for a party who represents my views on Europe.

I’ll be voting UKIP from now on.

Comment by Jim Colville on November 4, 2009 at 11:17 pm

Obama was right you lack substance

Comment by Mike41 on November 4, 2009 at 11:18 pm

It is about time we show we are British and being proud of it. As for the referendum it was never going to happen, as you well know so why say that is what you were going to do. I would prefer a Prime Minister that is going to tell the truth for a change.

Comment by J.O’Donnell on November 4, 2009 at 11:18 pm

I think it is too late and too little.I do not consider myself European but English AND DO NOT AGREE THAT SOME FOREIGN COUNTRY CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO ESPECIALLY AS I’VE HAD NO SAYING IN THE TREATY.THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE ARE PAYING EACH YEAR TO THE E.U.,WE COULD PAY OUR HUGE DEBT OFF MORE QUICKLY OR GIVE THE PENSIONERS A BETTER LIFE.IT IS POINTLESS HAVING A REFERENDUM NOW UNLESS IT IS TO LEAVE THE E.U.SO THAT I SHAN’T HAVE TO VOTE FOR THE UKIP

Comment by Adrian White on November 4, 2009 at 11:18 pm

This is a cop out. Come out of Europe. We do not have to be in it to be a success. Let’s make our own rules not kow tow to Brussels. Give voters the chance to voice a preference for Europe or to reinstate our sovereign control.

Comment by patrick walker on November 4, 2009 at 11:20 pm

I am so sorry, but the fundemental fact is the British were promised a referendum on the Charter now called a Treaty. Our Government had renaged on that promise. The simple fact is that the people do not want the treaty and if allowed to vote would vote against it. You know beyond doubt that that is the case. By not allowing them the chance to vote against it you are, I am so sad to see, just the same as the other politicians. You say you believe in democracy but you don’t. If you believed in democracy surely you would ensure that the people had the vote that they want. I never ever thought I would say it, I so looked forward to a Cameron led Conservative Government but now if he too is to choose personal interest over the will of the people I will have to seek another vote. Sadly that may be more right wing. That is the danger of not trusting the people and supporting democracy, you push decent people into the hands of the non mainstream parties. I think you sholud reflect and think again of why you want to be Prime Minister if it is not to allow the people the freedom to decide their own destiny – are we worth less than the people of France, Ireland and the Netherlands? You may make the simplistic mistake of thinking ‘oh another rabid Eursceptic’ I am not I am simply someone who believes that when politicians promise the people that we will be allowed to decide that should be the truth and not a messy compromise. I am consultant of 25 years experience and I have watched as European legislation has destroyed what was once the finest training program for young doctors in the world, why do you sit back and allow that to happe? – a lost vote in a marginal seat

Comment by Jim Colville on November 4, 2009 at 11:20 pm

Is there any power left which could be transferred to Brussels?

Comment by Mike Ennis on November 4, 2009 at 11:20 pm

Thank you for doing nothing I want a politician who will put country first not the party or him/her self and I do not want to live in a country governed by others who are not elected by me or fellow country men and women.
Who will stand up for this country and say enough is enough and get us out of this soviet style EU

Comment by ian lauder on November 4, 2009 at 11:21 pm

europe policy – for once i agree with the french —-’pathetic’…..with regret i will vote UKIP

Comment by Mike Gallafent on November 4, 2009 at 11:21 pm

The British people have never been trusted to give an opinion on Europe. From the deceit of Edward Heath through subsequent Labour & Tory administrations, our politicians have prevaricated and stalled to prevent any view that might conflict with the ‘bien pensant’ of Westminster. Shame on the lot of them. I shall vote UKIP.

Comment by Joe Johnston on November 4, 2009 at 11:22 pm

Too late Mr Cameron – UKIP for me.
‘Re-negotiation’ is meaningless – only total withdrawal will do. You just don’t understand ‘sovereignty’ do you?
This 63 year-old will NEVER support the Conservatives again at any level – after a lifetime of Conservative voting. I don’t even worry that Labour might get back in – if we stay in the EU the UK Government will be an irrelevance and we will be governed by unelected appointees.

Comment by Robyn Joly on November 4, 2009 at 11:22 pm

David, I understand what you are trying to say but please be a man and not a Tony Blair and stand up for the country as our previous Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher did. She fought and won many battles against the dictats of Europe it is now up to you to follow her lead. If you went to the country, should you become Prime Minister I think that you will be surprised how many people want out of Europe. I was around when Edward Heath took us into Europe and I think that was one of the worst things that happened to our country. I met him during those days and he seemed a nice enough person but I think very mis-guided. I have no doubt that you will not even remark about my comments but I would be obliged if you would at least ‘take them on-board’.

Comment by David Hierons on November 4, 2009 at 11:22 pm

I accept the reality that the Lisbon Treaty will be law and also accept the comments and plan laid out by David Cameron.
However, if the party wishes to recover some credibility and respect from the electorate (given Labour has failed miserably on their promise as well) we must have a referendum. Even though it will not be binding it will make people feel that promises are kept.

Comment by John Armstrong on November 4, 2009 at 11:23 pm

Honestly David; do really think we can believe anything you say. ‘A policy on Europe that people can believe in’. Don’t make me laugh. You were deliberately vague and ambiguous about your response to final ratification.

You knew your hands would be tied and you could have said so before the EU elections in June but you were afraid of loosing votes to UKIP. I wrote to Jeremy Hunt, my MP. on the Tuesday before the EU Election and asked him to come clean with electorate before Thursday; he chose not to.

Loyal Tory voters amaze me, and Labour voters come to that. They cannot stand being in Europe but they fall hook line and sinker for the lies every time. Somehow, after a few Eurosceptic noises from their beloved leadership they go and put their cross in the same old box.

Let me tell you something: with the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, David will be outmaneuvered at every turn. That’s why it was made self amending. They saw him coming. If I could see that; why couldn’t he.

Comment by M.Wilkinson on November 4, 2009 at 11:24 pm

The Euro-gravy train will roll onwards. This policy announcement amounts to a bag of beans. There is an enabling clause in the Lisbon Treaty ensuring that no more treaty negotiations will be required in future.

We were promised a referendum by all three main parties. All three have reneged on that promise. Our unelected prime minister signed a treaty for which he had no mandate, further enfeebling and emasculating our democracy and control over our own destiny.

Historically Britain has always looked to the world whilst maintaining the balance of power in Europe. We will now just become an outpost of a federal superstate whose eventual fate will be that of all such states formed without popular mandate: disintegration and civil war (e.g. Yugoslavia).

UKIP will be the main winner of this lack of backbone on Mr Cameron’s behalf, and may even lose the election for our party. I first voted in 1979, and have remained loyal to the party since. You have taken my support for granted, but now risk losing it. It is time to reconsider. David Davis article today regarding a referendum should be required reading by the shadow cabinet or else the EU debate will destroy the next Conservative Prime minister as it destroyed the last three.

Sovereignty lies with the people. It is not, and never was, the government’s to dispose of.

Yours in dismay,

M.Wilkinson

Comment by James on November 4, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Sorry Mr Cameron,
not good enough. A promise is a promise. Perhaps the EU’s crushing pressure is already undermining your freedom to act, I wouldn’t be surprised – Federal Europe is already here, don’t kid us on, there ARE NO more powers worth the EU taking!
They get 14 billion pounds a year from UK taxpayers – will you bring some of that back?

Comment by Stuart Mackenize on November 4, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Fully behind you and your party David:- An acceptance of the reality – then move on… As the saying goes “There is more than one way to skin a cat…”. If it is passed into law as is now the case we must look to another alternative to referendum – some may see this as damage limitation but if it is law we cannot hold a vote. Rather than damage limitation (as described by others…) we should be looking to the longer term impact and what can still be offered to the continued voting public.

Comment by Robyn Joly on November 4, 2009 at 11:25 pm

David, I understand what you are trying to say but please be a man and not a Tony Blair and stand up for the country as our previous Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher did. She fought and won many battles against the dictats of Europe it is now up to you to follow her lead. If you went to the country, should you become Prime Minister I think that you will be surprised how many people want out of Europe. I was around when Edward Heath took us into Europe and I think that was one of the worst things that happened to our country. I met him during those days and he seemed a nice enough person but I think very mis-guided. I have no doubt that you will not even remark about my comments but I would be obliged if you would at least ‘take them on-board’. Robyn Joly

Comment by John Andrews on November 4, 2009 at 11:26 pm

B liar gave all our powers away without a referendum so he could become president of Europe and to hell with us in the UK.

Comment by Alan Jenner on November 4, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Sorry David I was wrong before. Your plans only PARTIALLY address the sovreignty problem. As others say the EU no longer needs to heed our parliament
HOWEVER Tony Blair did ONE GOOD THING in his time.
He negotiated a “get out of the EU legally” card.
Let’s crown his year as President (unless he can actually replace the European Commission with something that is ACCOUNTABLE to the people.) by using that card.
Can we at least have a refferrendum on LEAVING the control of the EU???
We have nothing to lose but our chains.
Has David the courage to restore our faith in politicians and give us this OR do I need to look for another leader ?
ALL of our mainstream politicians have betrayed us monumentally.
UNLESS there is a BIG CHANGE we NEED a hung parliament where smaller parties who actually represent the views of the people can dictate the laws which are passed.

Comment by david peacock on November 4, 2009 at 11:26 pm

never mind negotiating with the EU this country should withdraw from any dealings with europe except for trade.
Next stop all immigration and repatriate all illegals without any right of appeal , Theses people are draining our country dry.

Comment by Robert C Harrison on November 4, 2009 at 11:27 pm

I just knew you/Conservtives would renage on the referendum. We need the referendum now on “In or out” or better still box it all up and send it off to Brussells with two fingers.
When will you get in the real world? the French and the Germans will never be satisfied until we are screwed in the ground. Everything they do is conspired to that end.
You will never succeed in negotiating return of anything because you have nothing to negotiate with. However you will like all the others come back failed but claiming success which never materialises. The EU system is anti-democratic and they will never change it.
The whole project is conspired to have us completely marginalised and powerless, All involved are traitors and I fil to see how you manage to escape such charges. Our constitution has survived for a thousand years yet you all have given it away without a shot being fired, and our Monarch has sat by and allowed it. I feel sick to the core for our children and their children.
I have already told you my vote will go to UKIP or in their absence the BNP. I voted for a Common Market and I have never been consulted further than that, if I had it would have been “NO OVER MY DEAD BODY”
The only shining light would be William Hague completely unfettered by you lot to tell Europe to get out of our law making, keep out and stop the cheques. We don’t have to abide by their damn rules just ignore them, the French do, they have never pid a dot for infringement of any rules.
Just wake up to the real world and only promise what you can keep.

Comment by John Atkins on November 4, 2009 at 11:28 pm

Fine words butter no Parsnips.

For years I have waited for someone to ask the voters if they wanted to be part of the centralised, deeply undemocratic, state of Europe that we are being forced into; rather than the free trade block that we reluctantly agreed to all those years ago.

You had the chance to do that today and you failed.How could you possibly have been criticised for giving us the choice of staying or leaving.

But no, more honeyed words which will in their turn be ignored for some eminently plausible reason at the time. You are a true heir to Blair.

After 40 years of voting Tory I quit and transfer to UKIP.

Comment by Malcolm Christie on November 4, 2009 at 11:28 pm

A sensible policy statement by Mr. Cameron I think. I don’t like the treaty, but the Labour party breaking their promises was responsible for that. I know it wasn’t Brown’s promise, but if didn’t want to keep it, he should have had an election, that would have released his party from the pledge. Of course Brown wimped out of that. Now we are stuck with something we don’t want. But I certainly won’t be voting for Mr. Cameron if he fails to deliver on the opt-outs mentioned in his statement.

Comment by Bernard Hunt on November 4, 2009 at 11:31 pm

David

Good stuff but I think you are too late. We are now in a mightty jam

Bernard

Comment by PATRICIA GREEN on November 4, 2009 at 11:32 pm

REFERENDUM REFENDUM REFENDUM

I WANT MY BLOOMIN’ REFERENDUM.

AND LET’S UP THE STAKES.

” SHOULD WE REGAIN OUR AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE FROM THE EU AND ACT LIKE GROWN-UPS?”

YES/NO.

Mr Cameron, plerase don’t address the electorate as though we are empty headed bimbos!

Dear, sweet, little old- fashioned cynic that I am, this “policy” is NOT CONVINCING.

The EU is CORRUPT!

What are you doing????

I am so let down, I cannot tell you.

PS Policy on immigration?????

Comment by noel on November 4, 2009 at 11:32 pm

we should not be part of the eu at all. we should even go as far as awr to get out of the agreement. hopefully that wouldn`t be necessary. it`s an outrage and the treachorous labour government should be charged for treason.britain fought against this sort of tyranny for all it`s time . i know for a certain that i will be emigrating if we become part of eu. sorry and as far as i know labour have not backed down on the ta situation another lie of disgusting government. i am no longer proud to be british. sorry but it`s true

Comment by Jon M on November 4, 2009 at 11:32 pm

How quickly your cast iron pledge turned into a cast iron LIE! What hypocrites you turned out to be, I would have given you my vote on the strength of the referendum but you are no better than Blair or Brown, UKIP are my and millions of others only choice now!

Comment by Philip Wing on November 4, 2009 at 11:34 pm

In 1997 I voted for the referendum party despite being a long term conservative. In 2010 i will vote UKIP. Until today you had my vote but the message and the approach lacks courage.What are you afraid of.The majority of people of this island want out!!.Why will you not give them a vote.Then it will be over.the debate will be over ..this country can then move on..re-build lost friendships and economic ties…it’s insane to drift aimlessly into an undemocratic superstate.PLEASE GIVE US A VOTE!!

Comment by Simon James on November 4, 2009 at 11:34 pm

‘A policy people can believe in’… unlike the last one? Hiring a press release writer who steals from Obama’s rhetoric won’t work.

Comment by Peter Colclough on November 4, 2009 at 11:34 pm

David,
Like many others, and as you know by teh personal letters I have sent you… this is NOT good enough. It is never too late. The British People have been forced into a position of handing power over to Europe, with absolutely no democratic vote (the operative word being ‘democratic’). You promised a referendum… you MUST deliver a referendum.
If the result of that vote is to stay in.. then sobeit. If the result is a ‘No’… then we simply come out. We ‘go back on our signature’ (Heck… the labour party do this to us all the time… why can’t we do it to Europe?). The British ‘agreement’ is obtained illegally and without the consent of teh britisg public…. so that is grounds enough.

I assume that as we are now ‘in’, and no one has teh nounce to get a real vote, we will simply move on. If that is teh case, all well and good… but consider this:
1. Sterling is history…. here comes teh Euro.
2. Westminster is history… there is no need as all government comes from Brussles. So you and all teh others in Wstminsetr need to look for another job.
3. The election you talk about is immaterial… a UK government is no longer required or necessary.
4. Our pensions must increase in line with European pensions.
5. VAT will, presumably, increae to teh 25% the Belgians pay.
6. …….

Come on… has the Queen ratified this? What happens about the Commonwealth countries… is Canada and Australia now in Europe?

SO many questions… so few answers from anyone. I am, as always, disgusted with the attitude. At least the French know how to object!!

Comment by Julia Graham on November 4, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Let’s not shoot the messenger! Even if we got a referendum and voted no they would make us do it agian. The battle is lost and I fear the war is too. There is now only one choice – in or out. Brussles has shown itself to be incapable of listening to the people – if you say no to us we will just move the goal posts and keep on until you say yes – so we either put up or shut up. My vote is for Westminster so I will be voting UKIP.

Comment by Kathryn on November 4, 2009 at 11:36 pm

I am so angry with Gordon Brown and the way he has let down the country. It’s time for a new government – but that government MUST listen to the people; the people are saying that they don’t want to be in Europe! David, you must listen!

Comment by A Lowe on November 4, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Totally inadequate response. You are being far too timid and not seeking to repatriate sufficent powers.

You are following a long line of British politicians who have taken afairly supine approach with the EU whilst trying to persuade the electorate they are doing the opporsite.
As a minimum you should be following David davis’ suggestion of a referendum to give you a mandate to renegotiate properly with Brussels.

I really do not see how you can hope to restore this country’s fortunes whilst being so restricted by powers ceded to Brussels.

Go back to the drawing board and come back with a stronger response

Comment by David wilson on November 4, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Please note there is no longer any lisbon treaty that has gone into law now and no longer excists so you cannot vote on what no longer excists, what david has forgotton about and it seems all poloticians do this is the british armed forces and I am a vetran. He has forgot to say that he will bring back control of the forces to the uk and not allow them to be part of a European Army.we are part of NATO and thats how we like it not part of anything else also immigration this should be back in the uk’s hands otherwise the BNP and UKIP seem to be a good vote

Comment by George on November 4, 2009 at 11:37 pm

You are a wimp. You promised us something you didn’t deliver, the same as Blair and Brown.

You’ve failed to sack thieving Toy MPs which could have set you apart from Labour but you’ve proved you’re just the same. Thieving in blue colours rather than red – so what, thieving is thieving and you’ve accepted it.

Comment by Jim Hislop on November 4, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Having read Davids message I have to say it fails to acquire my vote. I am totally sceptical of aEuropean Union that has never had its accounts signed off by auditers…Jim Hislop

Comment by Cllr Colin Seagers (Cons,) on November 4, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Those will be widely perceived as weasel words David. Unless you at least offer a referendum, which can now ONLY be on whether the British people wish to stay in the EU, then many millions of potential Conservative voters will turn to UKIP or heaven forbid the BNP. Offer THAT referendum, and then you will more certainly have both a working majority in the next General Election and a bargaining chip to give us the remotest chance of gaining the changes in Europe you allegedly wish to claim. And add honest audited EU accounts to the list whilst you are at it. We need our leader and next PM to be brave as Maggie and above all recognised as trustworthy.

Comment by Mr J.G.Thomson on November 4, 2009 at 11:38 pm

Hi david re your last e/mail re the law if & when you are elected to goverment next election you said ie the labour did not carry out their pledge re referendum re EU but it was your party ie ted heath who promised THE BRITISH PEOPLE a referendum but when he won the election he then told the BRITISH PEOPLE that he knew best and guess what we were in ??????? please comment DAVID
as I find it very HYPOCRITICAL OF MY PARTY TO SUGGEST THAT IT IS THE LABOUR PARTIES FAULT THAT WE ARE in this DILEMMA PLEASE PLEASE BE HONEST with me and the british ELECTORATE
YOURS Mr J,G, THOMSON
[a good & honest party member]

Comment by old grumpy on November 4, 2009 at 11:38 pm

Is it time to repeat that suggestion back when Harold Wilson was PM – ‘Will the last person leaving Britain please switch off the lights’. Too late perhaps – they just went out.

Comment by Gordon Twinberrow on November 4, 2009 at 11:38 pm

If the EU says no to these requests will we pull out.

Comment by Alan on November 4, 2009 at 11:38 pm

Another weak leader who cannot keep his word!

Comment by Jim Geraghty on November 4, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Objections to a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty seem to include:

- the cost of running the referendum
- the practicality of doing anything to address the result
- the stupidity of the electorate, who don’t have enough intelligence or knowledge to vote properly

The next government should get used to asking the electorate for opinions. The MPs have been shown to be a disreputable bunch, and their advisors and consultants have been shown to be trough-dwelling parasites. Even we thicko voters could have run the economy better than bankers and economists.

It doesn’t have to be too expensive with online voting. And before anyone says that would be too difficult to find a way to do this securely: I have been doing my tax return online for several years now. And I now have online access to the health records system. That’s authentication through both NI number and Health Card number, both unique.

Referenda will be invaluable in the next five years. The next government – Conservative or UKIP – will need to get The People to buy-in to unpopular choices. Why not ask them: “cut services or increase taxes” line item by line item.

And yes, many of us are thickish on many topics. Be we ARE the most educated electorate in history, so if we are too thick to be trusted to make informed decisions then we are either being educated badly or informed badly. Fix it! But don’t patronise me (like Patricia Hewitt, Hazel Blears and other school-teacher ministers used to do).

David was seen to promise the electorate a vote on Lisbon, even if technically he had a get-out. Don’t tell us that it is too late, give us our chance to voice our views. Find a way to do it economically. Without giving votes to non-citizens. Don’t be weak on this – you will be the government! What more power do you need?

Comment by Tom on November 4, 2009 at 11:40 pm

Our deomocratic rights have been ignored by a government that was elected to represent this country’s domestic and international interests. This Labour government are guilty of sacrificing the sovereignty of this country, a position that was fought for by so many of the elder generation, for ill-conceived – and ultimately flawed – ends. A general election can not come soon enough. I am utterly fed-up with this degenerate government.

Comment by W. Taylor on November 4, 2009 at 11:41 pm

What an unbelevable prat. As a former Labour voter, who was persuaded by Cameron, I can now guarantee that I will definitely be voting for UKIP. This old Etonian Twerp has got a fight on his hands now. With todays statyement he blew it.

Comment by ANDY P on November 4, 2009 at 11:41 pm

Sorry Dave, you’ve blown it. More jam tomorrow for the British people. I cannot believe anything a politician says let alone promises, the words are all spin and posturing. Nothing is impossible, we need someone to lead us who will deal with the real problems not just pussyfoot around them.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 4, 2009 at 11:42 pm

The only time an MP will do anything to help the British Person, is if they are directly affected, or that it will look good for the papers to boost their votes. Other than the leaders of this political parties cannot make their MP’s behave and get the proposals to clean up Parliament, yet alone the EU.

My mum has worked all her life, she has has had cancer 3 times, she has a brain tumor, she is incontinent as well, and she like many others in this country is desperate for help, yet the people who are suppose to be treating and helping her, are treating her like a beggar, when she needs basic things like a handrail or incontinence pads, which is a disgrace.

Yet as far as the government is concerned all is well with the NHS and Social Services, for the Disabled and the Old Age Pensioner’s. They bring out these statistics, which are made to look as if everything is okay, and they convince their selves that people who are in need of help don’t need it really.

These pensioners are forced to pay for these basic services themselves which really they cannot afford. Even if they are on mean’s tested benefits which my mum is, they are forced to pay for incontinence pads, as everyone in our area are only allowed 2 a day, and if you go over your quota, well you can imagine what some pensioners are forced to do with Food being an expensive commodity these days, they are either forced to save up for Fuel, or Food, and the dignity of being able to the basic need for being dry, is a luxury. (I mean what happened to all these food mountains which were suppose to feed the less well off within Europe?)

The agricultural policy is a joke, our farmers are being forced off their land, because they cannot afford to live, cos the big business men have took over, and the best of our food goes abroad. Not to feed our own people.

It makes you wonder what our Armed forces fought for for and continue to fight for when our sovereignty has been sold for the Elite Politicians, Big Business Men and Bankers to have their fantastic lifestyles while the rest of us suffer.

Comment by Howard on November 4, 2009 at 11:43 pm

Why cant we still hold a referendum? what’s the worst that can happen..it might be a majority for the treaty, in which case, job sorted, or if it’s against, this could be used as extra bargaining power for opt-out’s, either way it’s win win, but DO what you said you would. Hold one anyway.

Comment by Keith Tottem on November 4, 2009 at 11:44 pm

Yes David, well put – but when is our PR machine going to get the media to report this? They’re still (apart from the Times) grinding on simplistically about ‘eurosceptics’ and trying to foment ‘Tory disarray’.
It’s no good leading Labour on everything in the opinion polls if we cannot get the mass media to land some real blows on this staggering incompetence. We haven’t yet even pinned the blame for our disastrous debts on Brawn’s chancellorship, where it started.
If our PR people can’t do better than this, could we get some who can? (Where is Tm Bell when we need him?)
KT

Comment by Pete Mowbray on November 4, 2009 at 11:44 pm

UK needs Europe perhaps more than Europe needs UK. The only major economy not in a economic bloc – I think not

Comment by Ron Williams on November 4, 2009 at 11:45 pm

as you will not have a vote on europe , I will now be voting for Ukip to get out of the parasites charter , closed a computer factory up in haggis land ship all the production to Hungary which the uk are paying for the ifro structure to build it’s a joke get out of europe

Comment by Christine Constable on November 4, 2009 at 11:46 pm

A desperately disappointing announcement. Worse than that Mr Cameron knows full well that there will not be further Treaties related to sovereignty, as the Lisbon Treaty is “SELF AMENDING” therefore everything that is presented now in relation to sovereignty will simply be added to the stash of powers already robbed from the people of Europe.

I think if anyone in this country is in any doubt as to the wretched standards to which politicians subscribe then the Tory climb down confirms our worst fears – they are all liars and cheats.

The Tories are equally undemocratic, they are equally untrustworthy, their word is like dust and the Tories have the same degree of contempt for the people as we have had to tolerate from Lib Dems and Labour.

We are in a dreadful cleft stick – three pretty disgusting political parties, all with a Europhile agenda and all deaf to the rights of the people of the UK to CHOOSE who they will to govern them.

The EU has no legitimacy and I for one will ignore anything that emerging fascist regime has to say – to me they have not earned our respect and have no democratic mandate and I entreat every libertarian and democrat to do the same. Shame on Brussels and shame on the digraceful people who call themselves our political leadership.

I will not be voting in the forthcoming election and I hope millions of my countrymen will also opt out it is nothing less than you deserve.

Comment by Tom on November 4, 2009 at 11:47 pm

Sad a wasted opportunity. It will lose us deliverers and canvassers. We need a referendum on In or Out and if In then what comes back. Same old John Major line about trust our negotiations…..

Comment by Mike J King on November 4, 2009 at 11:48 pm

Sounds like good ideas. But, the referrendum on Lisban seemed a good idea too.

Comment by M.Nelson on November 4, 2009 at 11:48 pm

will have to do some serious thinking regarding who to vote for in next election. No referendum no vote from me !!!

Comment by noel on November 4, 2009 at 11:48 pm

ref my last awr i meant war. my computer is up the left. another product that came from an inferior government.hotels unlearn

Comment by Roger Harris on November 4, 2009 at 11:49 pm

Mr Cameron, You will lose many votes due to this reneging on your promise. It makes you seem just as cynical as the Labour party when they promised a referendum and then reneged. The people of this country want a referendum to get us away from Europe which is costing us far more than we get in return. It is not just about the Lisbon treaty and you know it. In my case you have lost a vote which will go to UKIP.

Comment by David Northcroft on November 4, 2009 at 11:50 pm

At last a practical statement. Make it short. Stick to it. Most people believe that some things are better handled by Europe (eg environment) and others by nations (eg justice, immigration). Make the message simple. Say to clearly. Play it for 5 years.

Comment by Ray Wootten on November 4, 2009 at 11:50 pm

Failure to listen to the concerns of the British People will result in votes for UKIP which must be avoided. Decisive action and not words are needed by David Cameron.

Comment by George on November 4, 2009 at 11:51 pm

You promised “you would not matters rest” if the Treaty was implemented before you came to power. The Treaty has now effectively been implemented so what are you doing in not letting matters rest?

You need to realise that every negative comment here is a potential lost vote – I can now see Brown being re-elected unless you show some b*alls and sack the thieving MPs in your party. At the moment you both look the same – fill your boots lads the electorate is too stupid to spot what we’re thieving.

Comment by Tim Mahon on November 4, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Finally! An unequivocal statement. At least I hope it is!

I supported a referendum for as long as it could have made a difference. Now it can’t – so we move on. But I truly, truly hope this is a policy statement that will not fall victim to political expediency. It is clear to me that unilateral withdrawal from Europe is not a viable option, politically or economically. Politics is the ultimate art of compromise and the skills needed here will be to ensure that the United Kingdom’s remaining sovereign authority is preserved while at the same time ensuring we are part of a coherent European direction in so far as those things are concerned that in which we need collaboration – collective security, immigration and economic security among them.

I have become immensely disillusioned with politics at the local level in the last year and a half. Your clear statement and the three guiding principles you articulate have done something to restore my faith in the pragmatism and understanding of the issues a Conservative administration might espouse at a national level. This is a start – but there is a long, tough escarpment to climb. I truly hope the party gets behind you and belays you – this is going to be a difficult sell at the grass roots level.

We don’t need a referendum that would now achieve nothing. We need an informed and open debate so that everybody can understand the issues and vote their conscience once complete understanding has been achieved. Calls by some for the return of Maggie or ‘the hell with foreigners and stand by to repel boarders’ aren’t helpful. What would be is a commitment to following up your policy statement with a a vigorous, well-researched and cogently argued public debate on what Europe means to the United Kingdom – and why we have to work within the system to preserve our sovereignty, not throw the ball over the fence and kick our heels petulantly.
Sincerely
Tim Mahon
Cheltenham

Comment by ian gaskin on November 4, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Mr Cameron, I believe at this moment in time the EU is not the most important issue that the UK faces, or that it is wise to think of leaving while the country is in the state that it is in- but the issue of Europe will not go away and I fervantly believe that in the long run Europe [EU] will be the gravest threat to its members than any outside country as it grows and developes -and the possibility that sooner or later a ‘ dictatorship’ [as we have seen with Tony Blair] is made and alliances are formed within the EU. I do think that a timescale for a referendum should be set- and could be legally held as the original referendum was flawed- therefore all other following treaties must be also flawed. The EU will grow as a problem and despite its successes will be seen more and more as a tyrant and beurocratic machine that has no politicol control from the majority of it’s member states. We, the British people should at the very least, now that we are aware that the EU is a lot more than ‘ a Common Market’ should have a say, a choice wether we want to stay in or out and that the outcome THEN to be the verifying poll to conclude the issue.

Comment by Barbara Gray on November 4, 2009 at 11:55 pm

I cannot understand why people are still calling for you to hold a referendum on the Treaty. As you rightly say there is now no Treaty – it has, or will shortly be – European law. Apart from the expense of holding a referendum there is simply no point as it would achieve nothing, except I suppose for people to show that they were against the signing by Britain. Too late to be of any use.

I think that you have put forward a good plan to follow when in government. The most important thing for us will be to get the economy working, and putting right all the wrongs that have happened under this appalling Labour Government.

You are a good leader of our Party and I urge all of those who are still calling for a referendum to get behind your new plan re Europe and help to get our Conservative MPs into government come the election. To not vote Conservative because of the referendum not happening is pathetic. There is a bigger picture than Europe.

Comment by Caroline Lea on November 4, 2009 at 11:55 pm

I’ve always been a Tory voter and I was one of the fools that voted yes to the Common Market which bears no resemblance to the monster it’s turned into now. I think the EU has beel like the kiss of death for Britain, everything has gone, all the manufacturing, the coalmines, fishing, etc etc etc, and who isn’t sick of the constant flow of garbage of laws and red tape that they spew out!

I just can’t see ANYTHING improving in Britain until we take back control and leave the EU.
As far as I’m concerned that is the number one priority, what is the point of voting for any party if it’s actually the EU that’s ruling our lives.

Comment by heckmonwyke on November 4, 2009 at 11:57 pm

Iam afraid that if dave dosnt come down from his ivory tower,And listerns to the british peoples feelings about europe he wont get a chance to sort out the economy. or anything else. And he could have been sutch a great PM! he is forcing more people to seriously to consider UKIP.

Comment by Malcolm Watson on November 5, 2009 at 12:00 am

Davids first point. There is nothing left to prohibit the transfer of further power so that statement is irrelevant.
Second Point.We will negotiate!!! You do not negotiate on something which the British people would not have voted for in the first place!
If you stick to your original cast iron guarantee to let the British People decide, let them STILL HAVE A REFERENDUM ON WHETHER TO WITHDRAW TO A POSITION AS A TRADING ONLY NATION. If the people vote on that, you withdraw, you do not negotiate a withdrawal. If the EU say we are either fully in or fully out. So be it, we’re OUT.
There are many other countries in the world that are not in any Trading Block and are doing quite well. The English language is either the first or second language of practically every country in the world.
Otherwise, UKIP here I come.

Comment by Ken Smith on November 5, 2009 at 12:01 am

Oh David, what have you done? You have single handledly split the Tory vote between yourselves, UKIP and possibly EVEN the BNP. If you have ahything about you or any wish to become PM you must hold a referendum, as proposed by David Davis. I feel this is the only way you will regain any semblance of credibility or trust. Your speech this afternoon was weak and meaningless and the British public will not forget this. You were so close, you had it in the palm of your hand…..and bottled it! I fear you have just handed Labour another term in office… and they know it. You have let this country down!

Comment by Rita Thornton on November 5, 2009 at 12:02 am

Another example of a main stream politcal party failing the people of this country by reneging on a promise. How can a future government led by David Cameron be any different to Labour? Neither party can be trusted….no wonder the BNP is gaining in popularity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Brian on November 5, 2009 at 12:02 am

Do you really think that the Brussels mafia will let you bring in your UK Soverignty Bill and repatriate powers? No way. You will need to arm yourself with the threat of an “in/out” referendum and show that you mean it.

Why are ALL major parties afraid of a referendum on continuing membership? If it is such a good thing then you should all be able to convince the electorate of this once and for all. That move would finish the argument once and for all. The fact that you ALL hide behind the bland statement that “EU is good” and will do anything to avoid consulting the population is exceedingly suspicious.

What chance of UKIP holding the balance of power after the election?

Comment by Brian on November 5, 2009 at 12:04 am

Just noticed the timimgs on the messages – are you on European time?

Comment by Philip S Higginson on November 5, 2009 at 12:06 am

We do still have our written Constitution, the MAGNA CARTA, which is sacrosanct, this surely cannot be over-ridden. Nothing in ANY EU Treaty has diminished or removed it’s Paramount sovereignty & applicablity. It should be perfectly possibly to enact the terms of Magna Carta to overturn the Despot Treaty. It should also be possible, under the terms of Magna Carta to require a referendum of this treaty (whether it is ratified or not). There is no ‘small print’ in Magna Carta, use it David, because our rights are all there in black & white (& a few other colours as well), make mine blue.

Comment by Gavin Newton on November 5, 2009 at 12:06 am

I cannot believe in this policy. It seems to me that we are accepting that our Parliament and government are mere local authorities to the real power that this ‘treaty’ entrenches in the Brussels bureaucracy. I do not believe that the EU will agree to repatriate powers.

I do believe, however, that the EU will frustrate any Conservative government’s attempts to reform this country or restore our economy. At some stage we are going to have to seek real amendments to our relationship with Europe or leave. That will only be possible with the support of the British people expressed in a referendum.

In my view the hollow promises and spin contained in this message are unconvincing and make it less likely that we will achieve a clear majority at the next election.

Comment by bernard tyler on November 5, 2009 at 12:06 am

I appreciate the information. However, the ‘acid test’ will come if/when the Conservative Party regains power. As the party which has attacked the insidious advance of ‘big government’, logically it can not support past and potential further erosion of the UK’s ability to decide key elements of policy affecting its interests which have been usurped by the EC – and often by Quangos. Of course it will be difficult to make inroads into what has already happened, and to hold the party together while doing so, but my belief is that the overwhelming majority of the UK public want early & sustained action along these lines. All power to your elbow!hisOnservative pucitae

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:08 am

ATTENTION DAVID CAMERON There is only one way in which you will get a majority vote from the British People, and that is to LISTEN TO EVERYONE and NOT TO WHAT YOU JUST WANT TO HEAR.

1. Make Your MP’s behave
2. Give us a referendum of whether we want to stay in Europe or Not.
3. Send the illegal immigrants back home.
4. Stand up for the NHS
5. Either equip our Armed Forces or if you can’t afford to do that, then bring them home.
6. Stand up for justice. Give the police the numbers they need and give back their power in which to do their job effectively. If necessary let the Armed forces back the police up, until we get all the guns off our streets.

7. Make Criminals Pay for the crimes, and make sure if you don’t have enough space, bring back both corporal and capital punishment, which would free up alot of prison space.

8. Back the NHS Staff by re-recruiting the numbers that have been sacked for cost cutting exercises, to balance books, when it is patient care that should be more of a priority.

9. Introduce a Social Bank, which will help the millions of people within this country, who need their own homes, to start a family.

10. Build the infrastructure needed for example power stations, and reservoirs to serve the millions of homes being built.

Just remember this, Invest in the British People and they will Invest in You. Ignore Us at Your Peril.

If the main stream parties keep ignoring the British People, then unfortunately the British Public will eventually have enough and they will look to the extreme parties which you don’t want in.

Comment by Cllr Colin Seagers (Cons,) on November 5, 2009 at 12:09 am

OH, by the way, ARE WE ON EUROPEAN TIME TOO ON THIS BLOG WEBSITE? It’s not good PR. Perhaps we could get someone to put the clock back soon?

Comment by Rosalind Edwards on November 5, 2009 at 12:10 am

as a lifelong conservative voter, now that david has let me down by breaking his promise to give us a referendum, my vote will go elsewhere, probably BNP cos they seem to care about Britain, and no I am not rascist – farm from it – just bitterly disappointed

Comment by PATRICIA GREEN on November 5, 2009 at 12:13 am

To Barbara Gray,11.55pm. 4.11.09

REFENDUM REFERENDUM< REFERENDUM

Dear Ms Gray,

I think people are still calling for REFERENDUM because we are BRITISH.

It has taken 2,000 years to develop politically, culturally and economically and after saving France and defeating Germany, at massive cost to life and limb, we are not best pleased at being sneakily enrolled into a union of corrupt international political elite who have more in common with each other than with their own nationals!!!

Mr Cameron has demonstrated not only weakness but contempt for the Electorate, who can actually see through these ruses!
How can you bear this arrogance?

Comment by Richard Fortune on November 5, 2009 at 12:15 am

Cameron and the Conservative party have welched on the British people and done a Gordon Brown treachery. What is proposed leaves this country on a slippery slope to full integration into European rule and associated corruption. The people of this country want is a referendum and and an exit from an unworkable therorectical mish mash of different cultures and languages. Also some of these foreign members will have an orgasm over the chance to run riot over this island’s people and historical pride.

Comment by John Gray on November 5, 2009 at 12:16 am

Dave,
Why are we second class europeans, Ireland had not one but two votes, and yet we don’t even get one. You made a statement that you knew you wouldn’t be called upon to keep, therefore we can’t trust you! I’d rather not vote that vote for a con artist, and you put the Con into the Conservatives. Soundbite Dave equals untrustworthy Dave!

Comment by Paul Lindsay on November 5, 2009 at 12:17 am

How can one overcome the difficulties and the differences bewtween our adversarial justice system with that (say) of France – the Napoleonic law etc. Is Napoleon finally going to have his revenge?

Comment by Richard Fortune on November 5, 2009 at 12:17 am

BNP here I come

Comment by John Kelly on November 5, 2009 at 12:18 am

I do not support referendums. I believe in electing intelligent people who will study all specialist matters to do with the EU and act upon good advice and experience and make decisions and LEAD. Labour should never have promised a referendum. You should not conduct referendums. For God’s sake use that expensive education and trust in your Oxford first to take parliament with you and lead the nation. Go and consult the Great Clarke about Europe. He will (with the great Heseltine and the great Howe and the Great Brittan) show you the way forward.

Comment by The Utilitarian on November 5, 2009 at 12:18 am

David,

This referendum is pointless; I want a referendum on whether we should come out of the EU and become a member of EFTA like Norway and Switzerland. I was born in 1973 and have never had a country to call my own, I want an independent UK.

MP’s are cowards, all lining their own pockets, I despise the Labour Party but I look at Westminster and the only MP I want as Prime Minister is Frank Fields, he understands the concerns of the average British punter on immigration, he understands the concerns on the surrender of sovereignty, he understands the fundamental change needed of the welfare state (As does IDS). This is the type of leadership I want from the Conservative Party, this weak leadership will only fuel the ‘Alf Garnet’ vote for the BNP; Alf belongs in the Tory Party, not an outcast from the political posh elite.

I am about to become a member of the ‘White Flight’ club as termed by Trevor Phillips and when looking at houses in one of the most beautiful villages in Scotland I bumped into a Romanian selling The Big Issue, how is this good for our economy, wake up please!

What is a man to do, who do I vote for? I cannot vote for the LibLabCon, I would like to vote for The Frank Fields / IDS Alliance but my only choices are UKIP or BNP. Please save the Tory Party………

Comment by Anna B on November 5, 2009 at 12:19 am

P Nichols at 10.17pm has summed up the whole sorry situation beautifully.

The Tories have now eroded trust and hope in many of their lifelong supporters … it’s time for the party to wake up and grasp how implacably furious the British public are at the wholesale sell-out of our nation.

You can, and should, do more to reverse this insidious intrusion of the EU … Britain deserves better than this toothless response.

Comment by John P on November 5, 2009 at 12:19 am

David,
At last a poloitician who does as he says and who we can believe in
A referendum would have been ideal, but is not viable now that the treaty is ratified.
You have my vote all the way. And once you are Prime Minister, i look forward to you putting Britain back on track.

Comment by John on November 5, 2009 at 12:20 am

This reeks of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. Why not get some bottle and do what you said?

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:20 am

However lets be honest, I really don’t think that David Cameron, will really read this blog and take any of the views seriously that disagree with him. He will just get his aids to read it, and answer accordingly on his behalf.

Comment by Richard Fortune on November 5, 2009 at 12:20 am

I note from my previous comments that we are already on French time rather than Grenwich Mean Time

Comment by llewelyn on November 5, 2009 at 12:20 am

Just when I was starting to have faith that you were different to the rest..you blew it. There is a huge groundswell of opinion against our soveriegnty being given away to Europe and for actually withdrawing altogether. You know it, Labour knows it and the EU know it, that is why you are all terrified to let us have our say. By taking the stance you have today on giving us the referendum Labour promised us then betrayed us on, you have lost untold thousands of votes. I will now vote UKIP if anyone. I cant tell you how let down I feel and how deeply upset I am at how our Country has been destroyed with no one in Westminster prepared to fight for us. Disgraceful….serves you right if Liebour beat you over the head with this at PMQs. You are all a disgrace and speaking as an ordinary member of the Public, you need to know that the vast majority of us think all our Politicians are a waste of space…..and you are….utterly.

Comment by Tony Maund on November 5, 2009 at 12:21 am

David you like others with the exception of UKIP talk about exerting influence within the structure of the EU. It is too late for that. All that Margaret Thatcher achieved has been thrown away and the EU now vastly greater with the addition of all the new member states has become hydra headed and self propagating.

There is and you must know this no way to halt or severely impede any EU policies through the direct contribution of UK influence as the UK is only one of many nations taking part. Allying with others may or may not achieve something but the choices are very limited and the likelihood is that we in the UK will be swept along in the current with everyone else.

There is no referendum any more despite what we were promised by the idiotic federalists There is only one option and that is I am sad to say as a conservative of 40 years standing, already been covered by UKIP

OUT

OUT

Comment by John Foley on November 5, 2009 at 12:23 am

What a wimpy climb-down, David; a real vote-loser.

Comment by Suzan on November 5, 2009 at 12:23 am

You just lost my vote.

What happened to your (The Sun article)

“cast-iron guarantee ” to “give us a referendum” and that

“No treaty should be ratified without consulting the British people in a referendum”.

You are not worthy of your position and should resign forthwith – if this is what your “cast-iron guarantees” are worth. We can’t trust you.

Lets have someone Leading the Party who has guts.

You may not have been able to give us a referendum on this actual Treaty (given that Gordon Brown had sold us down the river, signed it and it had been ratified), but you could have given the British people a referendum on our whole position with regards to the EU.

Another total disappointment to add to the pile called MP’s – and you wonder why the British people are not politically minded and don’t bother to vote – you just gave us a good reason.

Comment by Jim Allen on November 5, 2009 at 12:27 am

Time to let the people of England – just who and what powers we have lost in the past 10 years – and try to regain a bit of Englishness from this mess – Long live Magna Carta -

Comment by Paul D. Aziz on November 5, 2009 at 12:27 am

1. If you do not make this policy clearly a part of your campaign, I shall vote for UKIP.

2. If you do not keep your promises after you are elected, if you are elected, I shall vote for UKIP everafter.

Comment by Dave U on November 5, 2009 at 12:27 am

I am now more depressed and unimpressed than ever.

You are pussy footing about negotiating minor aspects that the EC shall laugh in your face.

We do not want a Federal europe and if you cannot deliver us from this then we are stuffed.

What can we feel other than deep depression.

We have no vote left that reflects what we want.

You are all parasites who have destroyed our country.

You give the distinct impression that you are a typical politician who is only concerned with winning power and not interested in the country you hope to represent. If this is the case then we shall not vote for you and you can dream on.

God help us.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 am

For those who don’t support referendums, not everyone had the opportunity to go to Oxford, yet surely it isn’t those who are in power who should decide Britain’s future, but that of the British People as well. That is why we are suppose to live in a democracy, if this is not the case, why have our troops been fighting all these years to defend our way of life, our sovereignty and democracy?

Comment by norman hall on November 5, 2009 at 12:29 am

Mr Cameron you are akin to Bliar and Brown. Of course you can have a referendum about our country being given to the EU. And if ,as all polls indicate, the vast majority vote to regain our independence from the EU. This will empower you to renegotiate our whole existence with the EU. You made a promise, keep it. All this nonsense about stopping further encroachment by the EU is ridiculous. Please note the EU has all the power already. If the EU declared war on the USA as it stands the UK would have no choice. Any treaty can be rejected by a new government if the government has the will of the people. Sir ,you and your party can waffle all it likes but you are as treacherous as Bliar, Brown and the despicable NU Labour. UKIP or BNP look the only alternative in the forthcoming election.Sir, you have a golden opportunity to give me back my country, You have taken the cowardly route

Comment by dianne on November 5, 2009 at 12:33 am

Could someone please cleary and simply explain the Lisbon Treaty. I am fed up with the flowery language that hides the truth from the average voter and feel that slowly and surely all the power is being taken away from the British because we are too liberal to stand up and say enough! Let the British say what happens in Britain without interference from abroad. We have, for example, always had one of the best and most revered legal systems in the world, lets not change that to fit in with everyone else. Lets be proud of this country and what it stands for and leave the rest of Europe to make a mess of their own countries!

Comment by David Alway on November 5, 2009 at 12:34 am

David, I applaud your honesty but prefer the proposal from David Davis. If you stick to your guns you may have to consider a coalition with U.K.I.P

Comment by james on November 5, 2009 at 12:34 am

If the E.U will not let us have our way , lets go to war with europe, they are just a bunch of yellow bellied hypocrits anyway. I WANT OUT LIKE YESTERDAY

Comment by John Stanyer on November 5, 2009 at 12:34 am

David
i have been a conservative for over 25years and i have supported you as leader. I have never felt so betraid and disapointed by your new european policy. our familey and businesses have poured thousnads of pounds and hundreds of houres of time into fighting for a conservative victrory at the next election. but I say now if you do not change this pollicy now we will not support you any more and will do whatever is required to fight you on this matter

Comment by Daniel Parker on November 5, 2009 at 12:35 am

Harry Royle has it right. When the economy collapses beyond all recognition who will get the blame? Maybe Cameron is trying to throw the election? If you look at his supporters on here(of which I WAS one) they seem to want to go elsewhere on this issue, along with immigration. Not alot he can do to come back from this now. You can’t undo a lie!

Comment by Paul Talbot on November 5, 2009 at 12:36 am

No-one under the age of 52 has had a say in whether we should be in the EU or not. Give us a referendum. If you don’t you will lose many votes but if you give us a referendum then everyone who would have voted UKIP will vote Conservative.

Comment by David Alway on November 5, 2009 at 12:36 am

David , I applaud your honesty but much prefer the proposal from David Davis. You may have to consider a coalition with the U.K.I.P.

Comment by dianne on November 5, 2009 at 12:37 am

PS I would be interested to know how many people – myself included – who have commented on this web site – REALLY understand the Lisbon treaty and could vote with intelligence on its pros and cons ?

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:38 am

You know all you MP’s when you go to the London to mark Remembrance Sunday, should all get on you knees and beg forgiveness to the many brave service men, who fought in The First World War, Second World War, Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan (That’s if Our service men, don’t get booed for fighting for Our Country) because every stroke of the pen, you politicians have sold Britain to the highest bidder who could your interests instead of the interests of the British Public.

Comment by Mike Beecroft on November 5, 2009 at 12:38 am

We have allowed the Labour Government to ride rough shod over us. Refused us a referendum. They have filled the EU the Lords and numerous Quango’s with its placemen and women. We have lost our freedom and our rights to self determination. We also have to sit and watch Teflon Tony worm his way into the EU presidency. Napoleon, The Kaiser and Hitler and others have tried to conquer and rule the British people, only to be foiled at Waterloo, Trafalgar, Somme and the skies of southern England in 1940. Are we now going to roll over to the EU without a fight. The EU can say what they like; we just have to say NO! Let them pick the bones out of that! Churchill said if he had to choose between Europe and the open sea, he would choose the open sea. I think that is still valid today. No to UK in a Federal Europe.

Comment by P.C.Palmer on November 5, 2009 at 12:38 am

60 Years ago this country was at war in order to enable we in the U.K to be ‘free’. We freed up Europe ut we didn’t want to become a small pebble in that big pond. I voted against the EEC that Ted Heathe unleashed on us, we began to stop trading with our dominions and colonies who had helped see us through that war. What a way to treat them. We never got one Referendeum whilst Ireland got two and I believed were bullied into saying yes. David, don’t you let this country down, try to think how Winston woujld have thought, although he would never have allowed us to be in this position. I have nothing against the Continental people, just dont was to be ruled by them or have to follow their rules. We can trade with them, nothing wrong in that but let them keep out of our way of life, it ha served us well for a good few years now – how many other countries have based their laws etc., on ours. We gave the international world a language, even airlines have now dropped French and it is English which is the language now. I could go on and on, but believe me David that if you don’t do what the electorate want, then the Conservative Party of which I have been a member since young girl, will go down the drain along with our unelected Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Europe is a gentleman’s club for which we are not able to pay the membership fee. Stop paying that, and we would have money to put towards all the little things needing to be fixed here.

Comment by Roy Chamberlain on November 5, 2009 at 12:39 am

What a shame Mr Cameron or his minions cannot be bothered to read these comments (or the last few debates) and answer the concerns of the general public. It seems, like me, many people who have voted Conservative for many many years will now defect, that is unbelievable after the disasterous years under Blai and Brown. It seems the Conservatives need to choose a new leader with CLEAR policies or they may not get the victory at the next election they obviously believe is theirs for the taking.

The Conservatives should now be streets ahead, yet VERY LOYAL supporters appear to be abondoning ship like never before. What an utter shambles. I was undecided as I have no wish to let Brown back in power but I cannot and will not vote for this present regime of Conservative spin doctors. Another vote lost. Mind made up. Very very sad day.

Comment by David Alway on November 5, 2009 at 12:40 am

David, I applaud your honesty but much prefer the proposal from David Davis. You may have to consider a coalition with the U.K.I.P.

Comment by Gabriel Williams on November 5, 2009 at 12:40 am

The only general election voted NOT wasted is one for a party that will reclaim the sovereignty of the parliament we vote for in the first place. Therefore the only vote NOT wasted is one for UKIP. Otherwise, why not vote Labour, even if you hate them, if soverignty is ceded to Brussels anyway? David may say that the teaty is now law and cannot be helped. But what is a law without the willingness of a people to uphold it, without territorial sovereignty or honoured constitutional legitimacy? Paper and ink do not enforce or observe the law. People do. I have too long supported David Cameron in the vain hope that he had some grit about him. With great regret, I am abandoning the Tories at the next election.

Comment by julie on November 5, 2009 at 12:41 am

i david you and all of the other prime minsters promise a change and we never get so this year i will not be voting i nearly vote but not now every prime minster seems to let there country down so please do some thing about it thanks

Comment by Richard Ord on November 5, 2009 at 12:42 am

Mr Cameron,

Sadly, you are now shown to be pathetic, weak, vacillating, quite cowardly and maybe even a liar like Mr Brown and your statement is simply pathetic. Where are your balls?

If you want to win the election you must hold a referendum, even if it is a retrospective, on taking the UK out of Europe. You can state and promise the British public that you will impose UK Sovereignty over all EU crappy legislation and remove it from the statute books, take back from the EU all ceded powers, and control our own borders and stop all immigration from the tihird world and Muslim worlds who are totally alien to our way of life; and tell the EU and “Nellie” to stop meddling with our economic and corporate banking and business lives and free trading is our right.

If you do not state that, as an act of faith, millions of us will vote with our feet for UKIP and the BNP too.

You will never ever again have that one chance to be PM without holding that referendum. Go back and say to us the people and say that YOU WILL HOLD a referendum on our membership of the socialist weak EU and remove us from that pathetic socialist dream.

Otherwise, hand over to a leader who will do that.

Comment by David Alway on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 am

David, I applaud your honesty but much prefer the proposal from David Davis. Youmay have to consider a coalition with the U.K.I.P

Comment by Mrs Frances Barr MBE on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 am

I am sorry but all members of Parliament are to blame for this utter fiasco. A referendum is what was promised, and members should have shouted and screamed at the Government for just giving it the nod through. Years ago when we voted to join the Common Market, it was just that, not a Europe that runs roughshod over our laws and sovereignty. As for Blair as President, NO.

Comment by Peter Thomas on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 am

Et tu, Cameron? Now all the major parties have betrayed the British people. You all hold the electorate in contempt. On the heads of the political class will be the consequences of your treacherous actions. Now watch your lead over Labour fall. Shame on all of you!

Comment by Richard Sutton on November 5, 2009 at 12:45 am

I’m sorry David, but your proposed way forward is all waffle now the Lisbon Treaty has now passed into EU Law. The proposal that a referendum is held before any further powers are transferred to the EU. This is nonsense since about 70% of laws are currently being enacted in Brussells. This is closing the stable door after the horses have bolted. The only way to get the powers we want back, is to hold a referendum that we would leave the EU unless we got those powers back. This would be a powerful negotiating weapon. Another negotiating weapon would be to threaten to withhold our EU financial contribution.

Comment by Stuart on November 5, 2009 at 12:46 am

Why only now that the Lisbon Treaty been ratified by all member states do you think it is neccesary to pass a law preventing further transfer of power from Britain to the EU? Why was this not Conservative policy already?

Comment by David Alway on November 5, 2009 at 12:46 am

David, I applaud your honesty but much prefer the proposal from David Davis. You may have to consider a coalition with the U.K.I.P

Comment by James Dollimore on November 5, 2009 at 12:48 am

This is the single most important thing you have done Mr Cameron since your election as party leader. The prospect of my voting Conservative with your hitherto European position was unthinkable – now it is conceivable. Please ignore the media barrage of criticism that will inevitably come your way – think instead of how this will enhance your relationship with Mr Sarkozy and Mrs Merkel. Next step put the MEP’s back in the EPP.

Comment by Barry Greaves on November 5, 2009 at 12:49 am

First, if we win the next election, we will prohibit, by law, the transfer of further power to the EU without a referendum. Never again should it be possible for a British government to transfer power to the EU without the British people’s consent
? Whats to stop the labour commies from repealing this law (or bothering about it) if they get back into power

Comment by Mike Jordan on November 5, 2009 at 12:51 am

We need to vote on continued menbership or exit from the EU.A promise of 25% of power is useless to voters.Speak out now before its all lost, begging for a little authority back is not enough!

Comment by John Rivers-Vaughan on November 5, 2009 at 12:51 am

I have read through a great number of the contributions and I see the frustration and anger of people who wish someone would stand up for Britain, sovereignty and democracy.

You politicians easily forget that people, many ordinary people like you and me, have GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR DEMOCRACY, particularly when the alternative was, to quote Churchill, ‘a monstrous tyranny’. I wonder what many of our forebears in the 20th and earlier centuries, who devoted themselves with strength, courage and selflessness to make Britain one of the world’s greatest nations without being a tyranny, would think of all you spineless invertebrates who have, and are, meekly handing over everything our country has built up and stood for for over a thousand years to a hotch-potch Union of countries who spent a great length of time trying to compete with us!

I can understand that a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty would be like shutting the proverbial stable door, and I will not go as far as some above who are now going to vote for UKIP, but I AM now nervous that nothing concrete will happen to stem the further decline of this country.

DAVID! Look at all the people above who are disappointed in your performance today! You really have got to be stronger. A late dear friend of my family used to have a saying, ‘If there’s doubt, there’s no doubt’ – well. I have always doubted the value of being in the EU and I have no doubt now that we should leave it, completely, lock, stock and barrel. Who are THEY to tell us how to run our country – what was and could still be the best country? Why do we need the EU to form our legislation, when we have led the World in doing it for a thousand years?

It seems to me we have no longer any leadership in this country. As William Hague said, rightly, it is a bad day for democracy.

IT IS: Time to leave the EU
Time for a vote of no confidence in Nu
Labour
Time for Truth and Honour
Time for REAL change.

The Royal Motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ could have been written with the traitors who are selling out our country in mind.

DAVID – DON’T BE AFRAID TO STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY!

Comment by suzanne on November 5, 2009 at 12:53 am

Was going to vote conservative, but you have just proved that you and your party are just as bad, as the current labour party. More Lies, why oh why can no MP ever tell the truth??
As for me I am going to vote BNP Now!

Comment by Neil Hewitt on November 5, 2009 at 12:56 am

I understand the legality of your latest comments, however you must offer a retraction option (from the EU), your latest statement sounds like a ‘cop out’, totally unacceptable to the British population, I understand that now the EU question is legally ‘non questionable, we have a problem. However the majority of the British population ‘aquiessed’ over a European Free Trade Area, that has now developed into a ‘United States of Europe’, to none of the rich countries benefits, apart from their premier politicians booking tickets to heaven.

EG Blair, President of Europe, what a joke! Best thing I could say, is, at least he is English.

You are really worrying me, you are chickening out of commitments long before an election.

What your statement is saying is ‘we will not back out of the EU’, the population needs to be asked, ‘do the British people want to be part of the EU’, we have been led, by the nose, by governments, back to Ted Heath, into Europe, primarily for the glory of politicians benifit, eg the failed labour leader and his wife, Kinnock, I finally remember his unmemerable name.

It is not for the people of Europe, it is for senior politicians who loose power in their countries, so they can make even more money in a bigger sphere.

Yes you can run a referendum! That is what you said, and that is what you should do, and that is what the British people expect.

It depends on the results what you should do. Stuff Lisbon Agreement. The British people did not have a choice! Give us a choice, be a real man, forget politics, trust the people, if we are well educated enough by our exemplary education system, so well provided by our government, we ought to be able to make a good logical decision about our future!

Stand up strong! You are starting to lose the election!!!!

Regards

Neil Hewitt (Lifelong Conservative, not allways voting)

Comment by M.D.Tribbeck on November 5, 2009 at 12:56 am

david, NOW you are same as liar Brown, having a referendem is a way to show many people resent the EU. you want my vote, I want a referendem.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:57 am

David, if you cannot get enough support in your own party in which to implement policies which are needed for this country, then have courage and make your own party, and the people of Britain, will back you.

To come up with half baked ideas, will not wash with the British People.

Have the Courage to say on this blog that you are wrong, with what has been printed, and take a second breath and take on board what people are saying.

You know advisors are only good if they tell you what you don’t want to hear as well as what you do want to hear.

Lets say this, for me, I have nothing to gain by saying this to you, on this more than anything You are wrong and you are missing a very big opportunity here.

If you don’t take the comments on this blog seriously, then you will lose the chance of becoming PM, because the BNP or Ukip will take it away from YOU.

Have a big referendum on quite a few issues that have plagued our Country as a whole. Ask the questions you need answering by the British Public and then deliver what they ask you to do.

Comment by geoff on November 5, 2009 at 1:01 am

i understand you can not do anything at the moment.you will lose support if you don,t give us a vote on the opt of the eu.i will be voting to opt out.or vote for ukip at the next election.you have to have big b@@@@ to make the decision for the uk.when the election comes labour is out lets hope you can make the decisions the uk wants to hear in your policys.i hope you look at all these comments all saying the same wanting a vote on the lisbon treaty or opt out of the eu and go it alone against a federtal europe

Comment by suzzie on November 5, 2009 at 1:02 am

Dave Dave Dave. Could you kindly do us afavour. Three quaters of voters do not have a clue about the Lisborn Treaty, Waht it is all about? Could you kindly kindly in your next news letter brief people what axactly is happening. There are voters out there who have not even a clue about this issue. They just think it’s another brand name which has poped up in the politic world being used to campaign for votes. Please inform the British people what this is all about so that they know exactly what they are being led into without there knowledge. This is my request before the next election so that they know who to vote for next time. We all knew this was going to happen.Uncle Goddy and Mandiegirlson are playing a very dangerous game which is leading to the British people and there values not to exist. Their independent and rights are wiped away. The issue here David is for you to be were you are is the little people holding you high up.So waht every you do listen to them and do as per there wish as well they will lift you higher and higher. Without the people’s vote you are not a leader. Goddy thinks he is but in reality he is not. He knows in himself that nobody in this country has any thing to do with him.

Comment by Chris Knight on November 5, 2009 at 1:02 am

This is not enough David. The present government had no authority to surrender our sovereignty without the specific permission of the electorate. The Lisbon Treaty was deliberately drafted as an incomprehensible document that transfers power to an unelected, corrupt group who care nothing for the British way of life. The Treaty is therefore an illegal contract and everything that flows from it is invalid. We can still have a referendum on whether or not to leave the EU or negotiate an affiliate status.

Comment by Nicholas Grady on November 5, 2009 at 1:08 am

David
It’s not transfer of rights that bothers me so much as value for money. What exactly does out contribution get us? Does it improve our Education system? our Police Force?
Our Councils? our quality of life?
Since we give all this money to Europe and we are so heavily in debt, why don’t we withhold the VAT precept and use the money to rebuild this country into something great again. We ended up paying billions back to the US for their war effort assistance. When is Europe going to recognise what we did for it and pay us some restitution for what we did for it. We get taken for granted. That’s what really hurts people. No one recognises that if it wasn’t for us and the US there wouldn’t be a European Union. They treat us like mugs. Whatever her faults, at least Maggie stood up for us. Withhold our VAT precept for as long as it takes. That will get us what we want. RESPECT that we are not going to be bullied or cajoled into being a little submissive state like how we are treated now. I want to vote for a government with some backbone. Have your party got that?

Comment by geoff on November 5, 2009 at 1:08 am

i also got a email from brown from the petition to resign.he said he is the right man for the job to save the uk.he is on cloud nine and will not listen to the uk people.scottish id@@@ still believes he can make us believe his lies

Comment by Ann Cullum on November 5, 2009 at 1:09 am

I understand that a ratification referendum is now not an option but what about a referendum of the nation on our view of the EU? This should show Europe that it is the people of Great Britain that are behind you in what you are doing. This would give much more power to our negotiations and make the people feel that they are having some say, at last, on Europe. We were lied to and cheated in 71. Give us a vote again.

Comment by Mark K on November 5, 2009 at 1:10 am

I am disappointed as to how the Lisbon treaty had been ratified so timidly at the end, and can understand the frustration of loyal voters.

Remember, though, it was LABOUR who welshed on their original promise, and do we really want FIVE MORE YEARS OF LABOUR GOVERNMENT, or worse still, A LIB-LAB stitch-up ?

Voting UKIP would only help Labour in many marginal constituencies by splitting the non-Socialist vote and letting the LAB / LIB candidate in by default.

The problem is that Labour still have an ultra-stubborn bedrock of loyal voters to guarantee them some 200+ sates (as in 1983) even if there nationwide vote share fell to 25%.

THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE LABOUR ARE BOOTED OUT IS STILL TO VOTE CONSERVATIVE !

Comment by Ray McAreavey on November 5, 2009 at 1:11 am

I will believe it when I see it.

Pingback by UK to lose its balls « Cosmetic Uprise – UK and the EU on November 5, 2009 at 1:11 am

[...] Cameron is saying that they will introduce a “United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill” which will give the people a vote in any future EU treaties, essentially having a referendum whenever a new EU treaty is to be ratified. Furthermore, he is suggesting some major renegotiations on regaining power back from Brussels. The Guardian has summed up all the proposed changes rather nicely: [...]

Comment by Paul on November 5, 2009 at 1:13 am

I’m afraid you have just lost it.
I detest Brown and you have joined his ranks.
Well done.
UKIP is going to do rather well I think.

Comment by Alan on November 5, 2009 at 1:13 am

David, when is someone involved in British politics going to have the guts to ask the people of this country whether we would like to withdraw from the EU ? The only time we were ever balloted on this it was to become a member of the European Economic Community, a trading area, not a European Super State

Comment by Lynne Jones on November 5, 2009 at 1:13 am

The Common Market was acceptable, but the EU is not. Yet it was the Conservatives that led us into it. It is the United Kingdom that abide by the EU directives, the rest of Europe pay lip service and little else. The English Channel is there for a reason, pull up the drawbridge & let Europe look after itsself. Isn’t it about time that it’s accounts were audited and accepted! I, for one, don’t have to want to save Europe, yet again. Let them rot

Comment by marie lamb on November 5, 2009 at 1:14 am

At least we now know that we can”t trust you, better before the election than after, I was dithering, but now I have decided, UKIP here I come

Comment by Vic Davies on November 5, 2009 at 1:15 am

As all the other EU countries seem to have happily signed away their national sovereignty, it is politically inappropriate for the UK to be play odd-man-out right now, so I think you have had little option but to reneige on the promise of a referendum, David.

The fact remains that, post-Lisbon, a Federal Europe is here (in all but name) right now. What obfuscation and treachery! The Common Market was “never going to be other than a trading alliance”, but ever since the Treaty of Rome the Brussels bureaucracy has been stealthily, relentlessly – and dishonestly – undermining the democratic independence of Europe’s member states. As you say – the time to start rolling back the great EU panjandrum is here, and I am delighted to know that you will be doing just that, from next year onwards. Your progress will be supported, and watched with keen interest by most of the people who will (undoubtedly!) vote you in next year… and have no doubt – your success in substantially regaining independence for Britain during your first term will do much to underpin your chances of re-election for a second term.

Comment by Richard Sheppard on November 5, 2009 at 1:18 am

Why bother prohibiting by law any further transfer of powers to the EU without a referendum. Spineless politicians have ensured that democracy died long ago in the EU. Return the “Wrong Result” and you just keep voting and voting until you return the “Right Result”

Comment by Mia on November 5, 2009 at 1:19 am

What about the costs of holding referendums all the time? What about “dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, citizen’s rights and justice” that the Charter of Fundamental Rights supports does the Conservative Party not agree on?

I thought the whole point of a government is to elect people to make informed decisions on issues, such as the EU. Are there any other policy areas Tories feel incompetent in?

And surely the whole point of having a legal system – be it national or supranational – was to provide justice. Opting in on the ECJ only when it suits you surely kind of defeats the whole purpose? That is like killing someone but before it just saying that I don’t agree with the legal system so the verdict doesn’t affect me.

I find your stance on the EU to be incredibly populistic and without any actual merit to it. I would honestly suggest someone in the Conservative party studies the EU the next time you come out with a statement and actually think about the implications of what you’re saying.

Sovereignty for sovereignty’s sake seems to be the only logic behind all of this.

Comment by sam paterson on November 5, 2009 at 1:20 am

David C, was it i seem to remember the tory party and Edward Heath that took the uk into the EU in the first place with not a word of a referendm it just came about the public had no say then and has had no say now,pinch me if i am sleeping are politicians not elected by the people to represent the people seems not politicians do as they like wether the public like it or not, wake up and listen to the public for once pull out off the EU no member of the public wanted in in the first place it was only done to suit Edward Teeth Heath as he could berth his yacht and claim expences for it as a second home in Spain now you are all on the band wagon second homes all over the place so when you preach the EU think back who took this country there in the first place ask M Thatcher she will tell you as she still runs the tory party sorry if you thought it was you David. Stand up to that bitch Thatcher and get ride of her policies as the public will tell you the tories are still under her influance and untill she has gone for good no one will trust the tory party if she say jump you all jump.

Comment by Jonathan Wheeler on November 5, 2009 at 1:24 am

David,
I am very relieved indeed that you have shown your adaptability and realism. Had you decided to take the country onwards into a referendum, when every single other country had approved the Treaty, I would have been deeply concerned. Such a decision would have made you look out of touch, frankly.
So, you have made a hard choice but also a right choice.
Good luck with obtaining some of the sort of concessions made by Maggie, and since given away by Blair, that great dissembler and deconstructionist.

Comment by Jenny on November 5, 2009 at 1:26 am

Unfortunately for the conservatives the labour party seem to be getting off very lightly with this ,have people forgotten Blair promised a referendum to the people on Europe,that was cast iron, and he and Brown were able to deliver,instead they chose to ignore the electorate,probably in exchange for Blair’s “European Presidency” and a safe job for Brown.
I like many others feel totally betrayed at the outcome,the labour party have sold short every man,woman, and child in this country,but I’m realistic enough to know that for the moment,with the Lisbon Treaty now ratified, we have to work with what we have,Brown has manipulated an irreversible situation but if there is any hope of resurrecting something from this , in the interests of Britain,and clawing back what has been taken from us then the only choice is to vote conservative.
UKIP may sound attractive to some, but realistically they will not deliver,you can not appear petulant on the world stage,sound bites and spin will not run a country.
Skillful negotiations and bargaining,are the things which are now required ,the only party who will claw back concessions for this country are the Conservatives,so good luck David ,you now have to sell this to the country, and hard.

Comment by Jonathan Wheeler on November 5, 2009 at 1:27 am

Oh Sam Paterson, I just read your comment…you need to get your facts straight, sir. There WAS a referendum on entry into the then Common Market; in fact, I think it may have been the ONLY referendum we in Britain have ever held. (They are, after all, nasty, foreign things for countries that don’t have proper governments – ooops, that’s us now isn’t it?)

Comment by Peter clutton on November 5, 2009 at 1:29 am

David, If you can make laws to protect the UK from further interferance from Europe, then surely you can make a law to allow us the people a referendum,to chose what we want and not what politicians think we want.
I was fully behind you before the Czech ratification but now im not so sure… I think your position is an awkward one that you will find hard to defend unless you promise a referendum.
I think that after the Labour party broke its promise, and the expences scandal the people need some honest promises that will not be broken… not half harted half thought out implications of promises… we can have that and more from Labour.
Regards Peter Clutton.

Comment by Barry Pritchard on November 5, 2009 at 1:34 am

David, David. I am your biggest fan.
But you and the rest are missing the point.
Number one, keep your word.
Number two it does not matter that the treaty is ratified.
What matters and this applies to what every party is in government.
What do the British people think?.
It could be that they want to be in europe although I doubt it.
What is important is how you act and respond to the the EU knowing full well that you have the total support of the British people behind you.
Please listen to us and act accordingly.
We the people have spoken, you our servants do the best you can for us.

Comment by Anthony Smedley on November 5, 2009 at 1:34 am

Come on, Dave, we all know it was just ammunition to fire off at Brown while the going was good and that nothing significant would really ever happen.

If you’ve got the balls for it, ask the country whether we want to be EU members at all or whether we’d prefer just to leave it at the trade agreement we did all agree to.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 1:38 am

Maggie warned us about this, and she was booted out by the establishment. She told us Europe wants a federal state and she fought against it.

Borrow the SAS Motto, ‘He who dares wins’

Stop being a lap dog of Europe, and Grow a pair and tell them to go take a hike.

To me and to many British People we do feel that This Treaty is illegal, it encroaches on our sovereignty because the British People did not have a say whether they wanted to sign up to it or not.

It was signed by a PM, who didn’t have a clear mandate to do this, as he wasn’t elected PM, he inherited it by his friend Tony Blair.

People of this country feel that this shouldn’t happen again, if a PM is forced out of office, then another election should be fought immediately, not handing over power with some gentleman’s agreement.

Where will all this EU legislation stop, when will it benefit British Interests, instead of everyone in the EU picking on Britain telling us what to do?

They are trying to get us to take on the Euro so that they can tax us yet more, so that our government doesn’t have a say in Economic Policy,

They want their own Defence Policy which is totally different from Nato,

The agricultural favours mainland European farmers Our British Fisheries and Farms have been decimated.

Will they be demanding we get rid of our Queen and Our heritage next as it isn’t European in favour for an European President?

To the British Public, it feels as if we are being invaded from all sides, and we are having our hands tied behind our backs.

YOU ARE BETRAYING US ALL !

Comment by Carol (Windsor, UK) on November 5, 2009 at 1:39 am

We do not have to follow the EU laws, we do not have to follow the UK laws. If our government want a fight with it’s own people then this is the right way to go. I would like to say Wake up Mr Cameron, and stick your neck out. what makes a great man is COURAGE, HONESTY & HUMILITY – go for it.
So many conservatives will vote UKIP if you do not stand up for England. A one world order means we will not have a Royal Family, we will not be anything more than an island off the coast of Europe, and how long before Russia is part of Europe and running it. Then we will be in a war between the Reds and Islam, so if we need to fight, lets do it now.
At least we can keep our pride that we went down fighting for our freedom. Our future looks like the native American Indian, 2nd class in their own country. Don’t wait until it is too late. One day you will stand before God, and have to explain yourself, so make sure what you have to say is I fought for England, for the UK, I fought for Freedom and the people. I stopped being PC and I started being real. The British people have had enough of lies, control freaks, and power hungry greedy MP’s. We want to make a stand for FREEDOM under God. For Truth & Justice.

Comment by Jonathan Wheeler on November 5, 2009 at 1:41 am

Dear me, some of the comments on this blog are positively antagonistic. Er… could we all calm down and take our sensible pills, please? Some of these posters sound like Colonel Blimp, for goodness sake! Mr Cameron has no choice, realistically, to do anything other than what he has done. Surely nobody can seriously consider Britain’s withdrawal from the EU? It’s too late, chums! We are in, and we need to stay in so that we can convert the others to run the EU in a positive way. Throwing our toys out of the cot is hardly a mature and sensible way to act as a nation. Blair and Brown have stitched the nation up, in many different and inventive ways. This is just their most harmful one yet.
But, we have no alternatives to Europe now. Every nation needs allies. The Commonwealth is no longer a viable trading community. Australia and NZ had to find alternative partners once we went into Europe. It’s madness to think of pulling out. And if all these BNP and UKIP fans leave the Conservative Party, so much the better, frankly.

Comment by Peter Hartley on November 5, 2009 at 1:46 am

Dear Prime Minister (to be elected)

Whilst I remain true to my Conservative roots, I regret to have to advise you that the majority of my friends and associates feel ‘let down’ by the failure of the Conservative Party to hold a Referendum (as promised) on whether the UK should stay within the bounds of the Lisbon Treaty. As far as these people are concerned, the UK Parliament now serves NO PURPOSE. I have received comments (even this evening – Wednesday 4th November 2009) – that Parliamentarians should “perform in the daytime, to provide us with Entertainment, and be paid simply as entertainers”. I jest not.

Instead, all the people who have discussed this matter with me have made it clear that the only Political Party that they will vote for at the next General Election is the UKIP.

As someone whose Business depends upon ‘getting past’ (un)Civil Servants to the actual Client, I am disappointed that the Conservative Party shows a lack of DETERMINATION. It is relatively easy to ‘barrack’ from Opposition – it is another matter to show Statesmanship when in Power.

Whilst I (personally) can understand the purpose of your shift in plans, most people will only TRUST someone who KEEPS THEIR WORD. You have not done so, and so for whatever good reasons you might have, in the eyes of the Public (also called “the Electorate”) you have broken a promise.

The next question is: having broken one important promise BEFORE being elected to Office, just how many more promises will you and the Parliamentary Party break once in Office ?

It really is as simple as that – you have now (with at least one exception – me) lost the Confidence of the Public and so the best that you might expect at the General Election is a ‘hung Parliament’ (sadly, with an increase in seats for the BNP).

This Labour Government is seen to be really a Fascist Government … so much for “New Labour”. To go further to the Right would be political suicide, and yet now to introduce Socialist policies would appear to make the Conservative Party to be “New Communist”.

David, this is your own fault. The remedies lie within your control. My Father (GRHS) taught me that it took a strong man to admit his mistakes – I admit mine, but can you be strong enough to admit yours ?

The future of this (once great) Nation lies within your grasp … but to reach that, you will NEED the votes of the people that you have disillusioned.

Good Luck – I am afraid that you will need it.

Peter

Comment by sam paterson on November 5, 2009 at 1:48 am

Forget the EU who dont even have any combat troops in aughanistan,remember the french refused to be our allies when the war in iraq started but they have short memorys we gave them the blood of our troops during two wars when the tide turned they run like scared rabbits so who need the EU i dont and the country dosent it just cost the tax payers billions to keep msps in luxury just another gravy train the same as the mps in houses of parliament.so out off the EU alltogethr,And if the torys want to win the next election they will have to get our troops out of aufganistan now not years down the line.

Comment by Pete on November 5, 2009 at 1:49 am

Today’s speech was pure waffle. Try listening to David Davis – he speaks more to the people than you do.

I have voted Tory for 60 years but unless your attitude to the venal EU changes over the next few months I will give UKIP the vote I lent them in the Euro elections

Comment by Alan Ewen on November 5, 2009 at 1:58 am

David, I understand why you can not challenge the Lisbon Treaty and agree that you should do something to protect our sovereignty. I also agree with you that you should take back some laws which have damaged our economy , in particular health & safety legislation which has put a huge financial burden on industry and installed a safety culture that is all about risk and not about responsibility. Employment law is another area that is damaging our economy. To achieve all this we must have a stronger influence on Brussels. Brown has got it all wrong and has no clue, he wants to be the world statesman so he signs away our rights but forgets that you need to work the system in Europe. You can be different by having a strong and robust team in Brussels protecting our nation’s sovereignty and interests by influencing and lobbying at every turn. Rather than distance ourselves from Brussels we should make a huge effort to get inside the bureaucratic machine and make changes from within. While we do this we should also strengthen the Union by taking powers back from Holyrood..the perhaps greater threat to our nation.

Comment by Jack McKay on November 5, 2009 at 1:59 am

To have any meaning a Sovereignty Bill should enshrine that any EU legislation that is opposed by a half million voters on a government web site be subjected to Westminster approval before it can be implemented in the UK.

Comment by Beverly Martin on November 5, 2009 at 2:12 am

Dear DC – I watched the whole of your speech, and listened as far as possible to journalists’ questions. I so wanted to ask you: if there are 26 member countries that will need to agree our proposals for change (and given that you expect these to move through a 5-year parliament), what then are we supposed to do with the new laws that will inevitably be inflicted on us in that time? Will we really have a genuine opportunity to revoke them, or will just one dissenting country make it impossible? I think we need urgently to know something of the timeframe, and how you see this question being answered.

If we are denied a referendum for the reasons you explain (i.e. that the Treaty is no longer a Treaty, but is now “law”), why would any future laws be subject to new and different criteria? It is very hard to see how this argument stacks up!

Your speech was measured, reasonable, and offered quite a lot to those of us who are sickened by what is happening to this country. However, if it doesn’t go far enough (and it may not – the above being one issue), then I could imagine a vast swell of potential Tory voters (some very passionate, as I am, about the sovereignty and freedoms of our country) having little option but to look elsewhere. This would be a tragedy; may I urge you please with great respect to let us have more clarity on timing and the above question.

I thought your speech was brave, direct, and real. I trust you to do all you can to bring us through this crucial time. With all good wishes.

Comment by Alan on November 5, 2009 at 2:12 am

You are not going to get out of this one! get us out of the EU this crap situation we are in now is mostly down to our conection with the EU UKIP offer more of what the ordinary people want out of EU and a british country looking after the BRITISH people not the rest of the world o how i wish we had a BNP candidate in Tamworth old style BNP Enoch knew the score but no body listened now it is all coming to fruition!!!

Comment by Laura Jayne on November 5, 2009 at 2:17 am

I agree with the principle of this message, in reality however this is not enforcable, ‘taking power back off the EU’, it would require alot of constitutional overturn. This is a promise that cannot be kept!! I expected more of Cameron’s policy on the EU! UKIP still don’t deserve the vote!!

Comment by Alex Smith on November 5, 2009 at 2:18 am

That’s me finished David.I have been a lifelong Tory Voter.You can now have my Tory Membership card,as I will be voting UKIP.
You are no better than Gordon Brown,and I thought he was the best liar in politics.Goodbye Tories.

Comment by Alex Smith on November 5, 2009 at 2:25 am

Get us out of the EU now,DC. You are not going to win the coming Election with the rubbish you spouted today.Edward Heath knew he was starting a European Union,and lied to us that it was only for trading.He spent the rest of his political life as a failure and a big joke.

Comment by Roy Grant on November 5, 2009 at 2:25 am

Sir,again the public whom you represent seems to be being told what to do and not asked. If the Conservatives are to come into power we need some backbone and strong leadership from our elected government. The British public sadly would appear to be going to be let down again

Pingback by Tory Party rules out referendum – Page 4 – Politics.ie on November 5, 2009 at 2:36 am

[...] success? And look how many are flatly stating that they will vote UKIP for the first time ever? The Blue Blog A policy on Europe that people can believe in "A policy on Europe that people can believe in"? He can't even convince his own party, [...]

Comment by Dave on November 5, 2009 at 2:46 am

Too late mate.Brussels is not interested in letting you renegotiate anything.You’re shutting the door after the horse has bolted.They will delay and prevaricate and waste your time.You’ve got to negotiate with a firm mandate from the British people.That means A REFERENDUM FIRST, on the firm understanding that if we don’t get what we want we leave this wretched,deceitful,expensive club.And no wimpy “we’ll be all alone in the world rubbish.”
We can stand on our own two feet without having to spend £50mn A DAY to be ruled from Brussels.I will be voting UKIP. At least I know where I am with them.Sorry.You’ll have to do better.

Comment by chris b on November 5, 2009 at 2:59 am

unfortunatley david you now look like part of the problem and not the solution.why are all main stream parties refusing to allow the british public to express thier view on europe?in recent centuries politicians would have been charged with treason and delt with appropriatley.on whos authority has the soverenty of britain been handed to brussels? the political elite have beaten the public into an angry disillusioned state,with little to pick from them all.the next election whoever wins will be won on a small turnout,nodoubt the political classes will say we must reconnect and build trust with the voters! sound familiar.then as sure as night follows day they will ignore the majorority views on europe, law and order and immigration.

Comment by Alan Jesson on November 5, 2009 at 3:14 am

Dear Mr Cameron
I am an Englishman.I would die for this country and our Queen. I am not nor will I ever be European. Most of those eager to engage in this European farce have their own countries asperations at heart. Non of them have the slightest interest in this countries future. Save 55 Billion and leave this pathetic union please.We don’t need it and we have always had more in common with our friends the USA. Please please take this nation out of Europe because thats the only party I will be voting for next year and I have always voted for your party. Sleep on it and make a stand this nation would be 100% behind you. Ask them and then listen. Be brave and stand up for this nation

Comment by Jamie on November 5, 2009 at 3:15 am

More vacuous words from a leader who has demonstrated that his ‘cast iron’ promises are utterly meaningless.

Let’s keep this simple. IF the UK is still a sovereign state (as the Conservative Party of Edward Heath lied that it would be after joining the then EEC) then you can put to bed this nonsense that it is ‘too late’ to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty once it is passed into law – a truly sovereign state is free to abrogate any treaty previously entered into. Equally, a genuinely sovereign state would not have to ‘negotiate’ to retain its freedom to legislate in any area it so chooses.

But of course Mr Heath wasn’t being truthful was he, anymore than Mr Cameron is now. The Conservative Party has been ‘promising’ to ‘repatriate’ powers to the United Kingdom government in every election manifesto since 1983 and has failed to honour that promise every time.

And so now the charade repeats itself again -more powers go to Brussels (our veto – our right to act independently – has been removed in over forty new areas), the Tories do their predictable posturing and, bang on cue, say that ‘next time’ things will be different. But of course they won’t be. With the Conservatives and Europe, they never ever are.

You have lost my vote and my respect Mr Cameron

Comment by Bobbi White on November 5, 2009 at 3:23 am

If you promised us a referendum on whether we want to withdraw from the EU you would win the next election by a landslide – as it is I’ll be voting UKIP.

Comment by Paddy on November 5, 2009 at 3:30 am

I am as disappointed as it is possible to be that the British people have been thrust into a superstate with absolutely no chance to vote on the matter. I don’t believe a word of what you say Mr Cameron. You know you won’t deliver, and that’s equivalent to bare-faced lying.

Comment by Steve Pike on November 5, 2009 at 3:32 am

Dear Mr Cameron,

I have read your speech in full and find it ill-considered.

In the section headed NEVER AGAIN you say that further transfer of power the subject of a referendum. But what is the baseline from which we will measure additional transfer? Will it be pre-Lisbon or post-Lisbon? The latter is unacceptable and the former means an instant referendum.

In the section headed SOVEREIGNTY you say that “any use of a ratchet clause by a future government would require full approval by Parliament.” This conflicts with the first statement in that there is no mention of a referendum, just a parliamentary vote. You must appreciate that this is wholly unacceptable as the public has no trust in its MPs. In the CONCLUSIONS you state both points. The transfer of power is a matter for a referendum but the transfer of sovereignty rests with Parliament. Perhaps you should explain the difference between the two. It seems to me that one is an overt and immediate attempt to transfer power (subject to a referendum) whereas the other is the transfer of the right to take decisions (subject to a Parliamentary vote). It seems to me that sovereignty is the superior issue and that you are offering no real guarantees.

Furthermore, if, or probably when, your attempts to repatriate powers fail, will you hold a referendum on our continued membership then?

I voted to join the EEC in 1972 and to remain a member in 1975 but what it has become is far beyond what I voted for. Why can you not see the broad and deep dislike of this treaty and hold a referendum on continued membership? One will come sooner or later, even under your latest pledge. Furthermore, you cannot really pretend to represent the country if more than 70% of the people want a referendum and you and your parliamentary colleagues deny one. You risk a massive haemorrhage of votes to UKIP. Remember the Canadian conservatives.

Comment by Max Amos on November 5, 2009 at 3:40 am

Absolutely. It is a crying shame that we cannot now have a referendum, but I understand the mechanics of the situation and I am with you totally on your future policies.

Comment by James on November 5, 2009 at 3:41 am

No government has the power to alienate a power which holds only on rappresentation. And actually even though I am half italian I can say, Brtain has never been really european, it has always had a wider view to the world, what happened to the Commonwealth? I feel betrayed, now the conservatives are risking to let Labour win again because of a split of votes on the right…. but now it can only be UKIP, as an indication that people do NOT accept loosing its right of vote.
Believe all of you reading please, Britsh culture is truely different and should not sink in Europe, be proud of all those who died in neame of Majesty and country, those who defended the first Parliament, British should not fall into the wrong thought that out of Europe is hell…. it is actually much better do deal with Europe as friendly neighbour. Financially Europe would never build barriers to the UK, this is a threat from Labour. Stand up Britain and sink BBC with all that doom and gloom forecasting news…. clean the streets and get people to be working to bring back glory, has anybody thought that Japan should e absorbed from China? After all Japan is only a tiny island as GB. Switzerland is in the heart of Europe wealthy and lonely….. it is time for UK to stand up and stop being dummy and soft with all those who fight even from the inside on all that the first modern democracy has created. The House of Parliament has to be taken back from people and cleansed form this lot of people who are so distant from people, while I talk I hear TV David talking about faith of people on Parliament, I had faith in him but he lost it, he has 48h to claim he got it completely wrong under pressure around him, stand up and really recalim our faith, because otherwise there is only one vote viable, UKIP, no matter if they don’t win, they will have greater role and build a more substantial position as platform for a further election to win, but UK has to stand firm, Uk can be leading the world by example showing that british do stand up for their rights!!!!!!!

Comment by Beryl Chandler on November 5, 2009 at 3:54 am

David, HOLD a referendum to show the rest of Europe how the British people feel about the treaty. Pass the new laws as indicated and if the the EU doesn’t like it WITH-HOLD the money and see how they get on without it.
Best wishes and stand firm,
Beryl Chandler

Comment by W Burke on November 5, 2009 at 4:01 am

Mr Cameron, this u-turn for a referendum for the British public will be a major blow to your pending election. I previously thought you would be a person of principles and a man who would listen to the public voice. I was clearly wrong.
As the country is running twards the euro zone we will obviously be controlled from Brussels and therfore need a large reduction in the number of MP’s
It is also very clear that the Brit MP’s are constantly behind the clever MP’s in Brussels. They have us outflanked at every move???

Comment by James on November 5, 2009 at 4:12 am

Ooops, I think my position was already clear, my half british side claims the right for a referendum, and should be a multiple one, one for the LIsbon Treaty and one for an exit from EU, because a referendum can carry multiple purpose questions, I’m ecperienced with referendum as in Italy they are not rare (in Switzerland tey are even common).
Referendum are trycky obviously, can have different nature and be even manipulated in the way they are written…….. se mind that claiming a referendum isn’t all to do, it is important that it is laid out well to allow people to express a clear poin, it is easy to play with tactical statements within the text…. anyway the point is: people should have, must have the right to vote directly on such issue. Why people talk so much about war, march for peace and nobody gathers outside Parliament to expose their plot. People should march into parliament, if only people could understand what means Bruxelles….. I lived on the continent until months ago….. you really have no idea what the World is loosing….. UK becoming EU…… don’t let it be….. UK had its power in staying out of Europe though history…… and please be carefull to a culture wich is clearly anti anglosaxon…. Europe was bult to compete with USA, has no connetion to Austrtali or NZ or Canada or othe bits of the world UK has important link with…… well ask yourself who always supported UK in Europe.
Open your eyes I kept carrying the Union Flag in the streets of Italy..After years I understoop that only Denmark and Holland and Eire have a mind set to those of the brits. All the others have a way of thinking that british people struggle to understand…… values are very different….. mentality too. It would take a book to explain how, but simply remember this…… in Europe a Governemnts make as many laws as possible to move people like puppets, a big btother style, believe me the way law is structured is the result of culture…. there is inside that much more then people understand, an all different way in the way to see the world.
Uk outside EU will be able to mirror itself better.
(I would like to vote still Tories but…….. David has let us down let’s face it).
And remember to respect the memories of those who died for this nation.

Comment by David Hunt on November 5, 2009 at 4:42 am

David, you could have transformed your position utterly and eternally for the good today by surprising us all…..but you blew it. It may come to be seen as one of the biggest own goals in our political history.

It doesn’t really matter whether one agrees with the Lisbon Treaty or not. You gave your word about an issue that has been thorny and important to the British electorate for years, in addition to having wrought havoc within your party for decades. It therefore shouldn’t have mattered a jot to you whether a post ratification referendum would be meaningless.

Any criticism you might have faced over announcing today that you were sticking to the referendum policy would have been brushed off with “I gave the British people my word”.

That would have caused a huge upswell of support for you, and even grudging respect and admiration from those who oppose Tories through and through……because in our last decade of being lied to it would have been a breath of fresh air. And it would have killed off much of the ‘Etonian’ ammunition frequently fired at you.

But instead you showed that you, an Etonian, cannot be trusted. That lost you my vote, on its own, regardless of my views on Lisbon and the EU. And judging by the vast majority of the 250 blogs I have read on this site alone, I am not in the minority.

On top of your continued weakness in getting to grips with the expenses scandal…..indeed, even grasping how angry the electorate still remains over it, this breaking of your word also proves utterly that you do not listen to the electorate and thus do not actually believe in democracy.

It also confirms that you are in fact in favour of a federalist Europe – a closest federalist, as another contributor put it.

And you also lose my vote – to UKIP – because I want an opportunity to vote no to the Lisbon Treaty. Better still, I’d like an opportunity to vote to withdraw from the EU altogether.

Again, this view seems in the overwhelming majority of the contributions to this site so far. Tory voters, lifelong loyalists, are deserting in droves. One can only imagine the potential votes lost from the undecideds.

So on a day when you had the perfect excuse to stick to your policy, and thus your supposed true views and values, with the “I gave my word” defence to all attacks, you chose to break your word and reveal your true views on our relationship with Europe.

You’ve blown it. You’ve utterly let the country, your party and your grassroots support down. It seems inconceivable that your shadow cabinet allowed you to take this disastrous decision. I’ve not read his article, but it sounds like David Davis is the only Tory big hitter to listen to the electorate and the only one to understand that a referendum which voted against Lisbon retrospectively would give him and the Tories 100% authority, legally and morally, to withdraw from it.

David Davis should lead the party, and you, Mr Cameron, should stand down, if you want any chance of a proper majority at the election. Not only have you shown your word is no better than Blair’s or Brown’s, you have also shown a disastrous lack of judgment today.

As William Hague said, a dark day for democracy when all three main parties have broken their word…..on the same huge issue….all fearful, nay certain, that the electorate will say “NO”.

Where are we voters to go, what to do? The smaller parties, UKIP and the BNP, will be the political winners of today’s events. All because you couldn’t keep your word and show the electorate some respect – two fundamental values we all thought you had been bred, brought up and educated to uphold.

Comment by Ardi Kolah on November 5, 2009 at 5:51 am

What you said was clear and pragmatic. There’s been too much muddled thinking on the issue of UK soverignty and our relationship with Europe. In the run up to the General Election next year, our relationships with the EU and other countries will be a critical factor for the electorate.

Comment by George Myerscough on November 5, 2009 at 6:09 am

As a lifelong Tory supporter I am saddened by the attacks on your integrity and the Tory party in general after this speech. I believe that fundamentally what you were saying was correct but that it was a weak speech in that it covered only a very small portion of what is causing such consternation to the public and you had not fully explained in advance that the referendum could only take place if the treaty had not been fully agreed by all member countries. It is time to forget the PR strategy and be brave and go for the jugular of the problem. We want to hear what you are going to do to stop many of the radical changes already agreed and how you are going to prevent further erosion of our national identity and governance. You need to speak plainly and directly and cover the most pressing of issues such as:
• Control of our Police and Judiciary
• Control of our Armed Forces, including the issues of Afghanistan and Iraq
• Control of our Borders
• The immigration policy
• Migrant integration policy
• Education
• NHS
• Pensions
Personally I think that you should go on a tour of the major cities and hold open meetings to explain directly to the public what your policies are and how you expect to achieve them. Do not make the meetings conservative members only as you need the views of all the people not just the faithful. Be strong and directly challenge the government even letting them share the stage with you if they want. The public are fed up with the erosion of our identity, the PC climate, the open door policy to migrants with the extra burdens it places on the NHS, the state sponsored media and the way we are treated as imbeciles with no understanding of what is happening. The average person is not fascist or a member of BNP, they are simply British and want to retain that identity and have British laws govern them. Listen to them, let them tell you exactly what they want from their government.
Finally it is too late to change the signing up to the Treaty but you can still put it to the people even if it means very little materially. You will get to know the level of feeling and more importantly gain the goodwill of the people by allowing them to voice their concerns. To do this you can commission an independent online poll with a number of key questions. If you do this and use the media allowing all national newspapers, television and radio to participate, then the public will believe in your honesty and integrity and be more willing to vote for you and change. The results of such a poll would certainly make for a very interesting Question Time in parliament.

Comment by mitch on November 5, 2009 at 6:11 am

Sorry Davey boy, not good enough. I was too young to vote in 75 so if im expected to pay I want a say.
No referendum then you get no vote !!
A policy “YOU” can believe in.

Comment by Michael Hessey on November 5, 2009 at 6:20 am

David is dithering far too much. If he expects to win the next election he must be far more posative.
William Hague at the moment looks to be a far better leader for the Conservatives.

Comment by Michael Hessey on November 5, 2009 at 6:21 am

Dithering too much

Comment by Gavin Russell on November 5, 2009 at 6:45 am

Is there a special college where politicians go to where they get trained on being limp wristed ? To hell with Europe and the way they try to bully the rest of us , If they are so great let them get on with it without the UK .
David Cameron grow a backbone and be a party that pulls this country out of the EU and bins that daft european human rights act and gets some sense back into the people of this country !.
We the people are screaming at you or someone to act for us or should we form an independant party to stand and get us the hell out of Europeand back to a sense of normalitiy !!

Comment by Margita on November 5, 2009 at 6:47 am

I’m a former conservative member. I’m very disappointed by Dave and his speech. Conservatives should have done much more to prevent the Lisbon Treaty becoming a law.. But I suppose the current situation suits them. Unfortunately they don’t represent my view any longer and what is even more disturbing is that some of my friends who are not English are considering voting for the BNP although they know very well that the BNP will not have them because of their colour! I’ll be voting for UKIP.

Comment by Stephen Otterburn on November 5, 2009 at 6:49 am

Please stop our politicians and the poodle Govenor of the BoE debauching our currency – join the Euro without delay.

Comment by George Dunkley on November 5, 2009 at 6:52 am

Mr Blair and the Labour government sold this country and the working classes down the Drain so that Mr Blair could be the first President of Europe and get on the wonderful gravy train. That’s it in a nut shell

Comment by Julian Pearson on November 5, 2009 at 7:28 am

You accuse Labour of broken promises. You promised a referendum. Now it’s off! Does that mean all the rest of the promises will turn out to be hot air? I am so disappointed. In the wake of all the recent scandals I am beginning to wonder if there is any politician I can trust. At this rate my vote will just be staying at home, going to waste.

Comment by Trevor Vince on November 5, 2009 at 7:29 am

The only thing to do Davey boy is to vote for UKIP Now .Sorry but you have blown it . Always thought you would you have very little substance I am affraid to say. In other words No GUTS.
Just another Liebour Mk 2.

Comment by Brian Cave on November 5, 2009 at 7:40 am

The Government of Britain has a moral DUTY OF CARE towards the British Citizen. There are today a huge number of British citizens living on the continent within the wider EU. 360,000 are OLD AGE PENSIONERS. So far NO British political has shown any interest or care for them. The Blog site http://pensionersdebout.blogspot.com lists FOUR CONCERNS.
1. Freedom of Movement within Europe – presently hampered by financial constraints imposed by the UK government.
2. The DISCRIMINATION against Government pensioners imposed by the Double Taxation Convention and its interpretation.
3. The Lack of POLITICAL REPRESENTATION for British Citizens.
4. The COLLAPSE OF INCOME caused by the lack of standardisation of the £ to the EURO which has caused a drop of over 25% of Income to the OAPs.
WHAT WILL THE CONSERVATIVES DO? Nothing?
What would the Labour do?
Nothing?
What would the Liberals do?
NOTHING.
So it is that the British Citizen in Europe is disillusioned and disheartened. British Governments so far have rejected their DUTY of care for the British Citizen in Europe. Answer this David!

Comment by Don evett on November 5, 2009 at 7:43 am

Very disappointed we were promised and should have a referendum are you all the same what a let down

Comment by Dougie on November 5, 2009 at 7:45 am

My cast iron promise, to you David is, I will be giving my vote to UKIP now, as the only way the electorate can now show our distaste at being LIED to yet again by another politician. Is to use the general election as the referendum on this treaty. So bitterly dissapointed with you.

Comment by Steven Woolley on November 5, 2009 at 7:47 am

Not good enough,David. You have lost this natural Conservative voter. it is not a question of either the economy or Europe. If a govenrment can only single-task it is not worthy of the name. It has to be UKIP, I am afraid as the only party representing my voice on the single most important issue facing us. The economy will right itself eventually. the European venture will not. It needs guts. I can see no leader with them.
SW

Comment by Valerie Hastings-Dale on November 5, 2009 at 7:50 am

Nought shall this England rue, if England to herself remain but true

Comment by IanF on November 5, 2009 at 7:50 am

I am dissapointed, and the only reason I won’t switch to UKIP is that I can’t stand Labour more than I can’t stand the EU.

I would like to see a simple referendum on Europe, the question should be this:

“Should the UK stop paying any monies to the EU until all past years’ accounts are signed off by the auditors?”

I would hope as UK PM that you would stop financially propping up the vast corrupt gravy train (for French farmers, as much for the Eurocrats) with our hard-earned and over-taxed cash.

Comment by Phil on November 5, 2009 at 7:56 am

I’m afraid, Mr Cameron, that your promises as outlined in this blog are worthless; you promised us a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and have been forced to drop that due to circumstances over which you had absolutely no control; yet now you are making the electorate further promises yet again you will have no control over the circumstances under which you propose to act upon them and it’s a given that they will be resisted by the Labour and Liberal Quislings in this Country and by the corrupt Commissioners of the EU and MPs of other countries. So you’re promises are worthless as indeed many if not all promises made by career politicians are. No one in this Country voted to join the EU; we voted to join the Common Market in the ignorance that Ted Heath and the then Tory Government were lying to us. What you and the Conservative Party should now be committed to is holding a Referendum upon this Country’s continued membership of the EU despite the dire warnings from those Europhiles who say that leaving the EU will be the death of this Country. I’m afraid that is just scare mongering by vested interests; there are many other small countries which are not members of the EU and are prospering. Put the interests of this Country first before any other and you will be elected. Don’t do this and be prepared to spend more time in the political wilderness.

Comment by Jeremy Sanders on November 5, 2009 at 8:01 am

It’s great that you plan to keep this EU monster in it’s cage. If Conservative MEP’s want to resign that can only be good for publicity the whole country wants to stop the stranglehold of Europe.

Comment by Bob Pepper on November 5, 2009 at 8:01 am

A referendum on the Lisbon Treaty was promised so a referendum re the EU is required, otherwise you have lost the next election.

Comment by Philip Palij on November 5, 2009 at 8:02 am

I think the three points are well made and I hope you stick to them. What is the ultimate aim of the European political and economic elites. The absence of any consultation with the British people over the accession to a European state by democratic process is a harbinger of the undemocratic, feudal government we can expect to receive.

What, Mr Cameron is your policy on an increased role for the European Parliament to control this undemocratic monster of Lisbon?

Comment by Bill Old on November 5, 2009 at 8:04 am

Let me summarise Cameron’s message:

“Now that the horse has bolted, we really are going to shut the stable door this time, and keep it really, really, shut. Promise and hope to die.”

Vote UKIP.

Comment by Jeremy Sanders on November 5, 2009 at 8:09 am

David ignore the other comments on here they obviously dont get it, a Referendum now would be pointless, it’s too late Brown and Blair have already sealed our fate.
We need a strong leader now to keep it under control and take some power back. a vote for UKIP is a vote for Labour.
It’s these attitudes that let that ridiculous bunch of Labour halfwits in power in the first place.

Comment by Mike Stenton on November 5, 2009 at 8:10 am

You just made me a floating voter

Comment by Ray Warman on November 5, 2009 at 8:12 am

After this latest debacle, I trust politicians even less, especially on EU matters.
Unless something spectacular is pulled from the bag, I’m afraid UKIP will be getting my vote.

Comment by Mike Potts on November 5, 2009 at 8:13 am

I have never voted tory, and from the latest comments I will be voting UKIP or BNP. Your leaders are no different from the rest. Jobs for the boys and the gravy train. When will you have the guts to ask the people if they want to be in the EU.

Comment by Ray Warman on November 5, 2009 at 8:14 am

UKIP gets my vote now

Comment by mick meston on November 5, 2009 at 8:15 am

There’s nothing like shooting yourself in the foot. Like many on comments on here I feel I have no choice now but to vote UKIP which

Comment by John on November 5, 2009 at 8:17 am

Yo! … Davey … LUVED IT! Your stature and statesmanship grows with each new challenge … your leadership is refreshing, incisive, cogent, and substantive … DUDE, you ROC!! … We have always needed to entrench the perspective of the EU as an association, which is how it ought to have been tabled from the start; nobody is interested in becoming a naturalised citizen of Europeville … Loved your proposals; let’s hope that they are followed up soon by some meaningful, positive action … starting with our collective responsibility at the next general election … I’m going to relish having a cuppa with you in No 10 …

Comment by Chris McLaughlin on November 5, 2009 at 8:18 am

You know and I know that the other 26 member states will not allow selective renegotiation. It is dishonest to suggest otherwise. We are one of two net contributors, but it will require more courage than demonstrated to date to use that weapon.
Mandelson’s job is done. He can call the election and move on to a well-paid sinecure. But me must not split on this final grenade. The country needs change. So does Europe.We look to you to deliver it.

Comment by glenn hill on November 5, 2009 at 8:24 am

i am in full confidence in tory policy on this and hope you can restore pride in our country

Comment by David Rogers on November 5, 2009 at 8:25 am

There is a reality here that I think the party is missing. It is true that a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty would now be pointless, but that demand for a referendum still exists and I have been struck by the number of people (including myself) who are abandoning the party because of it.

I would have thought that a negotiating position could be drawn up including a set of demands for repatriation of powers – a more extensive list that the few items proposed. If this were put to the people in a referendum and overwhelmingly supported the party’s negotiating position in the Council of Ministers would be close to unassailable as the rest argue for a denial of the democratic will of the people.

I can foresee such a ploy throwing Europe into chaos with other nation’s people demanding their own referendums, but it would place Dave up with the angels and force the democratic demon to the top of the EU agenda. Could they really condemn him for asking the people what they want? It could even result ultimately in the true democratising of the EU.

There’s a place alongside Thatcher and Churchill awaiting you, Dave.
All you need is a little courage.

Comment by Martin Biddiss on November 5, 2009 at 8:29 am

At the moment i think most people of this country over the years have had enough of dithering policies by goverments regarding the future of our country ….i hope your policies if you are elected are kept true …….and not go back on your word after your elected as labour have done ……you have my vote as i no longer have faith in any labour goverment get britain back were she should be ….a tall order after the recent years but ..you seem different some how …a fresh and young outlook ….just what we need right now !!

Comment by stephen willis on November 5, 2009 at 8:31 am

Sorry David but for my wife and l its just not good enough, we need a referendum on Europe right now, so you will not be getting our votes at the GE, we shall now have to vote for UKIP.

Comment by David Rogers on November 5, 2009 at 8:41 am

I’ve just realised it’s Guy Fawkes Night.

An omen, Mr Cameron?

Comment by Martyn on November 5, 2009 at 8:41 am

Your decision on the EU referendum without providing a clear alternative as to how you will give the Britsih people some way of exercising their democratic right to vote on this subject is unacceptable and as a lifelong conservative I have made the difficult decided that I will now vote UKIP.

I have been discussing your announcements with other conservative voters in this village and I assure you you have made a disastrous mistake.

Who will speak for England now? Clearly you have lost your way.

Comment by Ian Gaylard on November 5, 2009 at 8:44 am

David
Why am I suprised and disgusted at your comments. Well, put simply, you have now shown that your words are meaningless. Politicians Promises ! An oxymoron if ever there is one. What suprises me though is that I thought you were the glimmmer of hope in British Politics but I am afraid you have shown that your words are as empty and hollow as the rest of the shambolic Parliament. Why are you frightened of holding a referendum ? Put one simple question to the people via referendum – Do you, the British people wish to be part of the EU – Yes or No.
Try truth and integrity, who knows, you and the other politicians might like it

Comment by Kirsty on November 5, 2009 at 8:48 am

Mr Cameron, Mr Hague – thank you for all your work on this – you must be immensley frustrated wathcing the Government dig us yet deeper into a hole without any real solution. Sorry you will have a difficult few days but am sure you will show the courage and leadership this Country is so desperately lacking. For every person who does not understand your plans there will be hundreds greatful. Thank you

Comment by malcolm bates on November 5, 2009 at 8:49 am

Oh dear, another weak immature politition at the head of the Conservative Party. It seems that we only get a leader with conviction every quarter century or so and this chap is not one. UKIP and the BNP are going to benifit, the Tory party is destined for mediocrity once more. I wonder if Cammeron will eventualy emulate the Labour Party’s previous guru and leave us, thereby adding to his fortune at our expense. We need a Powell or Thatcher not a Heath.

Comment by Robert Kimber on November 5, 2009 at 8:55 am

If yoou don’t toughen up your stance on Europe I will be voting UKIP, even though I am a member!!
Simple answer – a referendum on remaining in the european trade and leaving eu political organisations. PS I consider Blair and Brown TRAITORS! I had to start thinking of you in the same way. I was beginning to hope that we could trust you and your party, but now I’m not too sure!!!
PPS how come there are comments above timed at 05:11:08:25Z & 05:11:08:41Z when the time now is 05:11:07:54Z?? Even more suspicous!!!

Comment by Frank Webb on November 5, 2009 at 8:57 am

Whilst David Camerons proposed policy in Europe should he become the next Prime Minister goes some way in calming my anger because of not having a referendum over the Lisbon Treaty, it is not strong enough. We need another “Handbagging Policy” like Margaret Thatcher! This pathetic Labour Government have given too much of our rights away to the EU.

Brown should remember especially this weekend why so many of our young fine men gave their lives in the Great Wars, ‘OUR FREEDOM’! Now Brown and Co wants to hand everything over on a plate, it’s disgraceful to say the least.

When are we going to resolve the ‘Midlothian’ issue so that the likes of Brown return North of the Border and have only the powers to vote in Scotland?

Frank Webb
Gosport.

PS. On the issue of the recent 5 deaths in Afghanistan, please ask David to table a question in the House as to why we have not learnt our lessons from the past. I was serving in Aden in 1967 when we lost 24 soldiers in one day in a similar incident where the local police mutinied? In situations where our troops are training local police/soldiers then our trops should be trained and reminded to keep their guard up at all times and they definitely should not be billeted in the same location!

Comment by Helen on November 5, 2009 at 8:57 am

Sorry David but you’ve lost it. I and most of my Conservative voting friends will now be more than temptedto vote UKIP. I do not see why we cannot have a eferendum on withdrawing from Euope ! Let the country decide.

Comment by James Braiden on November 5, 2009 at 8:58 am

Sorry Mr. Cameron, I have voted Tory all my life but you promised a referendum and now you have broken that promise.
I will not be voting for you in the next election.

Comment by Susan Payne on November 5, 2009 at 9:00 am

I do feel we should have a referendum on the negotiating mandate

Comment by Brian Mooney on November 5, 2009 at 9:00 am

If the EU wants to legislate where you believe we have the say, it can do so simply by legislating under another heading. In 1996, it used Health & Safety as a catch-all for employment legislation (Working Time Directive) – much to John Major’s dismay.

You can’t promise to take back powers from the EU. This is prohibited by European case law (Case 11/70 in 1970). The EU regards loss of sovereignty as being PERMANENT.

The only way for David Cameron to be a PM with any real power is to get Britain out of this mess. We can’t trust a racket that disregarded the French and Dutch No votes, and forced the Irish to vote again…. the EU has utter contempt for democracy!

Comment by Phillip Farr on November 5, 2009 at 9:03 am

Mr Cameron,

You have failed at the first hurdle. Mandleson must be rubbing his hands.

I watched PM’s questions yesterday where you raised a disproportionate number of questions on the latest sad pointless waste of British Serviceman’s deaths re: the latest Afgan carnage – I think this was a deliberate distraction as you should have had at least one point upon the Lisbon Treaty – but you couldn’t as you new your own position was a farce.

You will have no majority at the next election and at this rate Mandleson may well turn this around.

You are NO PREMIERE DIVISION THATCHER OR CHURCHILL – YOU’RE SUNDAY LEAGUE.

Comment by William Hanson on November 5, 2009 at 9:07 am

You have lost my vote.Goodbye and hello Ukip or BNP

Comment by David on November 5, 2009 at 9:09 am

All of this talk about the Lisbon Treaty is fine, but when are the Conservatives or nyone else for that matter going to actually do something about the fact the EU accounts haven’t been signed off for years because of the high level of fraud? If we were told the truth for once, it would probably make the MP’s expenses scandal seem like small beer.

Best regards

David

Comment by John Steadman on November 5, 2009 at 9:09 am

“Dave”,
We’ve heard it all before from your party. Time and again you capitulate to the EU. If you had an ounce of integrity you would give us a vote on withdrawal from the EU.

Comment by Keith Hawkins on November 5, 2009 at 9:14 am

David,
Now that the treay is a “done deal”, I acknowledge that there is little point in holding a UK referendum on whether to accept it. However, politicians still need to know (and be guided by) the feelings of the people on our relationship with Europe. I doubt that it will be easy – it may even be impossible now – to renegotiate anything with Europe along the lines such as you suggest. But if you were to put your proposals to the people in a referendum (after the general election, as a specific and separate question) then I am sure that that would be a good way both to gain the support of the people for your intentions, and to convince the Europeans that you/we are serious about changing our relationship with the EU and protecting our sovereignty.
With best wishes,
Keith Hawkins

Comment by Keith Wells on November 5, 2009 at 9:17 am

We were warned “vote Blair get Brown”,,,now be warned again “vote Cameron Get Blair” They can put as much spin on this as they want the bottom line,yet again a part has lied and broken a cast iron promise.They have lost my vote my support my money.Hello UKIP / BNP

Comment by Bill Bristow on November 5, 2009 at 9:18 am

Having read many of the comments in yesterday’s and today’s blogs, I am surprised at the amount of people who feel they need to switch. Britain has contributed far more to Europe than any other country. Out nation is why Europe is Europe, we fought nearly all out major wars on European soli. Some we lost. Those we lost such as the 100 years war, were due to church powers not demcratic or governemt powers. We fought the 1st and 2nd war not only for our own freedom but for freedom in general. Without us Europe would now be a federation of some sort or other. I think for any politiacian to seek to up there with the angels or with Thatcher and Churchill would be missing the point of being a working politician, and the problems and fight that need to be fought down here on the ground. Churchill only became an angel after fighting on the ground, the same is true of Thatcher. And besides these are very different times. I agree with David Cameron, we need to accept our plight due to the treacherous acts of Labour as too much effort would be deditcated to organising a fight in a battle that is already lost. We need to establish ourselves as a very strong force within Europe adn we need to regain some of the powers we have lost, but once and for all I do think we need to show our strength in Europe not outside sitting on the fence as that is all we would be doing if we retreat now. Do all the Churchill supportters really think that Churchill would retreat at this stage or do you think he would surprise every one and advance forw3ard with a lot of demands and shake the whole of Europe up with an intent to invade into the heart of European politics such as he did in the War.
I vote for you David. I have just joind the Conservative party adn I am looking forward to working on the campaign to get you in there.
Bill Bristow recently moved to the Isle of Wight from Spain.

Comment by Robert Newman on November 5, 2009 at 9:22 am

Dear David Cameron

In answer to your newsletter of the 5th November 2009 in response to the Lisbon Treaty.

First, We are a Sovereign Nation, If you become our elected Prime Minister, why is it not possible to reject the Lisbon Treaty, Why do we as Englishmen always cow tow to the French and the Germans, lets face it, it is them and the glib two faced B,liar that has invoked this without discussion with the British people, stop flannelling us, the British public, we are fed up to the eye teeth with two faced politicians, the French are already saying you are ineffectual and will not be in any position to pass any such rulings that will be taken seriously by Europe, we are not Europeans, we are British and live in a separate land, come out fighting for us or don’t come out at all.
STOP TRYING TO OUT BLAIR. BLAIR, with your Cameron cuties and regulations regarding ethnics, that defeat the rule of ‘Best man or woman wins’ allow the best man or woman to win.

Second, You will introduce a bill !!!,
Take charge, we are looking to you to have some balls Like Maggie, Pass a law that Prohibits interference from Brussels.

And Thirdly, What is all this negotiate three specific guarantees over powers that we believe should reside with Britain, not the EU.
That is Rubbish and they will laugh at you, Do a Maggie instead of a B’liar, and tell them that these powers Will reside with Britain, Not the EU.

Don’t inquire or negotiate which takes forever, Tell them that Britain is going to introduce our powers of op-out from social and employment legislation, we, Britain will also completely opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights and we will return to our powers in Criminal Justice to prevent EU judges gaining steadily greater control over our Criminal justice system.

Do Not pussy foot around with the EU they are becoming an unimaginable monster that will gobble Britain wholesale with the stupid laws they seem to pass like water.

Lastly, “we must never allow Britain to slide into a federal Europe”
From what the French president is saying, you will have no say in the matter and neither will the British people, he is acting as though we are an insignificant minority state in an already Federal Europe , in the same way ‘Gormless Clown’ portrays us.

I hope David you read and listen to what is said by us, your public, because the election is still a way off and you are still proving yourself to us, I would prefer a Conservative Government but some of my friends in the grey brigade are wobbling and need to be assured, as do I.

Robert Newman

Comment by Allen Hanley on November 5, 2009 at 9:25 am

David
I have stuck by the Conservatives through thick and thin for the last 30yrs.
No more.
We were promised a referendum in 2007.
If we cant have one in the same format because the EU CONSTITUTION has now been adopted then we should have one about our entire relationship with the EU.
I elect politicians to govern on my behalf, not to give away more amd more powers to a body in Brussels.
To suggest that a referendum will be held on any further transfer of power is disingenious at the very least.
There are no powers of any consequence left to transfer.
The only recourse now for any one in this country who still cares about our natiional sovereingty is UKIP and that is where my vote will go until the Conservatives aka David Cameron, understands the feelings of the majority of the UK public.

Comment by Bruce Wilson on November 5, 2009 at 9:25 am

A promise is a promise. What has been decided by others can not be binding on the United Kingdom.

No referendum from you – no vote from me.

Comment by June Jeremy on November 5, 2009 at 9:26 am

I know of no other organisation where someone can sign on behalf of anyone without their express wishes being carried out. We have an unelected PM of a Party that did not ask the people what they wanted the PM to do although this was the only reason that they were allowed to have the possibility of signing this Treaty – therefore the people of GB must declare the ratification of the Treaty illegal and refuse to abide by the rules until we can make an informed and proper decision on whether we want to be part of it or not.

Mr Cameron you have to declare the PM’s signature as not valid as he is our representative and did not represent us just himself and Tony Blair – am I glad they stabbed him in the back after he sold us out for his own gains, but unfortunately that doesnt help us.

Comment by Pam on November 5, 2009 at 9:27 am

This will not work. You should have a referendum on whether we should stay in the EU or leave it. You will not get my vote at the next General Election now.

Comment by Tony B on November 5, 2009 at 9:27 am

Dear Mr Cameron,
I recently sent you an e-mail criticising you for proposing Women only short lists for prospective parliamentary candidates, which thankfully you have reversed. This just seems another attempt to gain votes from the floating voters at the expense of alienating the traditional tory supporters. Having read the responses in the blue blog I am staggered that so many Conservative supportesr feel the same way I do. Like most of them I will not be voting for you at the next election, I will either abstain or vote UKIP.

Comment by Ian R Elliott on November 5, 2009 at 9:29 am

Dear David

Though I only write to you occasionally I have to tell you that this is indeed a very sad day.

Although my instinctive political leanings have always been Tory I did, when Blair first came to power, write a letter to him telling him that he would be judged by his actions on Europe. I was in fact giving him the benefit of not judging him before he had had a proper opportunity to address Europe.

Today, with a multitude of vitally important matters requiring urgent attention, I still firmly believe that ‘nothing’ is more important than Europe.

Today, you have shown that your promise means absolutely nothing.

Today, YOU should have committed yourself to a Referendum that asked the people whether they would like to re-negotiate the terms of our ‘existing membership’. The powers that have already been unnecessarily given away by Parliament are already overwhelming and, to me, absolutely frightening. As ‘Heir Apparent’ you have failed miserably as you have deliberately broken your promise. Hiding behind ‘future’ EU legislation, whilst ignoring ‘past’ legislation, is shameful.

In my humble opinion the vast majority of the voting public would agree with my views.

Today, I have resigned my membership and support for the Conservative Party.

Sincerely

Ian R Elliott
Kent

Comment by Gareth R on November 5, 2009 at 9:30 am

Here’s an idea: “3 referendums and you’re out”

1. Hold a referendum on removing VAT on fuels. Wait for the EU to oppose it, but enforce it anyway.

2. Now do the same for taking back immigration control. Watch the EU oppose it, then stop them at the borders anyway.

3. Now do another referendum on (pick your EU-despotic rule here). Make sure that British police enforce the outcome.

FINALLY:
4. The British people should now be well and truly sickened by the EU dictatorship to the point that we can be sure of winning a “get out” referendum.

Comment by John on November 5, 2009 at 9:33 am

David, you are right that it would now be impossible to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Those who vote for UKIP risk another 5 years of Labour mismanagement of our relations with the EU, the economy and social policy.
You must take a tough line over Tony Balir’s disgraceful negotiations in 2005 when he gave away our EU rebate for a promise by the FRENCH to reform agricultural subsidies. They have not delivered, therefore we are entitled to deduct the rebate ( £2 billion in 2010) until they do so.
Make that Conservative policy and you might turn potential UKIP voters.

Comment by Tony Roberts on November 5, 2009 at 9:35 am

Mr Cameron

I am afraid that now you have done a complete U-Turn on your promise of a referendum you have done a great deal of damage to our parties credibility. We expect this from this awful “government” but did not expect it from you. I am very dissapointed.

regards

Tony R

Comment by d j mortimer on November 5, 2009 at 9:35 am

Many are now going to vote UKIP. Whats the point if we cannot change anything we might as well stay at home and continue under a dictatorship.

Comment by peter dove on November 5, 2009 at 9:37 am

Finally a proper statement on Europe.

Comment by John Jervoise on November 5, 2009 at 9:43 am

Sir,

No one recently has set out how we benefit from the EU other than free trade. It is a huge drain on business competiveness and also totally undemocratic – more akin to a nominated communist party committee than a democracy.

As you are aware any agreement or concessions from other members to achieve your objectives will cost us significantly in compromises elsewhere.

There is only one answer which will not only return sovereignty to Parliament but also enormously help our economy – withdraw and move into EFTA. A referendum on this would give you a strong bargaining hand.

I doubt you are brave enough to do this but I live in hope. Until that time I and many others like me will alwayswaiver to UKIP at least in European elections.

However you have achived an enormous amount and if you can make the Conservatives electable that is a great achievement for which we should all be very grateful.

Comment by Eloise on November 5, 2009 at 9:43 am

I actually believe in the European ideal and have been fortunate enough to live and work in 4 European countries. I am therefore very aware of the amazing opportunities that are offered to me thanks to Britain being a member of the European Union. My current job involves work with the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States. I am shocked by the lack of basic awareness of how Europe works in the UK, even amongst supposedly educated people. I think that leaving the EPP in European Parliament was a ridiculous and very shortsighted move for the Conservatives. I don’t think people realise that this means that the Conservatives are no longer able to lead on any of the key Directives in Parliament as rapporteurs are traditionally picked from the EPP, the main centre right party in the European Parliament. I can see this because my job involves lobbying MEPs. After the election last June, I made the strategic decision, as many of my colleagues working in European affairs, to leave the European Reformists and Conservatives Party to one side, as their weight in a 736 strong European Parliament is negligible. This is fact, not fiction. How on earth do Conservative MEPs think that they can influence while sitting at the margins in a democraticly elected Parliament representing 500 million Europeans?
When it comes to Europe, I think that there is considerable ignorance and as a result, myths continue to spread.
Don’t listen to what is being said about the Lisbon Treaty – find out for yourself! You could start here if you really want to understand: http://europa.eu/lisbon_treaty/glance/index_en.htm

Comment by Paratus on November 5, 2009 at 9:44 am

Well, Mr Cameron, you’ve proved as gutless, lying and self-interested as that cretin in No 10.
When the country is crying out for a statesman to lead us out of 12 years of wretched incompetence we get another politician who’s prepared to insult our intelligence by lying to us.
The majority of people in this country want a referendum on the EU, preferably to leave it. We don’t want to be governed by an undemocratic, bureaucratic, corrupt, unelected, socialist state. Which part of that statement don’t you understand, Mr Cameron? And all this in a week when we commemorate the true and honest Britons who gave their lives so we could be free from a Europe run by tyrants. Hang your head in shame, Mr Cameron. Ukip it is for me.

Comment by simon butcher on November 5, 2009 at 9:44 am

What’s the difference between this and a ‘cast iron promise’? I’m afraid you’ve joined Labour in unrepresentive politic’s and can no longer be trusted!UK subserviant to foreign powers..and the Tories allowed it? Having got the election in the bag..you’ve thrown it away!

Comment by Kevin Lohse on November 5, 2009 at 9:44 am

Dear David. We expect lies from the Socialists. I am uninterested in Labours’ vapourings, but I am very interested in just how the Leader of the Conservative Party keeps his “cast iron guarantees”. As events have transpired, your word was given either deliberately mendaciously or out of ignorance of what was possible. Your statement about the Parties’ future attitude towards the EU and referendums is quite simply unworkable, as the Lisbon Treaty is self-amending and thus there will be no further treaties to consider. Your policy wonks have had ample time to consider the next move. However your recent statements give the impression of having been hastily written on the back of a jotter during a fag-break behind the bike sheds.
Frankly, Dave, I no longer trust you to protect my interests. I will continue to support my Party at local and County Council elections, but I regret that I can in all conscience no longer support the Party on a National basis.

Comment by Tony Mulhearn on November 5, 2009 at 9:45 am

Please do not let our current unelected Prime Minister continue to get away unscathed with his “cast iron guarantee” taunt. He MUST be held to account for his refusal to honour his Party’s Manifesto commitment of a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Which is the “cast iron guarantee” to which he refers?

Comment by Ian Evans on November 5, 2009 at 9:45 am

Well, that’s 2 more votes for UKIP from me and my wife!

Life-time conservative-voters who have now seen it all – each of the main parties have now found ways to renege on democracy.

Comment by Gerald Edgecombe on November 5, 2009 at 9:46 am

I feel most people have had enough of the E U and its money wasting Beauracracy,we have now been promised our say by Mr Brown and your self,only to be told this will not happen.
I am VERY tempted to vote UKIP as i am sure are a lot of people

Comment by Kevin Lohse on November 5, 2009 at 9:46 am

By the way, your blog clock is still set to BST.

Comment by Chaz Passmore on November 5, 2009 at 9:48 am

Sorry David but you are too late! By the time you get into power this new set up will be an irrevocable part of British Law because Bungling Brown will have locked us into a European Federation that only a war can remove us from (Shades of the USA). The only way Bungling Brown can ensure the future of the Labour Party is by binding us to a socialist Europe. Remember Stalin was a Socialist so was Hitler. Sieg Heil!!

Comment by Derek Fulluck on November 5, 2009 at 9:52 am

This is a good start David.

Will you also include a renegotiation on our ability to limit people entering our borders, in line with a new Net Nil immigration policy?

We cannot further overcrowd our small country at the same time as aspiring to repair and achieve excellence in our infrastructure and culture ….

I am supporting you but trust that the next 6 months will see policies which are in line with the concerns and wishes of the vast majority of our poulation.

DJF

Comment by Mr Daffin on November 5, 2009 at 9:53 am

Well after 20 years of voting Conservative I can safely say that you have lost my VOTE Dave, you promised us a cast iron guarantee on the referendum, your promises on sovereignty legislation are worthless and you know it, more spin and lies. My country has gone from a democratic homeland to a backwater district in the federal corrupt EU super state owned by Germany and France ironical isn’t it millions of British lives lost in defending this once great nation then you just give it away, you was our last hope Dave, but you prefer to put your head in the trough with Gordon Brown and sabotage your country and your people, your no different from the vile Labour mob, traitors the lot of you.

Bring back Magaret.

Comment by Eric Foddering on November 5, 2009 at 9:53 am

Have the courage to listen to your supporters and the people or we are sunk. I am old enough to have lived through WWll and was prepared to die for MY country then – I will not obey any law that is fixed other than by MY parliament – I am and will always be ENGLISH. What denocracy is there in being governed by unelected ‘snouts in troughs’ whose accounts have not been signed off? If they lived and worked in the real world many of them would now be in gaol! You should now expect the mass of our people to show their disaproval. Shades of 1933 and 1917 – left or right extremists will now have their say!!!

Comment by Robert Kimber on November 5, 2009 at 9:56 am

Do I get the impression that there is a simple theme running here??
Read them or weep tory leader. If you’re not careful you WILL split the vote between your lot and UKIP then we’ll have the labour’s treachorous rabble back in and the country really will be f*cked for ever!!

Comment by Robert Holden on November 5, 2009 at 9:56 am

The proposed United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill, will be overruled by the supremacy of European Law.
It is obvious we are sliding towards a non democratic bureaucratic dictatorship. We must stand against it, alone again if necessary. Time to nail your colours to the mast, I know you want to be PM and have a great career but the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one.
Say you will have a referendum on Britains future membership with one of three options being withdrawal. You will win the G.E by a landslide and the Euro toads will back down and renegotiate. If they don’t then we are better off out.

Comment by Andrew Norton on November 5, 2009 at 10:00 am

I listened to your statement with great interest. I was impressed and and gratified that you have not ducked the issues. I applaud your stance and shall be happy to go out and canvass on your behalf and defend your policy with confidence. Roll on the election.

Comment by JB on November 5, 2009 at 10:00 am

Can’t have referendum? Utter tosh.

Of course we can, what you mean is you don’t want to,

It is globally recognised that not only have the UK people not had a chance to say yea or nay, but that the majority want out. Fact

And we can easily get out of it, repeal the 1972 Act.

What is the EU going to do, fine us? And how is it going to be enforced?

The EU armed police stalking down Whitehall?

Refuse to trade? Utter tosh again. Germany gains a hell of a lot from selling to the UK and so do a number of other countries. They have bought our utilities, hiked the price well above the mainland charges and the profit disappears off these shores. Oh and by the way, the pathetic excuse of cost of delivering and maintaining these utilties is flawed. Remember what the EC did when mainland cars were sold in the UK for substanially more? I do. These foreign countries bought our utitlities with their eyes wide open…they knew the current and successive governments here would allow them to screw the people of the UK.

The EU funding. Think of the billions that could be used on our economy, but is instead given to an institution that has never had its books signed off by an auditor. Disgraceful and you endorse this!

Yes, I know you will lose your EU pension and all the greasy perks, or is that what it is really all about.

I would have voted for you if you had made a legally binding promise to hold an in or out referendum.

Not now, not matter what you say, because at the back of my mind will be the thought he is lying.

Comment by Stephen Small on November 5, 2009 at 10:00 am

I write today in total support of Robert Newmans comments earlier. Can someone please explain to me WHY must we “negotiate” out of anything? I was of the understanding that the UK was a sovereign nation governed by Westminster and Buckingham Palaces. Why do not our elected servants just simply do a “Bush”, and tear up any contracts, treaties or agreements that the people do not support? What is the EU going to do? Sue us? We do not not need to negotiate anything. Our PM should have the balls to simply state to all EU states, that from this day forth, the UK no longer recognises x, y or z. If he does not or cannot- he clearly should not be PM.
Like so many others on this page, the Tories have now officially lost another housefull of votes. Although I doubt UKIP will gain enough votes to defeat Gordon and David, they will certainly gain enough votes to upset the balance. Hung Parliament maybe? 4 more years of Gordon and President Blair? What a horrific thought.
Promise us a referendum on EU membership outright David, or forget about Number 10. It will remain a pipe dream.
If I do not hear about such a referendum in the next couple of weeks, my support of the Conservatives officially dies, and I start actively campaigning for UKIP. Your Call David. Give us our referendum.

Comment by David Mitchell on November 5, 2009 at 10:01 am

Mr. Cameron,

We got into Europe without being asked. Many people are now so frustrated. Our daily lives are heavily controlled by that ineffective organisation who have little commitment even to world peace. It is time this country realised the ability to control its own affairs. We can still be independently successful. Norway is an example. We put more in to the EU in resources than many of the larger nations but have very little say. We should withdraw. We have the ability to be our own masters and always will.

Comment by R J Cook on November 5, 2009 at 10:03 am

Mr Cameron, you have let the majority of the British people down by reneging on your ‘cast iron guarantee’ to have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and are patronising when you say people will have to ‘get over it’. Yes we know the Treaty is now law but there is nothing stopping you from holding a referendum and getting the Country’s mandate to tell the EU what we will and will not accept regardless of their laws, they can’t invade us if we refuse. You have lost the Conservative Party a lot of support by your inaction which will be to the benefit of UKIP and the BNP. We will probably vote you into power but you will only get one chance to rid us of the worst aspects of Europe and return us as near as possible to the ‘Common Market’ agreement that we originally voted for. Failing that, you will lose the following General Election.

Comment by r.palmer on November 5, 2009 at 10:04 am

stop waffling and openly say if you elect me for the next term i will give you a once a forever chance to vote wether to stay in or out of the eu. if you don’t you won’t get my vote and i will active work against you. no more politition talk lets have out in the open in or out of europe once and for all . don’t forget it was a bloody tory that took us in hope he’s rotting in his grave.burn in hell heath.

Comment by Terry McGrath on November 5, 2009 at 10:04 am

Mr. Cameron, There are many of us who have lived long enough to know what it was like before the EU was created and to be honest we tended to manage quite well then. I have no desire to have some foreigner telling me when, why, which etc from a £100,000 job/desk in Brussels. You have my vote, sir, but please don’t let our great country, England, be lost within the “United States of Europe”.

Comment by George on November 5, 2009 at 10:06 am

Another vote for UKIP here unless we get a membership referendum.

Comment by W D Toulman on November 5, 2009 at 10:08 am

A metalurgist shoud have cast doubts on your “cast iron” promise. Ordinary cast iron is only strong in compression and not in tension; it is vulnerable to shock loads.

Had you specified “Steel”, or “High tensile steel” then your promise would have had a standard to live up to.

Comment by H Jones on November 5, 2009 at 10:09 am

A neat way out of a ‘thorny’ predicament on the same lines as ‘Jam tomorrow’

Comment by john o’malley on November 5, 2009 at 10:09 am

How do we know you are not going to doubloe cross the people just like all the other lying so and sos have done.?

Comment by Christopher Phillips-Hart on November 5, 2009 at 10:13 am

Let me start with some simple English, Mr Cameron: I am absolutely furious with the Conservative Party’s stance on Europe. I was always proud to call myself a conservative supporter but after listening to your speech yesterday I am beginning to see why people call you a lightweight politiciain.

Our great heroine, Margaret Thatcher once said, and I quote, “If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime, and you would achieve nothing”. You tell the Prime Minister, constantly and rightly, to stop dithering over the economy. Well I emplore you, today, to get your act together over the EU and give this GREAT country the referendum it has been crying out for! If you can not sort out your stance, Mr Cameron, you are not fit to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I hope that you reconsider and for once do something for Britain and not for the sake of your political career. Then, Mr Cameron, you will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the modern era.

Yours Sincerely
Chris PH

PS I am 16 so if you are annoying me, God knows what you are doing to the rest of the electorate

Comment by Donna on November 5, 2009 at 10:13 am

With ‘Lisbon’ being a self amending Treaty, the EU will never need another Treaty transferring power – they will just amend existing ones. The commitment that any future Treaty transferring power will automatically result in a Referendum is therefore disingenuous. We need a Referendum on the RELATIONSHIP the British people want with the EU. Whether to be a full member; an ‘associate’ member – but rejecting Government from Brussels; or completely out.

If you don’t guarantee a Referendum on the EU, I will be voting UKIP.

We have been denied a say for far too long.

Comment by Christopher Phillips-Hart on November 5, 2009 at 10:14 am

Let me start with some simple English: Mr Cameron: I am absolutely furious with the Conservative Party’s stance on Europe. I was always proud to call myself a conservative supporter but after listening to your speech yesterday I am beginning to see why people call you a lightweight politiciain.

Our great heroine, Margaret Thatcher once said, and I quote, “If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime, and you would achieve nothing”. You tell the Prime Minister, constantly and rightly, to stop dithering over the economy. Well I emplore you, today, to get your act together over the EU and give this GREAT country the referendum it has been crying out for! If you can not sort out your stance, Mr Cameron, you are not fit to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I hope that you reconsider and for once do something for Britain and not for the sake of your political career. Then, Mr Cameron, you will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the modern era.

Yours Sincerely
Chris PH

PS I am 16 so if you are annoying me, God knows what you are doing to the rest of the electorate

Comment by Colin C Lloyd on November 5, 2009 at 10:15 am

Dera David,

You have my vote, you have my support in the coming weeks towards the election, an election that must be won by the Conservatives. Many of these entries refer to moving their vote to a minority party, they are wrong. People need to understand the importance of tackling the financial situation; the focus on europe is a diversion that will play into the hands of others, I would ask those who cry foul to reflect, take the wider view and make the wise choice, vote Conservative; stand firm but clear, we have one chance to get this right, grasp the opprotunity when it comes and give hope back to the people.

Comment by Karen Wood on November 5, 2009 at 10:15 am

I feel that I now just want to weep for the future of this country. Where is there a politician who will stand up for the Sovereign people and promise to see their will sought and applied. I had hoped that there was still hope that the Tory party would make a stand, but no, you too have fallen for the idea that we must be ‘in’ Europe in order to change it. Have the last 30 years taught you nothing? Europe will take more and more power and emasculate us as a nation able to prevent it. Talk now if of a European Army, how long then before we have ‘European’ soldiers garrisoned here. Did we not fight war after war in the last 1000 years to prevent this?

Your words are now worthless, you promised a referendum. Why should we believe you will seek a Sovereignty Law and in any case I do not believe our European masters will permit such a thing. Please please reconsider before our ability to control our destiny is given away forever.

Comment by Andrew Szypulski on November 5, 2009 at 10:17 am

So essentially what the prime minister has done is dresses the Lisburn Treaty up as another document, and signed it anyway, even though the public answer was a titanic ‘NO!’. In my opinion Mr. Brown has effectively given our power to europe because he cannot be trusted with it. He is too weak.

Comment by ingo on November 5, 2009 at 10:19 am

dear David
You have lost it, sadly. To say that the german courts are ranking above European law is an outright lie, should you renegotiate the 1972 treaty, it would be sabotaging Europe.
Instead of hob nobbing with homophobes and nazi sympathisers in Europe, you should be in the centre.
Finally, peace has reigned for the longest time ever in Europe, trade and propserity at unknown heights and you want to jeopardise this?
remeber the ten french nuclear power stations, the European financial interests, car manufacturing, Landrover, etc.
I want a fair vote, not the well past the post system, Europe is here to stay and you will not be able to re negotiate anything.
Sovereignity btw. has died in Yemen, when a car with suspected terrorists was hit by a hellfire missile from a drone, sent byUS navy forces, live with it.

Comment by John Moor on November 5, 2009 at 10:20 am

I think your policy is sensible. We have gained a huge amount by being in Europe, not least over 60 years of peace between the major countries in the Union.
The treaty is not perfect and we should have had a referendum but it is now too late.
When the conservatives form a government I wish you and William Hague well in your negotiations.

Comment by Ken Smith on November 5, 2009 at 10:21 am

I fully agree with David Rogers comments, we must have a referendum. With the full backing of the British people, Europe would have to listen. The negotiating leverage would be immense. Either they do what we want or we leave Europe. That’s it ! Then Europe would do as we ask, they wouldn’t dare face the consequence of Britain leaving or the effect this would have on other nations within this federalist state. It would cause chaos within.

So, why won’t he do it? David Cameron must already know this.

The first politician who has the guts to tackle the Europhiles in his party and to stand on his soapbox and state;
He will hold a referendum,
He will take a sensible view on immigration, and mean it,
He will stop paying benefits to the workshy,
He will get a grip on law and order and restore the rights of the victims, instead of worrying about the rights of the criminals,
He will dismantle the ‘do gooder’ society which Labour have enforced on us.

This man will be elected on a massive majority, no matter which party he stands for.

Is David Cameron this man; I used to think so, but alas no more.

We need another Winston or Maggie.
Will someone please step up and take the mantle AS THE POSITION IS NOW VACANT.

As a people, WE NEED THAT REFERENDUM.

Comment by Allen Hanley on November 5, 2009 at 10:24 am

David
This is my second post today.
I am so incensed, just like the majority of those posting here.
This is my country.
It does not belong to Westminster politicians who have NO RIGHT to ignore the electorate.
I cannot believe that you can read this blog and not realise the damage that you have/are doing to the Conservative party.
Dont lecture us on the benefits of Europe or treat us like buffoons.
Listen to what is being said and act on it, if you do you will not lose. If you dont theres every possibility you will lose and that would be a tragedy for this country.
we were relying on you to get us out of the mess that Bliar and Clown got us into and now it looks like you are turning out to be just like the rest.
Tell the EU where to stick their CONSTITUTION, I refuse to call it a treaty.

Comment by Anna Tandy on November 5, 2009 at 10:24 am

Surely we as British Citizens do not want to be swallowed up by Europe. we the common people want to be governed by Britan not Europe. We need to stand up and not be swallowed up by Europe. As a new PM when you win the election we must let The PEOPLE of our nation decide if we want to join the larger governing body of Europe. We must learn to STAND UP for OURSELVES like the great nation that we once were. This is the first thing the New Government must do to ensure that the people of our country are fully supportive of what is to come

Comment by Alan Haywood on November 5, 2009 at 10:24 am

David, you have a golden opportunity to put your name alongside the likes of Boudicca, Cromwell, Wellington and Churchill, all it takes is to do what is right regarding our relationship with the EU. Don’t give us all that nonsense about negotiating with the EU…YOU KNOW, and WE KNOW that that is futile, and sadly, your stance is what we have come to expect from the palace of Westminster. Your words could have come from the Nu Labour manual. Have the guts to take us out NOW, and renegotiate our relationship with the rest of Europe.
Hitler, and Napoleon failed in their quest to create a federal Europe, but slimey politicians have managed it via the back entrance. I would rather live in Norway, if they would have me.

Comment by g.widgery on November 5, 2009 at 10:24 am

david davis has a good argument, published in the mail, for a referendum on europe. a lot of voters will vote ukip if you do not. you will be seen in the same light as the lying labour mob, in that all politicians speak with fork tongue

Comment by Mr Daffin on November 5, 2009 at 10:26 am

By reading all these comments it looks like you have just thrown away your premiership Mr Cameron – you must be a fool.

Comment by Tony Emes on November 5, 2009 at 10:29 am

David Camerons comments go some way to appeasing the fact that we have been forced to accept the Lisbon Treaty without any referendum or say in the situation.
However do the Conservatives really know what the people of the country really want with respect to their membership of the EU?
When we do get rid of Brown and get into Government the people of the UK should be allowed to give their views on Europe and how they think our future relationship should progress. Being told what the Conservatives will do in power is all very well but we are still not being given an opportunity to state our views be it by a referendum of a questionare on-line or paper(collectable from a public place) .
If this happens and the views of the people analysed then we can say at least we were given a chance, albeit late, to comment. comment.

Tony Emes (Nowrich)

Comment by Philip Langridge on November 5, 2009 at 10:30 am

Take heed Mr Cameron. Clearly, we have to get out of the corrupt and undemocratic EU, otherwise many Tories like me will vote UKIP at the next General Election. Just think what we could do with the hundreds of billions we would save? We could have a trading arrangement much like that of Switzerland and other countries. Why not?

Comment by I Graham on November 5, 2009 at 10:30 am

The EU was formed as a Trade Agreement, making it easier for the European Countries to Export and Import their goods, NOT to create a Super State. This is all it should be, and if Brussels won’t leave it at that, then we should follow Norway and not follow blindly like a lemming into a system which currently has this country treating its population worse than Stalin ever treated his.
This used to be Great Britain, a country with Industrial Skills and Invention to be proud of, and I hope you help get this country back on its feet again.

Comment by J.C. Clemence Q.P.M. on November 5, 2009 at 10:32 am

Regrettably, I doubt that this will be sufficient to prevent a loss of votes to UKIP who are now the only party that are addressing the questions of loss of Sovereignty, independence and genuine democracy.

Comment by RAy Turner on November 5, 2009 at 10:32 am

Quite right DC. We’re stuck with Lisbon for the moment and its Gordons fault. What a moron we’ve got for Prime Minister.

What you suggest is a reasonable position to adopt at the moment.

If we get a situation that would clearly undermine the UK, even without the Sovereignty Act, such as Brussels wanting us all to drive on the right for instance, just ignore it. The British people will be completely behind you and will be forming barricades at the Channel Tunnel….

Comment by Peter Hirsch on November 5, 2009 at 10:38 am

Mr Cameron,

This statement, while possibly better than nothing, is likely to produce almost the worst of all possible worlds:

>>> A European political class that distrusts Britain as ruled by a government not committed to their Federal dream;

>>> A British majority that is increasingly discontented with a Federation to which it is not in sympathy;

>>> A lack of confidence in the Conservative Party which will lead to a divided vote, a smaller majority (or even a coalition) in government;

>>> What we already see: a lack of confidence in the courage, resource and fortitude of the leader – YOU. Just read the other comments: not much comfort there, Mr Cameron!

You may not see that you have failed: most people I know think you have.

I do not see how you can alter your position now, after this your latest statement, without being accused of all that Brown is accused of: vacillation and lack of direction.

Best of luck, mate. You’ll need it.

Better, just hand over to Daniel Hannan – please.

Peter Hirsch

Comment by G KILLORAN on November 5, 2009 at 10:39 am

I cant understand a simple truth; Politicans are elected to represent the views of those who vote them in, NOT to follow their own agenda. If a Politican does not agree with this he should resign and fight on his own agenda. The people of this country do not want to be part of the EU you know it, I know it the EU know it so why in the hell are we not given a vote on it, Heath was a traitor and lied to us as did Blair and Brown now you, I am losing the will to live in this Country. If the British do not want to be part of the EU only trading partners then that is what should happen. It is called Democracy a word very few politicans of either party seem to understand the meaning of. We are now, against our wishes part of the most undemocratic organisation in Western Europe and large parts of the World. this is not what we fought two world wars for. Come back Churchil come back Thatcher lets have Leaders that are Honest and True again. question ?? if there is a European Army who is going to do the fighting. it wont be the Germans, the French or any of the others except the Dutch and British are we really that stupid (I think we are). Farewell Freedom.

Comment by Henry Dryden on November 5, 2009 at 10:39 am

Congratulations Cameron! Your turncoat actions and vague promises of what you think you may be able to achieve have now lost you the confidence that a Conservative Party Leader should and must instill in his/her supporters. I, any very many to whom I speak,
have lost that confidence and will now vote UKIP at the next General Election if only to let you know what we know. YOU ARE NOT LISTENING to the ‘dyed in the wool’ lifelong Tories who have stood by The Party through thick and thin for so long.
Come on! Shape up and toughen up!

Comment by Derek Fisher on November 5, 2009 at 10:39 am

I see no undertaking, in the likely event that renegotiation in the EU is unsuccessful, to consult the people during the next Parliament – if you are to retain credibility after deciding not to hold a referendum in 2010, then surely such a committment is essential.

Comment by JOhn Charnley on November 5, 2009 at 10:39 am

Why don’t you spend more time blaming Gordon Brown for signing this Treaty on the sly, and therefore denying the British people the choice?

Comment by Dr Montgomery on November 5, 2009 at 10:40 am

I am amazed by some of the comments on this blog. This was always going to happen. we were promised a referendum by David Cameron at a time when he presumably expected to be able to deliver one. the treaty has been ratified before a general election would have given the Conservatives the chance to come to the voters, but that could never have been predicted. We need to focus on the fact that Gordon Brown promised a referendum then signed the treaty anyway. There lies the real betrayal of the British people. I his speach yesterday, david has outlined what I think are very promising counter measures to help get us out of the mess that Labour have put us in over Europe (not for the first time).

My only disappointment is that this was quite predictable during conference season. David Cameron was asked numerous times during the Conservatives conference what he would do if the Czech republic ratified this before a general election and he did not want to admit then that this was a likely scenario and that it would mean the opportunity for a referendum was gone. David, you will absolutely still get my vote, but I think you could have avoided much of this backlash by making the speach you made yesterday during the conference. We would then have known where you stood.

Comment by Anthony Mangnall on November 5, 2009 at 10:40 am

Mr Cameron,

In response to your email and the above announcement that we will not now get a say on the transfer of power to Brussels, or on our inclusion in the Lisbon Treaty, I have to say to you that I am immensely disappointed and will not now support a conservative party that is so ready to cave in to the illegal machinations of the current, morally bankrupt government.

A Prime Minister who has not been elected by the British people, who has no mandate, has led our great country into near ruin and has now also given away our rights to decide what is best for Britain. His and your policies will only increase support for the odious BNP.

Regards, Anthony Mangnall.

Comment by Graham Kay on November 5, 2009 at 10:40 am

No point in voting Tory if you do not want control over most of the laws in this country. You will only get that by removing us from EU after this capitulation by Bliar and Brown and you are not even going to offer a referendum!
Only solution is to vote for UKIP

Comment by Paul Law on November 5, 2009 at 10:41 am

The media seem to persist with the most obtuse understanding of the Conservative position, it is a most sensible amendment to the present situation. Let us remember who got us to this impass, after 12 years of Labour misgovernment we are well and truly in the Brown Stuff. Look back to the total mismanagement of this government starting with a botched policy on the Dome and progress through to the closing of all day care homes in Northumberland. A tragic series of incompetence. Unelected in Parliament and unelected in the House of Lords and yet they still hold on to their power at anyone else’s cost i.e. the Isle of Man.

Comment by Tom Chapman on November 5, 2009 at 10:42 am

DC that is not what your voters want you are going to lose a lot of votes to UKIP listen to David Davis because if you do not have a referendum of some sort you will be judged just the same as Brown, all promises and no action

Comment by Tony on November 5, 2009 at 10:43 am

What a nightmare the next government faces!This is aday that we will regret for evermore. The reality is that Brown has ended our soveigntry and ruined this country. Sadly,Ttere is really no going back other than exit and that would be an economic disaster. There is no point in a referendum, and as many have said, the other 26 wont let us do what DC hopes.
That is not DC’s fault. We should however withhold excessive payments until there is proper accountability, refuse to join a defence force in which the backsliding EUers would leave us to do any fighting.The priority remains the removal of thia traitorous government. Votes for UkIP and the like would weaken that possibility.

Comment by Paul Wareing on November 5, 2009 at 10:44 am

David,

You have just lost the general election then, as I and tens thousands of others will now vote for UKIP.

I can only thank you for letting me know ahead of time that you are prepared to sell my country down the river!

Consider my membership of the Conservative Party terminated!

Paul

Comment by s willis on November 5, 2009 at 10:44 am

David
You have already told us how easy it is to repeal laws ie. the hunting ban. What is to stop a future government undoing your “legal protection”.
If you don’t come up with a referendum pledge now, millions will turn to UKIP and you may never get the chance to govern.
Sort it out – this is our chance – don’t blow it with broken promises and weak leadership. We’ve had enough of that with Brown

Comment by Bob Staples on November 5, 2009 at 10:45 am

David

Why no referendum on whether we are in or out of Europe? Both New Labour & the Tory Party promised one but both of you have broken your promises.

A plague on both your houses, I know where my vote will go – to an honest politition who keeps his word and has not fiddled his expenses.

Comment by Paul Talbot on November 5, 2009 at 10:46 am

Peter C (nov 4 10.15) makes some good comments. The reason why many people do not regard us as part of Europe and/or want to pull out is because the VAST MAJORITY of people alive in this country today have NOT had a chance to have a say on whether we should be in or out. No-one under the age of 52 has voted on whether we should be in Europe. GIVE US A SAY and then it will be decided. We will continue to have this argument until we are allowed a say. GIVE US A REFERENDUM on whether we stay in or pull out.

Comment by Ron Gobell on November 5, 2009 at 10:46 am

David,
I am most disappointed at your announcement. You have let us all down badly, the referendum was promised, now all we have is cosmetic proposals. Never mind the war of words with other EU members, they know that the UK is Euroceptic anyway, attack now or we will get a lingering weak talk talk situation. I am a Conservative party member soon to be ex. UKIP looks favourite for my vote next election time, I am not alone.

Comment by David Roberts on November 5, 2009 at 10:48 am

Mr Cameron,

Whilst ‘Name Calling’ is generally totally unproductive, you have failed miserably to inform the British people of exactly who and what the European Government consists of.

Those to whom we have now surrendered our Sovereignty are the very same people who for many years previously divided Europe. The very same left wing Stalinist morons who originally conducted their campaign to subvert our Nation from behind the Iron Curtain, have finally and irrevocably Conquered this bedrock of tolerant democracy.

In your position as leader of Her Majesty’s opposition you have a responsibility to inform the people of this country of the extent to which these control freaks have now infiltrated both Europe and more importantly, the United Kingdom.

The Blair and Brown regimes which we have been subjected to over the past twelve years are indeed the disciples of the likes of Eric Honecker and they have, by lies and deceit been allowed to ride roughshod over the freedom we cherish in this country. New Labour has planted the ‘Soldiers’ of Honecker in every Quango and Local Government office throughout the land, not to mention our Police, with little opposition from Your Party. Is their any wonder why such parties as UKIP and the BNP are gaining in popularity. Those of us who do understand believe that you are failing to inform the majority and in doing so failing to provide a coherent future policy to defend this Nation from the inevitable police state that is The European Democratic Republic.

It is time to call a Spade A Spade ! To inform this Nation of the perils which most definitely lie ahead of us, stop pussy footing around and tell it like it really is, Become a REAL LEADER and expose this evil European regime.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 10:50 am

To me, by rights, these treaties should not be signed by the PM, when they decide, any treaty should be brought to the British Public and debated in the House Of Commons, properly, and proper discussions as to the implications of these treaties.

I feel that with this being Our Individual State Powers and Sovereignty being taken away, Our Queen and Royal Household should by rights our REAL head of State, should be able to have her voice heard as well, because she hasn’t got any allegiance to any political party and she can give the British People the facts as to what we are signing away.

Only then do we have a referendum, and after the referendum, If the British Public say NO, then we tell the EU to take a hike. If it is YES, it should be the Queen that should be signing on the Behalf Of Her Subjects, Not A Man who hasn’t got A Voting Mandate to even be in Power, let alone sign our Sovereignty away.

People are against Europe because Europe doesn’t play fair with the British People. France there are two prime examples, for instance how many times do they allow the ports and the channel tunnel to be blocked when they are having a national strike, or have you forgotten Our trade being interrupted by their industrial strikes, or the Blockades, stopping Our ferries. All the goods that we sell if they are perishable being destroyed. As a result and there were companies who suffered as a result and people lost their jobs. Yet there is suppose to be freedom of movement between countries, which isn’t happening.

The second Europe has a whole should be taking responsibility for Security of her borders for example immigration, however France again, isn’t taking responsibility for the illegal immigrants in their Country and they want to just pass this problem onto us. They know that these so called ‘asylum seekers’ are not real, yet they don’t care.

Why is it that these immigrants where not stopped at the point of entry to Europe, surely if these so called ‘asylum seekers’ were genuine, they would want to settle anywhere within Europe, as these people would be safe, yet all these European countries, are just piling this problem onto the British People.

The British people are not against real asylum seekers who are genuine, but all we are seeing at the moment is economic asylum seekers, who want to rape Britain and the British people for what they have, so this is why British people are feeling angry.

We are only a small island, and our Social infrastructure is breaking apart because our NHS, Our Welfare System , Our Education System and Our All our Industry As well as Our Social Housing is suffering, because the Politicians are not taking into account that our country is under attack and being raped by these bogus asylum seekers.

We haven’t even got a clue who is actually in this country, as the immigration system is a total mess.

No instead, You attack the most vulnerable within our Society, The Disabled, and You allow our Pensioner’s to Suffer and die with lack of dignity. Those who have fought for and worked hard for this country, are treated like dirt, and to be honest people are getting fed up.

Its like a jumble sale, role up, Britain is for sale, Our jobs are for sale and Our Way of life is for sale to the highest bidder who can fund the political parties for their election into office, in turn for favours granted which of course is done behind closed doors, while British People’s wages and jobs are savagely cut and people are being forced out of their Homes.

At the moment there is No Hope In Britain, for the working class person, there is no security for their homes, as the utility, council, tax, and now food is ever increasing to the point people are really hurting, NOW. People are not using credit for luxuries but for day to day living expenses, and this is putting so much stress on British Family Life and it is resulting in Our Social Fabric being torn apart. Crime is very much a big issue, which again is being ignored.

Of Course the British People are upset and if the MP’s will not listen and If you are not very careful there will be a civil war and a revolution as the British People are fed up with their Country being raped.

Comment by Anne Santos on November 5, 2009 at 10:50 am

How sad! at the first hurdle we have a man of straw when we need a leader of resolve. It would be impossible now to trust any further guaranteed policies that David makes.

Comment by John Mason on November 5, 2009 at 10:50 am

DEAR DAVID & WILLIAM

YOU`VE ALREADY GOT THE FRENCH BREATHING DOWN YOUR NECKS AND YOU`VE LOST MANY POTENTIAL VOTERS.

TIME TO QUICKLY REGROUP – LOOK UP THE MEANING OF THE WORDS ‘FIRM & RESOLUTE’ AND PROMISE A REFERENDUM, IT`S OK TO REVISE YOUR THOUGHTS.

IF YOU CAN`T DO IT I’M SURE DAVID DAVIES AND BORIS COULD HELP YOU ALONG.

Comment by Peter J Orchard on November 5, 2009 at 10:52 am

David you should have stuck by your guns and given us the referendum, if the decision was then for a withdrawal from the EU, you could then have started talks to finalise that decision. I feel there is now no point in having UK M.P’s as they will have little or no influence on decisions made by the EU.
As a life long conservative voter I feel abandoned by both you as an individual and the party as a whole. Democracy ? what democracy.

Comment by Janette Duke on November 5, 2009 at 10:52 am

Thank goodness we have a British Bulldog in the wings. I am fed up with being led by a Scottie Dog that just wants to roll over and play dead. I just sincerely hope that we still have something left worth fighting for when David Cameron gets elected.

Comment by Julian Pilcher on November 5, 2009 at 10:53 am

How can a Government legally ratify a treaty when it has acted “ultra vires” and without authority? Our ratification is not worth the paper it is written on.

Comment by David de vere on November 5, 2009 at 10:54 am

A politician’s life is difficult, especially as a future prime minister. On the one hand he has to appeal to the mass of potential voters but on the other hand he has also to consider what is best for the country. Regretably the two on many occasions do not equate. What is best for the country is ultimately best for the voters well being, however alot of the Mr and Mrs Voter living in their own secluded and protected enviroment do not appreciate the broader aspects of running a country. Yes I agree that the creeping Federalistic nature of Europe has to be contained. However, from a business and UK PLC wellbeing point of view, we are now very much part of Europe and must be part of it.

Comment by Gillie Gray on November 5, 2009 at 10:54 am

Guy Fawkes was right! I cannot express how let down I feel by you and your advisors. You have lost my vote, my contributions and the work that I have done for the Conservative party. PLease can someone explain to me why we are bothering to have a British Government at all – let alone the Scottish and Welsh Assemblies. It seems unnecessary cost and trouble. We may as well all just obey to the Europrats as it appears that we have no say in anything all the politicians appear to be is liars interetsed in self servng back slapping peerages and “jobs for the boys”. What happened to this country – GREAT BRITAIN – I could weep…………………

Comment by Paul Rouse on November 5, 2009 at 10:55 am

Good move, but does it go far enough? We should ensure that no EU dictate is allowed to damage the welfare of this Country or its people. Also, can I suggest that we publish a cost/benefit analysis of our EU membership?

Comment by Michael Ingle on November 5, 2009 at 10:56 am

I applaud David Cameron’s decision not to pursue a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. If he had pursued a referendum, it would have become the main issue in the 2010 election. Since I, and I believe a majority of our fellow citizens, support our continued membership of the EU, that would probably have resulted in the loss of the election for the Conservatives. There will be much more important priorities for our next government than continued navel gazing about the EU.

Comment by Roy Carlo on November 5, 2009 at 10:57 am

Yet again, we get mealy-mouthed platitudes about how this party or that will protect British interests and prevent the creation of a European super state. Too late – it is already happening, and the Lisbon Treaty is the final nail in the coffin of democracy. Our only option is to leave the EU and leave it now!

Comment by Syd Weller on November 5, 2009 at 11:00 am

Dear David, I imagine you are comfortable that you can now have your cake and be able to eat it? Your efforts to protect us from Europe are as weak as the ‘Conservative MPS from the ranks of the people’ debacle.
I have never voted other then Conservative however I cannot continue to support a lying whimp.
UKIP here I come.

Comment by Neil on November 5, 2009 at 11:01 am

David, as a party member I, like many, took the time to complete and return my ballot paper electing you as leader of our party. The reason I selected you as my preferred choice of leader was that I believed you to be a man of honesty and integrity. How wrong can one be?

Yes you have taken some tough decisions in reforming the party yet when it comes to taking tough decisions of importance to the country you ‘bottle it’!!! David, you have backtracked one too many times for me, you are not the man I envisaged you to be, you have a huge yellow streak running right down your spine and in the eyes of many have lost any credibility that you had.

Do the honourable thing David and step down as party leader or, salvage your own, the party and the countries future by agreeing to give us the referendum you promised.

It pains me to say that unless you change tact I will not be renewing my membership to the party and for as long as you are party leader I will never vote Conservative again !!!

Comment by Peter Palmer on November 5, 2009 at 11:03 am

Sorry but this is tosh. We have been sold down the river by successive governments ever since that idiot Heath lied about the Common Market in 1975 – the last time anybody thought to ask the people who matter. The deal with the devil has been done.
There are only four questions that need answers now:
1. How soon can we get out of the EU so that we can re-connect with the (larger) Commonwealth?
2. Where will the Tories be when their vote is split between smaller parties (UKIP etc) and Brown & Co get in again (although that would serve them right!)?
3. Why is Ken Clark still anywhere near the front benches?
4. How do I wear my poppy with pride when we have witnessed UK governments freely handing over the same British sovereignty that my father and grandfather fought to defend and that so many gave their lives for?

Comment by Simon Baggott on November 5, 2009 at 11:03 am

The EU as from 1/12/09 will be a superstate with a constitution. Very few people in the UK want to be part of that.

Get into bed with UKIP now, and promise a referendum on continued membership asap.

Inter alia, this will do wonders for your electoral prospects.

Comment by ROBERT MATTHEWS on November 5, 2009 at 11:06 am

David – yesterday was a sad one for the British people and youself. You had a chance to show you could be a great PM but you blew it by not allowing us a say on the EU. That decision could cost you a majority in the house which means a weak Government. A re-think needs urgently to be considered or you loose my vote.

Comment by Dickie Bird on November 5, 2009 at 11:06 am

I feel that the Tory leadership has not delivered on its pledge and the cast-iron guarantee was worthless. Politicians treat the Electorate with contempt on issues ranging from employing spouses to the serious question of Europe. David Cameron talks of a fresh approach he needs to show he will deliver on his promises which on the European issue he has failed to do.

Comment by Christopher on November 5, 2009 at 11:06 am

Horses and stable doors. I feel completely let down. UKIP will benefit greatly from this.

Comment by Malcolm Cobb on November 5, 2009 at 11:08 am

Well you have shown your true colours david and its yellow to the core. We need a real leader who is prepared to stand up and be counted who represents what the people want give us what you promised a free democratic vote on the EU.

Comment by Gareth R on November 5, 2009 at 11:08 am

It’s worth noting that this announcement does not preclude any improvements in policy in the future. There are still several months to go.

In terms of the speech delivery, I was hoping to hear a lot more explanation of the difficulty of the decision.

Comment by Simon Baggott on November 5, 2009 at 11:08 am

Remember, the Commission is the only institution in world history to have resigned en masse for corruption, and then promptly reappointed itself. No sane Brit wants these non-elected spendthrift unaccountable bureaucrats.

Comment by Stuart D. Montgomery on November 5, 2009 at 11:10 am

David, the issue was not the Lisbon Treaty as such, it is the EU; we do NOT want to be part of it in the way we are now and with great respect this is why people are supporting you, first and foremost. We want a vote on getting out or staying in, simple.

Comment by R Suren on November 5, 2009 at 11:10 am

We had a dinner party yesterday with a small gathering of six guests, all of whom have always voted Conservative. Not one will be voting Conservative at the election as a result of your boken promise.
You can still have the referendum and if the majority is large enough suggest to the EU that we either opt out of their constitution as a result of overwhelming public loathing or we pull out. Before you say that it would be catastrophic for this country’s economy, think laterally.
This country could become a ‘free port’ with no VAT and low taxes which would have businesses from across the world pouring in.

Comment by Mark Breecher on November 5, 2009 at 11:13 am

Dear Mr Cameron.

It does not help me in making a decision to vote for you.
I am aware that you may face legal issues and that you may well believe you are making good policy, but that is not a mandate on our EU membership and nor will you get one.
I am relaxed about you holding a referendum in any case, and for your hands to be tied by Labours poor skill in negotiation. Labour get the credit for this.
I am not happy that you do not give us a voice and you at least try. Get out on a limb.
Gordon Brown is a willing deputy in the right place or who offered to lobby on behalf of TonyB.
Lovely.
Please accept the genius of the electorate and credit us that we see a leader in you we do not see in him, but do not expect us to be placated with sound bites.

Lead and fight for this country, because I am sure we will.

Comment by V.Sherratt on November 5, 2009 at 11:15 am

Surely witholding our massive contributions to the EU until all the accounts have been passed by auditors would concentrate the minds somewhat. It is a disgrace that they can get away with it, fraud comes to mind.

Comment by Phil Hannah on November 5, 2009 at 11:16 am

All you needed David, was a bit of courage. But like most politicians over the last few years you have bottled it. If you had stuck to your promise , you could have been assured of a landslide at the next election. You have blown it.

Comment by Derek on November 5, 2009 at 11:17 am

How dare you insult our intelligence in his way?

Parhaps Dave or some of his (few) cheer-leaders on this board might offer a few examples of the further powers that he thinks his proposed legislation would protect?

May we also see a Legal Opinion advising how his proposed legislation would stand up to testing in the European Court?

Or will Dave finally admit the truth which all intelligent people can see – that we have suffered a national defeat of monumental proportions.

We are at a moment in history akin to that of the Munich Agreement, when Churchill said in the House:-

**we have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us along our road; they should know that we have passed an awful milestone in our history, when the whole equilibrium of Europe has been deranged, and that the terrible words have for the time being been pronounced against the Western democracies.
“Thou are weighed in the balance and found wanting.”
And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time. **.

Yes Dave, contrary to your weasel words, we can still have a referendum: “In or out?”

We should hold it at the earliest possble moment, for there is little doubt that our new masters are even now planning fresh measures to consolidate their control and make escape impossible, via further legislation augmenting their own powers and diminishing those of national governments.

As others have already said, we need another Churchil at this hour. Sorry Dave, you have just proved that you are not up to the job.

Comment by Mark Breecher on November 5, 2009 at 11:18 am

Just a further word on this.

This is not your decision to make, it is our decision.

Don’t make the same mistake.

Comment by Paul White on November 5, 2009 at 11:18 am

David,I like I suspect many British people do not really know what the full implications of signing up to this treaty mean.Most of us do not like to be told what to do by our own MPs in Westminster,let alone a bunch of unelected Europeans in Brussels.I voted in favour of the Common Market back in 1970… whenever it was, because anything that helped economic trade was thought to be a good thing.Unfortunatly the Common Market has changed into this invasive EU which seems to have control over almost every aspect of our lives,or so we are told.I don`t want this.Brits don`t like to be told what to do ,especially by foreigners,as we will hopefully all remember on Sunday at 11 o`clock.
It seems ironic to me that ,having just lost another 5 soldiers(plus 6 injured) we are letting go more of our sovreignty to a Europe which is so reluctant to commit to an armed struggle which is supossed to be in the interest of all of us. We have as many troops in Afganistan as Germany France and Italy put together, and the death rate reflects this. If the EU doesn`t like us questioning our sovereignty,then tough. If it wasn`t for this country being stubborn, they would all be speaking German by now,and every one in this country should remember that.
However there is one thing that frightens me more than selling our sole to Europe. That is a weak and feeble government in Westminster.
If the new government in May,isn`t prepared to make this a country to be proud of again,isn`t prepared to encourage a complete
rethink of our attitude to manufacturing industries, and a gradual down sizing of the welfare state,then perhaps we should just chuck our lot in with Europe.

Comment by Malcolm Hill on November 5, 2009 at 11:22 am

You promised a referendum but just like Labour you have gone back on that pledge.You ask us to trust politicians but how can we when you cannot keep to what you say one year to the next.
Even if Lisbon is signed a carefully worded referendum about various aspecrs of the treaty as to whether we agree to it and should the Tories renogiate it would if it got overwhelming support would show the EU in Brussels the mood of this country.
Dont throw away public support by going back on your promise.Dont be another Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.

Comment by Marianne Hayton on November 5, 2009 at 11:23 am

Both my husband and i will no longer vote for your party.Your promises stand for nothing you can no longer be trusted to keep your word.We are sorry this day has come ,imyself i am glad my father is not alive to see the party he followed, get to such a low point .

Comment by Peter Biernis on November 5, 2009 at 11:23 am

While I agree with many of your comments I think we must remember as a country many business now in the UK operate with the euro’ in turn this has an effect on employment in the uk.
I

Comment by Roy on November 5, 2009 at 11:28 am

Sorry Dave but you’ve managed to lose this blue voter of 35 years. Your ‘cast iron guarantee’ has turned out to be as hollow as the ‘promises’ all the other party leaders give us.

Comment by steve h on November 5, 2009 at 11:29 am

I listened to your speech and my heart sank, such delusion. The signing over of powers of a sovereign country to some other ‘power’ is surely an act of treason! What the Queens view of this is, we will never know but her position as head of state is now redundant. So if you get into government (not power) you’re going to bring in laws to try and get our ‘ball’ back, not a chance Suddenly Mr Chamberlain comes to mind, Churchill must be turning in his grave. And what political colour will this New european state wear? Final result, ‘Socialism 1 Conservatism 0′

Comment by R. J. Salter on November 5, 2009 at 11:30 am

How can we ever trust any politician again over Europe. What ”concrete” guarantee can Mr Cameron give and why should I believe him? I am a lifelong conservative but I am now wondering what to do.

Comment by Sheila King on November 5, 2009 at 11:30 am

Dear David, I like what you are saying and am behind you all the way. Please don’t let us down like Labour has done.

Comment by john on November 5, 2009 at 11:31 am

Dave you could have avoided this by not sitting on the fence hoping others would settle the problem of Europe for you.

You knew it would come to a head sometime in the future.
You have let yourself and us conservatives down, and allowed others to accuse you of doing, what you are always accusing Brown of ” Bottleling ”

I wrote to my local MP and central office and received a letter stating what I already knew ” we are sitting on the fence ” hoping others will take care of the problem.

You people stating you will now vote UKIP should think carefully.
What other policy other than Europe do they have?
They couldn’t run a country, let alone one standing on it’s own in modern times. Problems like this should be sorted out internally, not jumping ship.

Dave you have done what you accuse Brown of ” bottlling ” Don’t know how your going to get out of this, and if will cost the party the election, but you had better repair quickly or you could be out….

Comment by Heather on November 5, 2009 at 11:34 am

I am delighted by your three proposals regarding the EU powers that you would claw back when (I sincerely hope) your party wins governance of our country. However I heard a comment yesterday that Brussels is a master of prevarication and delay. Do you have any plans should this delaying and defeating strategy become apparent?
Heather

Comment by John Blinman on November 5, 2009 at 11:37 am

Somebody suggested you should have ‘steel balls’. It would be more appropriate to ask if you have any at all!!
I am 72 and a lifelong Conservative voter who, like many many others, will be voting UKIP and doing all I can to persuade everybody I know – or meet – to follow my example. We DO NOT need to belong to the EU. Norway, amongst others, has better trading arrangements with the EU than us without being a member, and they do not pay £40 million a day for the ‘privilege’.
A Referendum on the Treaty was never what was really wanted by most intelligent and thinking Britons (certainly not most English). Pull us out of the Money Drain and give us back our full sovereignty.

Comment by L A G WORRALL on November 5, 2009 at 11:37 am

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE BROWN ANY REAL CHANCE OF WINNING THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FIGHTING AMONG OURSELVES IS PROVIDING HIM WITH AMMUNITION TO MAKE US LOOK NO BETTER THAN HE AND HIS PARTY ARE, DAVID DAVIS HAS PROVIDED THE ANSWER WE MUST GO FOR IT AND HAVE THE REFERENDUM THAT YOU PROMISED THE PEOPLE DAVID DESPITE THE LISBON TREATY
AND ALL OF THE STRINGS ATTACHED TO IT AT LEAST THE NATION WILL HAVE HAD ITS SAY ON HOW THEY TRULY FEEL ABOUT OUR POSITION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
AND SHOW THAT WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH
TO KEEP OUR PROMISES TO THE PEOPLE AND OUR NEXT PRIME MINISTER YOU DAVID, ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO LEAD THEM

Comment by don beard on November 5, 2009 at 11:42 am

if you dont listen to david davis you will lose my vote at the next election or stand down and give him the job he is listening to the people clearly you are not

Comment by Abi on November 5, 2009 at 11:43 am

I’m very pleased with what you have said, David. I know it is difficult for many of the more sceptical memebers of the Conservative party to accept that this treaty has gone through, but I would urge them to continue voting for Conservative and not UKIP, as this will only help Labour. I hope you can uphold the promise that “we must never allow Britain to slide into a federal Europe”. You have stayed consistent in your policy on Europe. With you in power hopefully, this sham of a treaty will not be repeated!

Comment by Michael Withycombe on November 5, 2009 at 11:44 am

Well, the “cast iron” pledge was rash in the extreme and I’m sure you’ve regretted it many times but this new policy is a worthwhile attempt to put it to bed. It’s a shame that you along with other politicians in the main parties seem unable to think the unthinkable. “What would happen if we left”. UKIP for me now I’m afraid

Comment by don beard on November 5, 2009 at 11:44 am

please listen to David Davis he is listening to the people you certainly are not you have lost my vote

Comment by Adam Ross Wilson on November 5, 2009 at 11:45 am

Dear Mr Cameron,

I totally agree with you on the Lisbon Treaty. It is most unfortunate that, with the Czech Republic ratifying the treaty, we have run out of time to have a public referendum on the Treaty under your much more electorate-orientated party. I think it is a digusting, disgraceful on democracy that the shoddy Labour ‘government’ had the tenacity to simply hand over so much power and control over the people who – somehow – voted them into power to some faceless, remote government that has so little to do and in connection with the people of this country. Doesn’t the speed at which this joke of a Treaty come into power, following Czech ratification, tell you something about this? I fully support the Conservatives’ pledges regarding the Sovereignty Bill and other related measures youy will be taking when you come into power next May – it’s only the right thing to do for the people who will vote you into the position of serving their needs and wishes.

Yours faithfully,

Adam Wilson
Firmly against the United Kingdom of Europe.

Comment by David Cundale on November 5, 2009 at 11:47 am

Well, that’s UKIP for me then.

Comment by Alan Mallinson on November 5, 2009 at 11:47 am

At last something from the conservative party I can give my vote to. I was slipping fairly quickly toward a vote for the bnp. I wish you all the best in the forthcoming general election, lets get some democracy back into this once great country of ours.

Comment by Richard Hewson on November 5, 2009 at 11:48 am

Yes, we do need REFERENDUM, if only to confirm to the rest of Europe our true concerns. Why should we be dictated too by Sarkozy and Merkel? It is well understood that the English implement the majority of laws within the EU; yet we also know that most French, Germans & Italians give “two fingers” to the EU laws, the black market is rife within these countries in order to avoid taxes and gain more EU money – ours!

We have been treated appallingly by the current government during the past 12 years; both Blair and Brown have been no better than dictators, the real driving force behind their actions has been “what’s in it for ME”, far from what’s best for our country. We should just stop paying billions to the EU until we get value for OUR money; we should have total control over our boarders, the French nor EU will do this – if we don’t who will bear the costs for all the illegal immigrants or asylum seekers – simple the English.

We need the REFERENDUM to provide undisputed power to your negotiating elbow, yes it will cost a few millions, but would be money well spent; the majority of the EU countries would then appreciate that you would be negotiating with the English Public’s AUTHORITY, and that you word can be trusted, not like Blair and Brown

Comment by LONSDALE on November 5, 2009 at 11:50 am

If Federal Europe have the final say over our laws I would have thought any of your proposed legislation will be revoked by the Europen Court.
We have committed ourselves to a Treaty which now binds us to a Federal Europe in law and our Parliament will be reduced to a local government status!!
We have been betrayed by the Labour Government which twist and turns on every aspect and is based on a house built upon sand.
I do wish we could change things but is too late!!!!!!!

Comment by Stephen Hillier on November 5, 2009 at 11:51 am

Mr Cameron
What is a ‘cast iron’ guarantee? Your interpretation is obviously different to just about every body else’s in Britain.
You have just confirmed everybody’s nagging doubt that you cannot be trusted and are not up to the job of PM.
Your own goal has just lost the Conservative party thousands if not millions of votes, and a good many party members including myself.

Comment by George Baker on November 5, 2009 at 11:51 am

David, We still want and need that referendum, it will show the rest of Europe how the people of this country realy feel about a European Federal State.
Word the referendum in a way that leaves no doubt that unless we get back what the unelected mass have taken away from us without the peoples consent because the new labour government denied us the referendum thay promised, then we will leave the EU altogether, You know and I know that is what the majority of the people of this country want anyway.
DON’T tar youself and the Conservative Party with the same brush as that despicable new labour, you will be promoting the BNP and will lose the Election

Comment by Simon Baggott on November 5, 2009 at 11:52 am

I have yet to meet anyone who actually wants the UK to stay in the EU. Even the scorched earth government don’t, most of them couldn’t care less. Those that do care realise that the only future the Labour Party now has is as EU politicos.

Comment by Mike Collier on November 5, 2009 at 11:53 am

David,
I feel that a referendum, as you promised, would at least show that the vast majority of people would have voted against the new constitution. This would then show the current govenment, and the rest of europe how strongly we all feel let down by them.
I am sorely dissapointed in your decision. I need a party to listen to me, and to take the actions that they have promised. At the moment you appear to be on a par with both Blair and Brown, unable to keep your promises. My vote will certainly go to the party who I feel will not lie to me, and stand up for my and Britains rights. I have grave doubts that this is in fact you.

Comment by Adam Ross Wilson on November 5, 2009 at 11:55 am

I would just like to add to my comment above: the EU constantly bangs on about “European Human Rights” and the Charter of Fundamental Rights – how can it possibly be within either of those horrendous pieces of legislation to either hand over power and control without consulting the people it will affect (i.e. what Labour did by ratifying the Treaty without consulting the people whose interests they are supposed to serve), or to vacuum up this power without a single concern for how it might affect the people whose interests they falsely claim to want to serve (i.e. what this disgraceful mob in Brussels will do on the 1st of December)? Surely David Cameron and his party could investigate the human rights issue here and delay – if not cancel altogether – the coming into effect of the Lisbon Treaty?

Comment by Andy Fear on November 5, 2009 at 11:55 am

We just all been very very badly let down – where is the party’s credibility now?????

Comment by Doug on November 5, 2009 at 11:58 am

I think you’ve just lost the next election.

Comment by Paul Turnock on November 5, 2009 at 11:59 am

I think people moaning and going on over this are being very shortsighted. How can we now have a referendum on someting that now has passed its final hurdle.
No doubt much pressure was brought to bear on the czech president to comply, much to the delight of the labour party! as you have mentioned more effort now needs to be focused on getting the electorate to vote on the matters you have indicated. I amonst the greater part of the poulation have always thought we have to keep our own powers or own justice system as each of the other countries of the EU should also do. Its a scnadel that we are paying millions just to keep people here who should have been deported back to their own country for activily supporting and organising terrorism. Its any wonder this country is in a mess and if all this means that one day we might have to come out of the EU then so be it, I think we are big enough to stand on our own two feet. The inital idea was good but its gone too far.

Comment by Bob Corfield on November 5, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Call me cynical, but the main reason neither party will allow us a referendum on Europe is because they know the answer would be “Out, Out Out”. If they thought it would be Yes, we’d have a referendum like a shot. Neither of the major parties has the guts to consider starting the process to get us out of Europe. I’m seriously considering a vote for UKIP now.

Comment by Gordon Beattie on November 5, 2009 at 12:03 pm

Now, prehaps, those grimbling members of the party can see what happens if they are devided. The Labour party gets in and you are left to make noises off. If they don’t show some unity they will lose it again and Gordon Brown will have us grubbing for worms.

Comment by david waynewright on November 5, 2009 at 12:03 pm

You have let us down!
Why can’t we have a referendum?

Comment by Mags on November 5, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Must say I feel really let down by the u-turn, and so do the rest of my family. For the first time we will not be voting Conservative in fact, it is painful to say, but we may not vote at all. We feel that the new promises mean nothing and that no-one represents us anymore.

Comment by Simon Baggott on November 5, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Mr Cameron, you have got to realise that the rules of the game change on 1/12/09. Until then, it was almost possible to argue that the UK should remain a member of the EU. You therefore have every justification for changing Tory policy on Europe to one of holding a referendum on continued membership.

Comment by Adam on November 5, 2009 at 12:07 pm

I am deeply disapointed that the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified without a referendum for the British people. This is down to the Labour party and them alone. However if Btitain is a to once again become a democratic country it needs a democratic government to do so. As the Conservatives have said it is too late for a referendum and have now given us their new european policy I beleive that they need to go further and add something else to their policy which would win back disapointed voters and people that would either vote UKIP or the rising BNP. They should include in their new policy what would be the next step should Britain not win back the powers that they have lost within the next parliment should they win. In my opinion should we not win back these lost powers the Conservatives should guarantee a national referendum on our continued inclusion of the EU. There should be a full debate on the pro’s and con’s of being part of the EU as the vast majority of the country do not know what these are. Then once and for all let democracy deside by a national referendum. If you are a EU lover or EU hater, if you truelly beleive in democracy you would agreed to a large debate where both views are given an equal chance to be heard and then let the vote decide.

Comment by Derek Phipps on November 5, 2009 at 12:08 pm

NOT GOOD ENOUGH MR CAMERON!! By breaking your promise to hold a referendum you have effectively allied yourself to Brown and his gang. Stand up for us! Don’t just roll over!
I am disappointed beyond words.

Comment by Simon Baggott on November 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I’m afraid your idea of a Sovereignty Bill just won’t work. As soon as the European Communities Act 1972 got Royal assent, EC law (as it then was) became superior to any domestic law in the UK; so ANY law you pass is subject to contrary provision in EU law.

Comment by les southwell on November 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I am a life-long Tory. I have conservative written through me like Blackpool through rock and it is in that context that I make my comment.

I am surprised that you have put yourself in a position where you can be accused of going back on your word. When asked what your position would be if the treaty were ratified, you had countless opportunities to tell the truth and say that, in that event, you would not be able then to hold a referendum.

I might be naive but in my view, the country would vote in and support a truthful politician (a perceived oxymoron just now) in a heartbeat.

I would be stunned and delighted to get a true answer, i.e. what did you have to lose by telling it as it was when asked. Whether I get an answer or not, you still get my (disappointed) vote.

Comment by Dave Griffin on November 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm

It’s clear that Britain really does want a referendum on our continuing membership of the EU. When I hear a Labour minister say that ‘we’ve already had a referendum in 1975′ I think, well, don’t have a General Election, then. We had one in 1945. The last referendum asked if we wanted to stay in the Common Market. The ‘Common Market’ was meant to be a trading bloc, not a political federation, which it is fast becoming, and will turn into a kind of benign soviet union, small s, small u. but nevertheless, a union that has not been mandated by the people who live in it. So please, a referendum to clarify whether British citizens want to be ‘in Europe’ or to be an independent nation that will trade with whoever it likes, make its own laws, taxes and constitution, if necessary.

Comment by Nigel Sitwell on November 5, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Great idea, but a worthless promise, I’m afraid, because by the time of the next election there will be no further powers left to transfer to Brussels.

Comment by Phil Pring on November 5, 2009 at 12:17 pm

The present Government is not unlike a rogue and dishonest car dealer. The vehicle may look good on the forecourt and is highly praised by the dealer, but on the way home, the engine conks out and the wheels fall off !

Comment by Nick Sherman on November 5, 2009 at 12:21 pm

David Cameron’s excuse for refusing a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is just plain spin. He has spun his way out of his promise just like Tony Blair. He gave us a cast iron guarantee, and made no mention of caveats about what might happen if the treaty became law.

David Cameron also promised to stop political dishonesty, and to try to earn back the trust of the electorate. But he has fallen at the first hurdle. If we cannot trust him over the referendum which he promised, why should we trust him over anything else ? He will just wriggle out of his manifesto again with more weasle words.

I used to belong to the Conservative Party, and was once deputy chairman of my local branch. For the last two elections, I have not voted Conservative, and I will not vote Conservative again this time.

I am not a maverick, nor am I a Euro-sceptic; on the contrary, I support our membership of the EU whole-heartedly. But I do expect to be consulted, and that right has been denied.
When the Conservatives lost faith with the voters fiteen years ago, they lost my support and they have not earned my support back again.

I am just a typical, middle class voter who speaks French and german fluently, and spent 40% of my life in Europe. But I want my voice to be heard, and the Conservatives have failed me again.

Comment by Michael G on November 5, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Mr. Cameron, you should first announce this: ‘We already have a Head of State in HM the Queen and we also have an elected prime minister. We do not require nor recognise an unelected President’.
Then you should read today’s Comment in the Daily Mail which fairly reflects the views of the majority of Conservatives and others.

Comment by Paul Denham on November 5, 2009 at 12:26 pm

It is very difficult not to see this policy as a bolting of the stable door (frankly with a bit of tissue paper) after every horse, owl and rat have left. If Lisbon contains the power for self amendment – without national governments’ intervention possible – then there will be no future measures the UK Parliament could object to. We have arrived in a United States of Europe through a combination of sleepwalking, deceit and fumbling and none of our politicians appear to have had the will, the power or the courage to do anything about it.

Comment by Fido7585 on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Dear Mr Cameron, I’ve been browsing through the comments posted on this blog, and there are very few who approve of your present stance. That should tell you something. I don’t approve of it either. Once again a mainstream politician, (PM in waiting?) is fudging the issue. As a loyal Tory voter, I don’t like it! It’s no use going centre stage and coming out with a carefully choreographed set of promises that won’t be allowed by our EU masters. They already hold the upper hand – that’s why the craven labour government has capitulated to their demands that we sell off the potentially profitable stakes in the banks, keeping only the toxic losses in public ownership. The EU’s hidden agenda is to de-stabilise Britain and reduce its efficiency to an even greater extent than Gordon Brown and his acolytes have achieved. And what about the secret deal you’re supposed to have done to keep quiet about the Great British B-LIAR being put forward for President of Europe? Smoke and mirrors are still at work, even in the Tory hierarchy. I don’t like it. And millions of others don’t either. You should now have the courage to state in unambiguous terms that when elected you will hold a referendum on our continued EU membership and, when elected, do it immediately. THAT is the only thing that our so-called European “friends” will understand and it will also restore your fading support. One of your other bloggers said you were handing so many votes to UKIP by your present actions that we risk a hung parliament. Quite so.

Comment by Terry Knott on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Dear David,
I am glad the Party has avoided any infighting on Europe this time – well done! We must present a united front before the election.
On Europe however, it is a fact that the British people have never had a chance to have their say and, regrettably, the Conservatives even if all voted the same way, to not represent democratically the bulk of the population – only the sensible bit!
We must do two things, like any good businessman: keep the best of the current system (the common market) and divest ourselves of that which hangs like an anchor round our necks (the self-serving and unelected euro gravy-train and the burdensome legislation, which was never part of the original deal.
To opt out of Lisbon is not an option now, but to regain control of our own borders, immigration, defence and foreign policy is vital.
Terry Knott

Comment by ian wragg on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 pm

WELL DONE, you have just lost the next election. No better than Blair or Brown I hope you are ousted as leader immediately.
Anything in your manifeso will be ridiculed by Mandelson and co.
I suppose the next thing will be a change of tack on Umanrites legislation
TYRAITOR

Comment by Derek Riley on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 pm

When is a promise a promise? I and most of my close friends feel one thing – betrayed!

Comment by Irene on November 5, 2009 at 12:30 pm

Dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t.
You still have my full support!

Comment by Henry Gort on November 5, 2009 at 12:34 pm

What can a Sovereignty Bill mean when we have already handed “Ultimate Authority” on many important issues to Brussels?

Comment by Roy Hornyak on November 5, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Mr cameron.The Bitish Public are fed up with being ordered around by another country. Do we really want to be ordered around by people who have nothing better to do than tell us we cant eat bent bananas and now want to force us to all have black box recoreders in our cars.Ill bet i can guess where the bills will be heading too.We dont need this Organisational superstate and we dont even get a fair deal from it. WE are about to select a new Leader of the house of commons.We want someone who will stand up for US! Not someone who will roll over and let Europe tickle his tum. You started this campagn with a straight forward promise…We will give you8 a referendum and David WE WANT IT ! We want a new Prime who echoes Maggie someone who WILL say NO ! We are British and we deserve an honest government ,a government who is honest to the British People,one that has the guts to say if you dont like it we will stand alone and trade with the rest of the world. We have become trapped in this web of lies,and we have had enough of it. We just want our say and if britain says we want to be part of Europe then thats good but if we say we dont then we expect you or who ever is in power to get it sorted.

Comment by David on November 5, 2009 at 12:36 pm

I was very impressed with the content of David’s speech outlining the future within Europe. I just cannot get my head round why we should want to get further entrenched and would rather see us leave altogether if we cannot stay in the middle ground – in but not controlled. As for Gordon Brown, harsh maybe, but he and his cronies are traitors to Britian – no referendum and a play on words. My gut instinct is that David will lead a good Government with all our interests best served.

Comment by Sandra Eden on November 5, 2009 at 12:36 pm

My fear is that in the fullness of time, Europe wont let us leave the EU, the President may send their army in to quell the “rebellion”?

Comment by John Chilver on November 5, 2009 at 12:39 pm

I cannot understand why you do not go ahead with a referendum before you negotiate these opt-outs, in order to strengthen your negotiating position. That would silence your critics. It could be held together with the 2011 local elections to avoid extra expense.

Comment by Bernard Angus on November 5, 2009 at 12:39 pm

There must now be a referendum on continued European membership.

You must get us out of this Human Rights Act and Get rid of the people who concocted it (the DPP for example). Brown and his incompetent stooges should be tried for treason, or did they abolish that law when introducing mandatory diversity ‘celebration’.
They have wrecked our country with their ‘multiculturalism’ and their unelected crooks.

Comment by tom patty on November 5, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Give us a referendum on europe, were either in or out. You no different to brown mate. Im stuck now, do i vote ukip or english democrats?

Comment by M.Randall on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 pm

There must have been a big sigh of relief at central office when they realised they would not have to give a referendum on the Lisbon treaty, as they had no intention of giving us a vote whatever happened. Do we all have to vote BNP now?

Comment by Neil on November 5, 2009 at 12:43 pm

If you think you can achieve your 3 aims under the terms of Lisbon, you must know something we don’t. Please explain in your next e-mail HOW you plan to achieve these changes now Lisbon is in force. It is evident that many supporters don’t see how you can and thus consider yesterday’s announcement so much hot air.

I’d be quick about it if you want to calm the very widepread discontent you have caused. It’s not so much the “cast iron” thing – anyone can see that went when the Czechs signed – it’s more that you sound as if you are making commitments that everyone can see are undeliverable and are thus treating us as fools.

And that won’t do, David. So quick clarification please – do you want to lose your only seat in Scotland?

Comment by Jerry Smith on November 5, 2009 at 12:44 pm

David Cameron did not have any choice but to
acquiesce over this dreadful treaty,due to the Labour government’s breaking of an election promise of a referendum.

Comment by James day on November 5, 2009 at 12:44 pm

‘Et tu Brute’ democracy has now been stabbed by all the main players and the legions of Europe stand ‘waiting at the gates’.
But the British people will not forget such treachery. ‘Came the hour but came not the man’. Maggie where are you?

Comment by Jack McKay on November 5, 2009 at 12:46 pm

I’m a Conservative and have just received thro’ the mail an appeal for “Donate for Change” “We have to rewrite the electoral record books”. Well after yesterday and with 70% of our people screaming for a referendum, which has again been denied. Guess where this appeal is going??

Comment by Alan Douglas on November 5, 2009 at 12:47 pm

How to manipulate public opinion

1. Wait for a big Tory announcement
2. Put up lots of comments claiming to be from Tories disgusted with it.
3. Perhaps fool some proper Tories into agreeing and adding negative comment.
4. Wait for the MSM to pick up and widely spread the “fact” that Tory grassroots HATE the Tory announcement AND D Cameron.
5. Repaid the the Spinner’s Arms for a well-earned drink or two.

Alan Douglas

Comment by Terry Knott on November 5, 2009 at 12:48 pm

Dear David,
I have now had time to read the several hundred blogs above….. oh dear!
While i for one can read between the lines, you have a major battle on your hands to presuade a lot of potential supporters, that you have not bottled it like the odious and despicable Brown; and that they should not vote UKIP.
Now is the time for strong leadership, not spin.

Comment by Mark K on November 5, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Back to 1975 and all that…..

In 1975, the Common Meerkat (sorry, Market) was just a trading bloc, and it was Harold Wilson that gave the British public a referendum, but that was only to save his political skin.

To show how attitudes among parties had changed, remember this analysis:

1975 Parties for Common Market YES:
Conservative, Liberal, Wilsonite Labour
(Heath, Thorpe, Wilson, Williams, Jenkins)

1975 Parties supporting NO campaign:
Left-wing Labour, Powellites, National Front, SNP, Plaid Cymru
(Foot, Benn, Shore, Powell)

The end result was something like 70:30 YES in England, 67:33 in Wales, 58:42 in Scotland and 53:47 in NI.

It is interesting to note that the Scots, who are so Europhile now, were actually more sceptical in 1975.

Even in 1980, it was Labour supporters who were keener on getting Britain out, so what changed in the intervening years ?

Answer – JACQUES DELORS. He was the first socialist to grasp the levers of Euorpean power in the 80s, and so far that monster has not been tamed.

The result has been a complete reversal in Labour and Conservative attitudes on Europe, with Labour now being more europhile than the Libs.

The Danish people voted against the euro and the French just ignore petty EU laws, especially in health and safety, so what’s to stop small businesses ignoring the sillier aspects of the Brussels bureaucrats ?

I can see Dave as the Frodo Baggins of UK politics, who seems to have ratted in his quest to destroy the RIng of Euro-power, but was consumed by events at home (Brown’s non-referendum) and abroad (Czech ratification of Lisbon).

My message to floaters is: Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face and vote UKIP and make a LIB-LAB nightmare a reality.

IF YOU WANT TO KICK LABOUR OUT, VOTE CONSERVATIVE.

Votink UKIP is cu

Comment by Sue B on November 5, 2009 at 12:52 pm

You will get my vote David. I seem to remember when we first joined Europe it was as a ‘Common Market’ and not to be ruled and dictated to by an unelected lot of Europeans who over the years have tried to overrun this Country by waging various wars against us but it seems sucsessive British Governments have been eager to bow to “European Superiority” for their own ends not the good of the British Isles.

Comment by Michael Reiser on November 5, 2009 at 12:55 pm

This is the actual quote of Mr Cameron written in The Sun: “Today, I will give this cast-iron guarantee: If I become PM a Conservative government will hold a referendum on any EU treaty that emerges from these negotiations.
No treaty should be ratified without consulting the British people in a referendum.”
There were no qualifications to that statement, so here we have another politician, not even in Office, breaking a solemn promise to the people. He has seen Brown get away with it, and obviously thinks, “why can’t I?”
This basic dishonesty continues in Cameron’s latest position. If it is now too late to take back powers ceded by Parliament in the Lisbon Treaty, how can it be possible to enact a Sovereignty law to overturn EU supremacy, that he now promises?
This is just another sop, another of his caste-iron guarantees, put out to quieten the majority who feel cheated.
If Cameron wins, then at the end of his term we will be more deeply embroiled in this European juggernaut than ever.
So this is one more voter going over to UKIP

Comment by John H H on November 5, 2009 at 12:55 pm

All your energies should be put into getting our troops out of Afganistan, the money saved should go into securing our borders as the Aussies do. In 50 years Afganistan will still be ruled by war lords,it is a war that cannot be won. I suspect that the majority of the general public think this is more important than issues with the EEC.

Comment by Alex Keenleyside on November 5, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Whilst agreeing that the priority of the new Conservative government ought to be the economy, as a local party member and activist, I am disappointed the future conservative government will not give me a referendum on our membership of the EU, considering the opportunity for a referendum on the terms of our membership has now passed.

After the lies of Labour and Liberals on the referendum, as a cynical ploy to remove Europe as an issue in previous elections, I believe it will be an issue at the forthcoming election, with UKIP picking up votes at our expense. Lisbon, alongside the issue of corrupt MP’s, represents not only a betrayal of the people, but puts clearly into focus the gap between the elected and the electors.
A promise of a referendum on any future treaty isn’t good enough considering there is no need for future treaties with the ratchet clauses imbedded in the Lisbon treaty. There is little realistic prospect of redefining the terms of our membership, grabbing back powers, this is it and we are either in or out.

If you go to a party and don’t like the music, you can ask for something different. If all the other people want to stick with the current music, your choice is to put up with it or leave. The other 26 countries at this party have decided the tune and we need to decide whether to join the party or go and find something better. Sitting in the corner and sulking is the worst of all worlds. The time is long overdue for an in/out referendum on the EU. It ought to be the people’s choice as to whether we become citizens in the new US of E.

Comment by Alastair on November 5, 2009 at 12:57 pm

David,
Like thousands of others I am annoyed that the current Labour Government broke an election promise by not giveing the British people a referendum on the EU Treaty – nay Constitution. To have a referendum now on the Treaty is pointless and all those who say otherwise are are quite frankly blinkered. The only meaningful referendum you can have now will be whether to stay in the EU or leave it alltogether. I don’t want to leave Europe but I want the EU to function as we were originally made to believe that it was to be an EEC (European Economic Community, or the Common Market as it was known). The EU concept has been introduced by stealth and came in under the radar. How have we allowed ourselves to be hoodwinked into this situation by the federalists. We must put a stop to this now if not sooner, because this is not what we joined up for in the first place. We have seen the federalist tricks that would not take a no vote on the treaty by France, Ireland and others but kept tweaking little pieces of the treaty, changing its name from Constitution to Treaty and pushing until they got their own way. We are now talking about getting back powers from Europe, which means we lost them in the first place, how have our politicians done this to our country. The interesting point is that we in Britian are not alone in thinking this way, there are thousands in all the other EC countries who think the same way as we do but have been bullied by those power hungry federalists who won’t take no for an answer. Lead the way David and rally the independant thinking citizens of Europe to get all our countries back to where we ought to be, in charge of our own affairs.

Comment by Ian Jackson on November 5, 2009 at 12:58 pm

I am so disapointed with another fudge on this issue. I trusted David Cameron on this. I expect deceit from labour but this is alos deceit. The British people have been denied another choice. I am a Tory party member but I will now be voting UKIP !

Given Brussels now controls 75% of the legislation why do we need 650 MP’s ? We have a broken union with Scotland and Wales soon to be the next 2 ” euro staes ” to join the EU? Its a very sad day for the conservative party.

Comment by Christopher Stone on November 5, 2009 at 1:00 pm

?????? Why can we not pull out of Europe all together and return a Great Great Britain and all it stood for and clean the country up properly. Show our fore fathers that what they fought for and died for in their thousands, that everything was not in vain???????????

Comment by Smokeless Coal on November 5, 2009 at 1:08 pm

David, I fear you have just lost the General Election.

Comment by Barrie Hailstone on November 5, 2009 at 1:10 pm

I have been a Conservative all my life and am now totally appaled at the lack of ‘Spine’ shown by the present leadership, namely Mr. Cameron. If a promise is made, then it must be kept. A Referendum is in my opinion still required, as it will give guidance to the so called polital elite exactly what the people of this country want. We know that Labour have worked so hard to break this Country of ours up and being unsuccessful have persued the policy of having us absorbed by the Eurocrats. When the people of this country voted in the 70′s for a tie up with Europe it was on the basis of being a trading partnership not a political absorbtion policy. we have for years received the rough end of any share out from the EU, with the French in particular being the most favoured. So how can a future Conservative Government continue with such policies. It is said by Mr. Cameron that he will enshrine Laws to make it impossible for any further loss of our independence to Brussels. That is not only laughable and lamentable and dishonest, for it is known that the vast majority of our Laws are now controlled by Brussels and now that the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified it will be nigh impossible for us to make any change whatsoever. The only way forward is have a Referendum for the People of this country to decide if they wish to run up the ‘white flag’ and give all to Brussels, or to withdraw from the European Union in its present form and being associated only as a trading partner. Believe me the Europeans would not and could not ignore our Market. If the Conservative Governement fails to step up to the mark I truly believe the country will sink into a full blown rebelion. I am not alone in my feelings, where many of my associates share the same views. I am not a young ‘hot head’ but a man of 69 years of age, still working and very proud to be English and a British Citizen. My last comment is ‘wake up’ and act properly on behalf of the true people of this great country and honour the sacrifices made by men and woment of the two World Wars who gave their lives and health to keep this country free. Unless there is a notable change in your policy, then for the first time in my life, along with others, I will not vote for a Conservative Government.

Comment by Priscilla Burdess on November 5, 2009 at 1:14 pm

My husband and I are pensioners in our mid 70′s and have been labour supporters most of our lives, however, recent years being lied to constantly by this Labour Government over immigration and being steam rollered into Europe we are now looking for someone who is more honest – we hope it is not too late. Best of luck.

Comment by Samuel Griffith-Jones on November 5, 2009 at 1:18 pm

David we cannot make any laws anymore as the european parliment manage our country now !! we are just a small state run by a higher federal goverment (the EU) Labour has given all our power away, so we might as well accept it, the public are not stupid. I was never in favour of being run by a federal Europe (controlled mainly by Germany & France) but our parliment is now seen as a local council as in other EU states. Eventually there will be no need for a British goverment or any other national goverment. If the tories had been more organised in the last 12 years this would never had happened. with a heavy heart I have to say, (viva Europe) Hitler got his wish, a european super power, he must be laughing his head off !!

Comment by Jim Scott on November 5, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Throughout history treaties have been broken.If the Lisbon Treaty is not for us, if there are elements within the EU framework which are to our detriment – get out. I hardly think the remaining members are going to invade us !! Why do we always have to meekly accept everything?

Comment by Allen Hanley on November 5, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Does anyone, including me, contributing to this blog really believe that Cameron and Co will take any notice of whats being put on here.
No chance.
They are turning out to be just like the rest.

Comment by Kay Alexander on November 5, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Mr Cameron,

the EU Treaty is “self amending”, isn’t it? Which would mean no control over what changes the faceless people in Brussels want to make in the future, irrespective of what you promise now. I fear you have now split the vote – UK voters will turn to UKIP (and others, God Forbid) and your majority will be in doubt. Like so many others, my parents fought in WW2, they delayed their lives, their family life, in order to secure democracy and freedom. This has now been given away by Labour. We need a tougher stand or our ancestors will look back and the history books will show THIS was the moment that Britain was lost.

Comment by Andrew on November 5, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Seemlingly with each statement he makes, David Cameron is portraying himself as the realist politician the country needs.

On the economy, the NHS, and now Europe, Cameron is taking each problem at face value and giving honest, legitimate, reasonable and most importantly, actionable ideas.

I wholeheartedly support David’s position. European integration should only ever be a compliment to national sovereignty and I for one endorse Cameron’s efforts to protect that in a prgamatic way.

Comment by Antony on November 5, 2009 at 1:23 pm

David, you have now lost my vote! This issue, along with immigration are the most important fundamental issues to the British people. Our membership of the EC is wholly undemocratic as no government as ever given us a vote on the EC or any of the treaties. You promised a referendum. Now I, like many others, will have to vote for a party that will provide us with one!

Comment by Steven J Humphrey on November 5, 2009 at 1:23 pm

dunno if david or anyone important will read this as david never replies to my questions directly but why do we have to wait for another general election for these ‘good ideas’ to be put before Parliament??
DC and the whole ‘House of Traitors’ never do their job like propose new Law like a Sovereignty Act or prevent things like Lisbon from becoming Law against the will of the ppl!!
why, oh why do we the People have to vote for idiots again and again before we get decent, honest and straightforward good government??
why should we vote when they are already in government and they still do not build a better future for us all??
fix it NOW guys BEFORE we have to vote again!!!

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 1:23 pm

You know I can’t help feeling that You, Dave have been promised a good job after your time in British Politics, You will probably get a cushy job in European Politics, if you don’t rock the boat.

However, Dave if you had any sense of loyalty for Your Own Country, You would resist with every ounce of your breath.

Do You Not Understand What it is to be British. To be British, You Never Give Up, and You Never Say Die.

All you MP’s should bow your heads in shame when the brave soldiers march pass you in the Remembrance Parade as You have completely let them down, by concentrating on having your noses in the trough of corruption with the lavish wages and expenses you all claim whether justified or not, both in our British Parliament and with the European Parliament.

You missed a valuable opportunity over these last months, to go to the British Public and Promise to Clean up this whole rotten mess.

British People who are paying TAX to pay for these expenses deserve more.

Farmer’s whose future are being destroyed, and our fields being left empty when they could be full of food to FEED Our Hungry British People, instead of sending Billions of pounds to foreign countries who couldn’t care less about our elderly and disabled who are hungry and cold and who are completely forgotten by every government that comes to power.

We need to rely on our own resources, and ideas, to power our homes, make Utility and rail companies work together to build the infrastructure and don’t forget the canals, they can help transport goods to take heavy loads off the motorways. There are a lot of ways in which to get Britain going again, and it needs the money which we are sending abroad to people who couldn’t care less.

Remember charity should begin at home. Then when you can afford to help that is when you do.

What you do, is close Britain’s borders down until we have this sorted.

Yes make ID Cards Compulsory, with help for those who are on benefit.

We find out who is living here, and if they are not allowed to live here, then they are sent back to their home country. Go Door To Door if necessary, Damned To the Political Correct Police, and get the illegal people out of here. Send them back to their country with a bit of money so they have at least a month to survive on their own currency exchange rate. Then they are no longer our responsibility.

Give the Army and the Police Search Powers, while this task is done. Yes this is radical, but if you are serious about sorting out Britain this is the only way, and making Sure people are safe from Terrorist, then this is necessary.

We have our own resources, don’t sell them abroad, if we need them here. Lets build Britain first. Help get people back into jobs, that they can do, but help the disabled who cannot go out to work, but they could work from home, which would be economically and eco viable with some vision.

Give the British People a Social Bank to help with things like Mortgages that can be paid at a reasonable fixed rate, and fixed home improvement loans that are not attached to the variable rate so that British Families have a chance to own a nice home. Which is our basic human right, to be able to get married and have a home and a family.

One thing You do Dave, You don’t let your own people starve, deny them dignity when they become disabled or elder, and you don’t allow your own people become homeless, sleeping rough on the streets, while giving money abroad to countries that don’t care about their own. All they are interested in is fighting.

Come On Pull Your Socks Up For British People and They Will Stand Up For YOU.

It Should be Britain and British Interests First and foremost, and to hell with the rest.

Comment by nina thomas on November 5, 2009 at 1:26 pm

Can somebody explain to me what the main idea of forming the EU is about? UK is an island and we have unemployed citizens that can’t find jobs whilst if you check most top jobs in the UK are taken by the European nationals.. why? Even the NHS gives them permenant contracts for administration jobs????????????

Comment by Richard Broadhurst on November 5, 2009 at 1:29 pm

David-I’m very sad and upset that there is to be no referendum – because a referendum will strengthen your hand in negotiations.
There should now be a referendum that gives the option of getting out of the EU – this is the only hope for the country as we now have no governing powers left.
We only need a few MP’s to work out the details of what has already been decided in Brussels.
David, change your mind on a referendum to save the Election and the future of the country.

Comment by Chris on November 5, 2009 at 1:30 pm

I can no longer vote for the Conservative Party.

as an aside. Why does this blog have european time rather than GMT. This has been posted at 12:29pm

Comment by June Flint on November 5, 2009 at 1:34 pm

David, all words but the same message. Thought you could be trusted but obviously not. At least Ken Clarke is honest when he sticks up for the EU. Be honest, we are in and nothing you say can change it. We are doomed.

Comment by sue stanwix on November 5, 2009 at 1:35 pm

On Europe. Still can’t see why we can’t have our say? Even if it cannot change anything WE want a say. In any case an overwhelming majority will give the next Government a strong mandate to negotiate with Europe. We don’t need any more polititians lying to us, haven’t we had enough of that?

Comment by colin clifford on November 5, 2009 at 1:35 pm

In answer to your response re a refrendum at the time i recieved the email from David cameron there was NO
mention of not having a refrendum if the treaty was ratefied> David said ” If elected I will offer the country a refrendum on the treaty” Another promis that was never to be.

Contracts can be altered and before it comes into force why not go back to the union and say we intend to offer the people a refrendum that surly will put it on hold until after the election. No refrendum No vote and I hope others will follow suite Regards colin clifford

Comment by Chris Bedford on November 5, 2009 at 1:38 pm

Why are the Conservatives putting up with Labour bluster again. David’s promise of a referendum was always conditional on the Treaty not having been ratified. There can be no point whatsoever in having a referendum about something else!

It is the Lbour party who have betrayed British interests and their own manifesto pledges. We have to get that line into the media rather than allow Brown to blame the Tories and taunt David Cameron.

Comment by E>Gill on November 5, 2009 at 1:41 pm

The vast majority of our people are distressed by the level of committment to europe.We only signed for trading and have neeeeeeeeever been allowed to vote to stop the slide into a federal state which to the british would be ANATHEMA. YOU NEED TO BE TOUGH ON ALL THE ISSUES LIKE LAW & ORDER – POLITICAL CORRECTNESS-HUMAN RIGHTS-where prisoners for example can ask to be called sir.
Every country in the union puts itself first. I have travelled and France for example does what it wants and just pays lip service.
We have so become swamped with foreiners that britains are becoming racialist believe me.
If something is not done drastically there will be riots before long.
You need to change the law to stop this drunkenness in the streets before there is massive illhealth among the young.
Stress in the workplace is terreble.
You are right to keep some things under your hat untill next year.
You can see that this evil government mean to wipe the tories off the face of the earth!
SO NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! O.K. I can see that if you do not give us a say on europe there will be mayhem at the election with the B M P coming to take your place.
PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR PEOPLE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.

Comment by Margaret Perry on November 5, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Well said David! At last some common sense. I agree that your hands are tied regarding a referendum, but, like so many people I feel the power of the EU has already gone far to far. My generation voted for a common market place, not common rule. As for the French comment, it’s just not worth commenting on, so I will refrain from saying anything more.

Comment by Steven J Humphrey on November 5, 2009 at 1:43 pm

Comment by Allen Hanley on November 5, 2009 at 1:20 pm
“Does anyone, including me, contributing to this blog really believe that Cameron and Co will take any notice of whats being put on here.
No chance.
They are turning out to be just like the rest.”

I totally agree with this… as it’s not just labour who have sold us out but the tories and the rest of the traitrors in Parliament asd every MP had the chance to get rid of the Lisbon treaty ages ago, even before the Irish and the dutch had their referendums!!!
We too could’ve had a referendum years ago but no! The whole House of Traitors sold us down the seine and the rhine for what?? Short term Parliamentary expenses and a new duckhouse for one lucky MP??
Oh and all those golden pension geese all these Traitors in Parliament (as agreed at the Brotish Constitution Group Conference, okt31-2009, london – I know koz I was there!) will get for doing a really, I mean a really terrible job of protecting British Interests in Europe!

Yes, I want to be a European but I wanted a say in how we are governed by Europe not sold in a superstate slavery like the Lisbon Treaty has now ratified – me a slave to european corporatocracy – never!!!

Oh and the comment above about voters switching to UKIp (or god forbid, other parties eg BNP) is more likely now that the Tories have nailed their colours directly on Gordon Brown’s Ass of a bad government!!!

And my grandparents died to protect British and european freedoms, now, we’re powerless unless we have a Lawful Rebellion and throw all these traitoirous idiot out on their arses like we should’ve done years ago!!!

“Never again” was the guiding mantra of the founding fathers of both European Union and the UN, now we have to say ‘Never Again’ will we vote Tory or Labour or for any of the existing traitors in PArliament – throw the lot out and get some real people in Parliament so we the people can undo ALL the damage they have done for forty or fifty years!!!

Wake up people, time to lawfully rebel or we’ll die trying!!!

Comment by Tony Walters on November 5, 2009 at 1:45 pm

I heard nothing in David’s speech yesterday about existing European human rights legislation (as opposed to the new Charter of Fundamental Rights). The incorporation of continental legal concepts into UK law over the past several years has created significant tensions with our traditional common law model. Would David be prepared to state unequivocally that English, Welsh and Scottish legal provision would be restored to paramountcy if the Tories were to be elected next year?

Comment by Clive Taylor-Sholl on November 5, 2009 at 1:50 pm

I am afraid I will be withdrawing my support and Party Membership as you are also a liar. I will be joining and supporting UKIP at the next Election.

Comment by john grindley on November 5, 2009 at 1:50 pm

How can we ever trust you again.A PLEDGE.,SHOULD BE HONOURED. ou have just shown, how little you word is.You have no Honour,Just like the rest. You have put me off Conservatives for life.

Comment by Gary West on November 5, 2009 at 1:51 pm

You almost got my vote.I am a miners son living in a mining village and I will never vote labour again,but what you have said on the EU constitution has has convinced me to just not bother voting.When are we going to get a Leader in this country who will be tough with EU dictators?We get the same weasle words that might as well have come from Brown or Blair.

Comment by mike chard on November 5, 2009 at 12:51 pm

I understand the reasoning you give for breaking your pledge, due to changed circumstances; however the Conservative Party does not know where the voters stand and the voters do not understand what advantages there are in being a member of the EU. I feel there should be an indepth exchange of statistical information and bottom line advantage for UK Ltd. With UK Ltd in such poor financial circumstances can we afford to be a member over the next few years, as we attempt to repay the debt incurred by the present Government in the name of the voters of the UK? Please open debate and provide means for people to make comment so that the majority opinion of the UK will be represented by a Conservative Government. An IT voting system via the Blue Blog would be one tester for opinions once some basic facts have been provided for voters to make an informed choice. The facts please and most of all the truth; the voters are not fools and can see those who are pushing UK Ltd into the EU for their own gains and those who are concerned as to the benefits. We are a member of the Commonwealth and I never understand why we push for the EU. The UK has always been viewed with hostility by the other members of the EU; may I draw your attention to the way the voting goes when Eurovision takes place each year. Self interest will always rule; look at the way UK Ltd has become a service industry over the years we have been a member of the EU. Finance was supposed to be where we led the world, until Sir Fred and others decided to gamble with our finances.

Comment by A St Pierre on November 5, 2009 at 12:52 pm

I fear that David Cameron is driving the British to at best a hung parliament, at worst another term of Labour, the latter letting the EU walk over us even more.

One comment by a blogger was “I don’t know anyone who wants to stay in the EU”.
I know only one. If the question was “Do you want to go back to the European Economic Community (as it was) before it metamorphosed without our agreement into the EU?” I think many more would be in favour.

Very soon in theory it will be treason to try to leave the EU, and it will be a crime to fail to comply with its laws.

Cameron’s first two pledges:

First, if we win the next election, we will prohibit, by law, the transfer of further power to the EU without a referendum. Never again should it be possible for a British government to transfer power to the EU without the British people’s consent.
Second, we will introduce a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority stays in this country, in our Parliament.

Sounds a bit like the Declaration of Independence.

The Americans had to fight a war.

Comment by Steve Bray on November 5, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Sorry, but that’s just not good enough. There MUST be a referendum on the EU, although what the questions will be is the problem. Nobody under the age of 52 has ever had the chance to vote on the EU and to use the Lisbon Treaty ratification as an excuse not to hold one now is contemptible. A promise is a promise – please prove that you are different from the other lot and keep your word to us.

Comment by Tanya Headley on November 5, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Hey Folks if Dave doesn’t listen

Why don’t we all form our Own Party ‘Britain First’ Lets see if we can get the funds for election, and we get our ideas off the ground as these main parties are not listening.

If you made me PM, ‘lol okay I can wish’ well I couldn’t do any worse than the idiots that have been in charge, lol.

I will promise to be open and listen. I would promise to give referendums on issues that matter the British Public, and get the MP’s that are part of my Party to listen to the British Public.

I would listen to people who are doing the jobs, and who are struggling and find a way in which to help, instead of turning my back.

As for Europe, I would make sure that the British People knew all the facts of what was being proposed before it was implemented. If the British People told me to tell them to go take a hike I would.

I would shorten the holidays that the MP’s have in order we could sort the vast number of problems that British People have, and make sure that they only have One Job to Serve The British People and they have a fair wage, but after that, there would be an open book of accounts, where meetings etc, would be recorded and expenses. The lavish banquets would be gone.

Well, we don’t want the parties like the BNP, getting in and if I can remember anyone can set up a political Party.

I would sort out our Criminal System, to make sure that Criminals do pay for their crimes and victims are properly looked after.

I would make sure there were plenty of Police, Nurses and other front line services in order people of this country can feel safe and secure.

I might not be perfect, but who is, I know in my heart that I would always make sure British Interests are my priority.

Okay I can hope someone will take up the Gauntlet.

Comment by David Brain on November 5, 2009 at 12:56 pm

David, You have lost a great deal of support on the issue of a referendum, so why don’t you give the British people a referendum?
Tell the EU that the British people will not be bound by the Lisbon treaty, and that we demand a voice on this matter!

Comment by Edgar Gregory on November 5, 2009 at 12:56 pm

Once again we have been betrayed by a political leader. I shall now be voting for UKIP at the next election.

Comment by Julian Thompson on November 5, 2009 at 12:57 pm

I think that you will find that you will lose a lot of support to UKIP.

Comment by Alan Piper on November 5, 2009 at 1:00 pm

not enough.

Your support depends on a referendum with a simple choice – “eu in” or “eu out?”

If you don’t understand that, the Party will turn on you immediately after the election win and find someone who does.

Comment by Janet on November 5, 2009 at 1:07 pm

When will people realise that to have a referendum now that the deal is done would be a complete waste of money and resources? Well done on a common sense attitude. The promise made was that a Conservative government would hold a referendum on any treaty which emerged from the Lisbon negotiations, but with it due to enter into law in a few weeks this is impossible. The British people have been told clearly that in the future ALL treaties will be put to a referendum and that a Law of British Sovereignty will supercede European law. What more do people want? They’ve also been told that it is not inconceivable that a wider issue or question regarding the country’s role in Europe may be considered.

Comment by Jean Annette on November 5, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Dear Dave, I thought you handled the press conference brilliantly yesterday. Thank you for explaining the Conservative position, I fully accept the reasoning.

As far as the French comments are concerned, they are laughable. William Hague handled this very well in his news interview today.

Comment by Brian Adams on November 5, 2009 at 1:08 pm

I approve of your policy approach but the horse has largely bolted. I support David Davis’s argument and believe a referendum on our relationship with the EU would be helpful parltly to strengthen your negotiating hand and partly to relieve the frustration of so many British people.
Of course we have to concentrate on the UKs financial deficits to that end I suggest we refuse to pay the extra subscribtion to the EU promised by T Blair until the EU has executed their side of the bargin and further warn that we not pay any subscrition at all in 2011 if the EU accounts are not approved by a team of international auditors. This latter scandal has gone on long enough.

Comment by geoff lambert on November 5, 2009 at 1:10 pm

As the party who took us into Europe i was expecting supportive leadership towards the new Europe that we need to be part of. A proposition that MP’s are good enough to make every kind of decision on our behalf but when it comes to Europe we rely on an uninformed electorate to understand a complex issue is farsical. I’m become very disallousioned with your leadership. Only a very pro Europe tory party can win my vote

Comment by kevin souter on November 5, 2009 at 1:11 pm

David i have been a Tory voter all my adult life ,but now after your apparent “change of heart” i am thinking that to get out of the hated EU the way to TO GO will be UKIP they seem to have our best interests top of there lists, it is however a very sad day for to sit here and say it. yours kevin souter.

Comment by Berenice on November 5, 2009 at 1:12 pm

What a fool David Cameron now looks to those that “would” have voted for him in the next election. In all the years of opposition he might have done something to block, what none of the electorate want for this country, and that is the Federal State of Europe. He does not have a choice in picking and choosing, it is now a dictatorship. He did nothing about immigration because he didn’t have the nerve and he has done nothing about the Lisbon Treaty for the same reason. DO NOT VOTE FOR THE LIB/LAB/CON. However unpalateble the British National Party has been painted, at least it is honest and addresses the concerns of the people. How dare the Lib/Lab/Con put themselves up for election they are traitors and should be dealt with as such.

Comment by n khan on November 5, 2009 at 1:13 pm

No referendum for the British people means after 51 years I will not be voting concervative at the next election. Think again Mr. Cameron.

Comment by sue stanwix on November 5, 2009 at 1:15 pm

postscript: Just been reading some of the blogs, how depressing for Conservatives. The UKIP party must be jumping for joy. David what have you done, I would sack whoever advised you on this. Maybe you think that by announcing this now we will have GOT OVER IT by the time of the election. Wrong! we have waited patiently for many years for a vote (promised by you) I don’t think that we are going to forget ina few months.
Do something NOW before it is too late and you have lost so many votes we are going to have to put up with another 4 years of Labour.
What on earth were you thinking about??
I am a Conservative voter and always have been but I have to say that I am seriously thinking of UKIP. It is making me very sad to even have to think like that.
We wait with bated breath.

Comment by Michael C Ellis on November 5, 2009 at 1:21 pm

David, its ironic this Sunday most of us will be paying our respects to the 4 generations of brave countrymen and women who gave their lives in two world wars to allow us the freedom we enjoy today. These freedoms now hang delicately in the balance as succesive governments suck up to Europe and with a flick of the pen dismantle all that we stood for. If European law now overrides our laws why is it necessary to have a democraticly elected government only to be undermined at every turn by a quango imposed dictatorship? Obviously democracy has now been turned on its head if we think anything good will come from this then think again. Hitler would feel very proud right now. So where do we go from here? We do not need to be treated like idiots decissions of this enormity should be offered for approval to the Nation. The Labour Party did not have permission to ratify this treaty, they promissed a referendom and then procedded to sign up to the Lisbon Treaty regardless, with contempt for us all. I think they have acted illegaly and the signing should not be valid. Right now I feel whats the point in voting for anyone ever again as we have not had a leader to defend our rights since Maggie Thatcher, she loved our Nation and looked out for our interests. The only leader since Churchill with any backbone. For one minute I thought you would be strong for us but it seems you have fallen on the way to the starting blocks so you will never get over your first hurdle. “Same old same old”

Comment by Richard on November 5, 2009 at 1:24 pm

So the cast iron guarantee has proved worthless, another politician reneging on their promises! By what legal right has our sovereignty been handed bit by bit to a foreign power? Surely there could be a legal challenge in the british courts. We need a referendum on our continued membership of the EU. My vote is now with UKIP.

Comment by tony ellis on November 5, 2009 at 1:28 pm

twenty five years ago i lost alot of friends and family fighting for a vote in the miners dispute a referendum if you like by miners for miners margaret thatcher never lost her bottle and stood by the men who wanted to go to work and have that vote, today the british people want a vote on europe first it was the lisbon treaty now its wether we are in are out, david you have bottled it and as a conservative supporter i’m sorry but you are not worthy of being our leader let alone being prime minister its a sad day when i have to write a comment like this

Comment by Charles on November 5, 2009 at 1:36 pm

The Euro socialist elite has ruined our Country, The French & Spanish love the CFP and the productive seas around our Island, the Franco/ Germany alliance really love the CAP and our productive farmers that subsidise them. British fishing and Farming industry is in ruins thank to the EU? Sorry Mr. Cameron you had your chance and blew it, its UKIP now for me now.

Comment by DAVID WILSHER on November 5, 2009 at 1:37 pm

Can we believe what any politician tells us. We are already in a Federal Europe. We went in to trade with each other no borders. All goverments have slowly let us slip into a Federal Europe.
Partnerships do not work especially with the massive difference in cultures.
I do not believe we will be able to opt out of any new legislation that comes out of Brussells. Time will tell. I will not be voting conservative this election.

Comment by John Poynton on November 5, 2009 at 1:42 pm

I think you are on the right lines here, but even so some form of referendum is surely now unavoidable. For reference here is my response earlier today to Daniel Hannan’s round robin seven questions:

Q1. David Cameron promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, and should call one regardless of whether the treaty is in effect?

Disagree. Provided Cameron’s small print is in order I think he is entitled to it. More generally, confrontation with the EU over ratification would have led to huge frustration on the continent which in turn would have closed minds and made any practical and constructive proposals impossible to negotiate. Now at least we can start again with a clean sheet of paper in a constructive spirit and draft clear, practical and achievable objectives and tactics – see below.

Q2. It is too late to hold a referendum on Lisbon, but we must none the less hold a referendum on Britain’s relationship with the EU?

Agree. Although it may not be legally necessary to have a referendum to repatriate powers from Brussels (what Parliament enacts Parliament can repeal, including all or parts of the Lisbon Treaty), it is surely politically so.

It would not be practical to have a referendum on the all various objectives we now need to determine, but the three main proposals should be,

a. Direct European jurisdiction should be removed. Only laws enacted by Parliament should apply in these islands,

b. Parliament may repeal piecemeal and unilaterally from time to time such clauses in EU originated legislation as conflict with our interests.

c. Parliament may withhold all or part of our EU budget contributions when EU accounts do not receive an unqualified audit opinion, or where disclosure is inadequate.

Q3. We should hold a referendum on whether to stay in the EU?

Disagree. This is premature. Maybe in the last resort, but we are a long way from that at present. It should be possible to make constructive and acceptable progress before then.

It is often said that our budget contributions are too great. I don’t have a difficulty with them provided they are correctly, openly and consistently calculated. Nor do I have a problem with the fact that we don’t get back as much as we put in. In any community the rich pay in more than the poor and/or the poor receive more than the rich. This is partly the object of the exercise.

The big advantage of our now being the second largest contributor to the budget is that it gives us the whip hand. We should not be afraid to use it. I cannot conceive that the EU would throw us out when they depend so much on our contributions.

Q4. Britain should repatriate control over foreign affairs and defence?

Disagree. I think our approach should be to opt out rather than to opt in, though I do agree that we should continue to determine the scope and funding of our armed forces directly, and to make independent foreign policy when it is in our interests to do so. In practice we may end up opting out much of the time!

In don’t have any difficulty with the appointment of an executive EU President (not Blair), Foreign Secretary or even Chancellor provided always we can opt out when we need to do so. Indeed it gives us a chance to insist that such officers are appointed by and from MEPs, thus improving democratic accountability.

Q5. Britain should repatriate control over judicial matters, immigration and home affairs?

Agree. By definition these are purely internal matters, though I would make the proviso that we should not lose cooperation on illegal immigrants.

Q6. Britain should repatriate control over agriculture and fisheries?

Agree. I cannot see any advantage to us in EU cooperation in these matters, particularly as we are not part of the euro area.

Q7. Britain should leave the EU, and negotiate a free-trade relationship instead, along the lines of that enjoyed by Switzerland?

Disagree. Again, this is premature though perfectly satisfactory as a last resort.

As a general observation I do see that there could be significant advantage in belonging to an international negotiating union that could influence the policies of other great economic blocks around the world. I don’t say we couldn’t survive without such membership, provided of course we manage our currency competently, but it would be much simpler in dealing with matters such as George Bush’s steel tariffs for example.

Much will depend on what we can negotiate. I have been hugely disappointed by the negative, uncreative and subservient approach of successive British governments towards the EU over the years. I appreciate there is a lot of cloth-eared and bloody-minded intransigence in Brussels, but we have never been visionary or tough enough. Let us start cracking that whip and see what we can achieve.

The key is to take it step by practical step, as above, rather than create an all-or-nothing confrontation. Ultimately however I envisage a new constitution to replace the Lisbon Treaty which would have a concentric structure with the federalists in the middle and every one else able to opt out of specific laws as and when necessary. One could even stipulate that countries could only opt out if in doing so they did not disadvantage citizens in other member states, and leave it to the courts to determine whether any such disadvantage had been caused. Any commercial disadvantages in our case would automatically be deemed to be fully discounted in the exchange rate between the pound and the euro. I also envisage the role of the Council of Ministers reduced to a purely Constutional Council, and EU government provided by the largest party in the European Parliament.

Comment by Sam on November 5, 2009 at 1:48 pm

In breaking his cast-iron guarantee David Cameron has lost the trust of the people.

Many would-be Tory voters will now vote UKIP or god forbid, BNP.

I hate to say it but I fear we face another term of Labour.

Comment by k markham on November 5, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Give me a vote on the Lisbon treaty or Europe or my vote goes to UKIP,simple as that. Watch the opinion polls.

Comment by olive campbell on November 5, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Soon it will not be our country any more the power of the EU must be controled I thought it was supposed to be for Security against wars and for trade not for our way of life and our laws to be changed!

Comment by k markham on November 5, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Give me a vote on the Lisbon Treaty or Europe or my vote goes to UKIP,simple as that.Watch the opinion polls

Comment by Don Gilders on November 5, 2009 at 1:50 pm

What betrayal! What happened to integrity and statesmanship? I want my country back. I don’t want to pay any more taxes to Brussels.

How could you?

Comment by Mike Bray on November 5, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Mr Cameron, take courage and take the people of this country forward to a future where the UK stands on its own ,renews its relationship with the Commonwealth, trades with Europe defends its own shores, and minds its own business. Please.! Mike Bray.

Comment by Anne on November 5, 2009 at 1:58 pm

Dave, it’s very foolish to give ‘cast iron guarantees’ when the objective relies first on the decisions others make. I would vote for anyone who will take us out of the EU, so will be voting UKIP at election time. I must say I have no complaints about my MP William Hague; he’s the best Prime Minister we never had…. but I’m hoping that will change in the not too distant future.

Comment by Sam on November 5, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Mr Cameron
You must campaign from today as the man not only who will lead the fight to mend the financial mess left by the Labour Govt, but also as the man who will lead a EU wide campaign to turn the EU into the common market-promoting, association of allied sovereign states, cooperating to meet the challenges of global warming, international crime and trafficking,terrorism, unemployment and world-wide inequality. The Federalist Dream is the only thing that threatens the peace in Europe we enjoy, because it is, like Communism, a dangerous ideology that denies the facts of human nature and seeks to impose something unnatural and disempowering. Instead of being scared of the issue EUROPE, you must address it passionately as you have a great opportunity. Even the French and the Dutch showed in their rejections of the Lisbon Treaty in its first guise, that they do not want to be in a United States of Europe, and the new members of the East are allies against anti-democratic control of their newly found independence.

Mr Carmeron and Mr Hague -make it a campaigning pillar . Do not let keeping dear Ken Clarke happy hold you back! If you can’t show you care passionately about reversing the Federalist agenda, I fear the election may not be yours.- and then what!

Comment by Trevor sadler on November 5, 2009 at 2:06 pm

I am sorry Mr Cameron, what is needed to deal with subject of Europe is a grand gesture? A referendum on whether we are to stay in Europe or not? You will not negotiate anything from a position of weakness, we are an independant soveriegne country, we owe no allegience to Germany nor France or any other country and that is inclusive of the U.S.A. We should fight wars that are in our own self interest not that of others, Europe hates us and always has, Surrender if you want but there are many of us think that we have had enough of Quislings sucking up to a bunch of no hopers, who only trade in their own self interest and fight to the last Englishman? no we want our right to choose I do not trust politicians of any ilk? Sorry it has to be brought to a conclusion let the people decide.

Comment by John Copestake on November 5, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I do not understand why we have to go along with this . when the Tory Party get back to power why can’t we just pull out of it . OR Have a referendum and if people want to stay in then stay in???????

Comment by kath on November 5, 2009 at 2:16 pm

What has happened to the promised referendum?

Comment by Viv Fenlon on November 5, 2009 at 2:17 pm

I am sure that I share the same space as many other disillusioned English voters. I have long since lost all faith in New Labour and its current leader Mr Brown. As an unelected PM Mr Brown has put our economy on a disaster route whilst trying to tell us that he knows what he is doing. Many times he has made a statement and very quickly changed his mind; he appears to go from problem to problem and never quite catches up. Most importantly his party manifesto promised us the opportunity to vote in a referendum on Europe then he went ahead and signed a treaty that I believe the majority did not want.
That said, my hopes in the conservative party are fading, they have delayed action on a referendum and now have been forced into a situation that is wrong. Two foreign countries sign up to the treaty and our fate is signed – very wrong.
What lies ahead is an uncertain future and I must give further thought to where my cross will go as once again I am undecided.

Comment by leon fenton on November 5, 2009 at 2:20 pm

we pay billions in to europe we get millions back from europe +a stupid blue plaque telling us this and that project was partly funded by the e.u !! how the hell is that supposed to be a good deal for us ? blair,brown and the rest of the scottish heathens in our so called government planned this from the day they took power ,the new labour project as its now known as.the first thing on the agenda was to abolish the death penalty for treason in 1997 this was implimented as a matter of course because everything these traitors have done over the past 12 years is treason no ifs no buts,the questions i have are why were they allowed to get away with this,and furthermore if/when you get back into power will this be investigated and will the new labour government in its entirety stand trial for treason?.they have achieved what nazi germany couldn’t and i for one will never forgive or forget this

Comment by Gill Moore on November 5, 2009 at 2:22 pm

My fear is that, having now agreed to the Lisbon Treaty, the power has moved to Brussels, and whatever you say or promise, this country is now a subsidiary of Europe. We can only hope another Hitler doesn’t come along and take over as before.
I was so disappointed that I was prepared not to vote at all in the coming election, but I will vote for you if the MP’s can bring their minds back to governing the country and out of their wallets otherwise I think the best thing is simply to hand over to Brussels and forget trying to run this country at all.

Comment by Mike Spiller on November 5, 2009 at 2:22 pm

I think we all realise that David’s statement is unlikely to succeed, because it is all too late. However, that was not his fault as the Conservative Party are a Parliamentary MINORITY, even had we had the ‘sick’ Liberals on our side!?!? But at least he has tried to address some aspects of Europe.

Yet, how TYPICAL of the FRENCH to be the first to criticise a British Political Party’s attitiude to the EU.

Let’s face it, the EU is the only way the French & Germans can seem to get a voice on the Global Stage. I cannot recall of any historical contribution where either Country has displayed ‘Diplomatic Nouse’ or (particularly the French, since Bonaparte) BRAVERY. HOw many troops are they contrinuting to NATO in comparison to GB??

Which country was it, that in the past has disobeyed many “EU rules” such as open borders to OUR livestock (BEEF/LAMB etc)??
WHO was the biggest European mouth against our country’s right to defend our territories in the Falklands? SO…Just where was there European ‘solidarity’?

More recently, the German’s have expressed “annoyance” at GM’s decision to pull out of their ‘preferred’ action over Opel! Now GM wishes to survive without Government aid and a “European State” gets upset?? The march of Federalism over private enterprise appears to be obvious.

I am getting FED-UP with hearing how we British are so ‘anti-European’, when I believe that when it comes to obeying EU Rules, even under Conservative Governments, no other country can match our compliance.
Which countries have actively glossed over – for FOURTEEN YEARS – the disparities on the EU’s Accounts?? This is where UKIP (yuk) have something right to say – at last.

Mr Cameron, if successful next year, PLEASE make the promise that you will advise the rest of the Member States that you will NOT sign off the European Accounts until they have been PROPERLY BALANCED. Perhaps then – at least – the EU will start to tackle their financial & admisitrative inadequacies.
This would be GOOD for Britain AND Europe!!
THEN you should tackle the farm subsidies (IF you can after this ‘self-ammending’ Lisbon Treaty).

I believe, we now have taken another step towards European Federalism in the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty – purported to be a tidying up exercise- but now, finally acceded to by the Czech President; who – if reported correctly – has stated “sad day for democracy” with their eventual signing.
Remember folks, the French and Dutch have had one vote on the Constitution, the Irish have had TWO votes on the Lisbon Treaty.
Even the Czechs have managed to squeeze a last minute concession/opt-out to ensure their agreement.

We – “the fodder of European humanity to those in the EU Political “elite” – should get INTERESTED & EDUCATED about European Issues, because ultimately, there MUST be some co-operation between all Nations, especially climate, trade and border security.

IF the Conservative Party win next year’s election, I feel that the majority on these Islands would benefit in an open/educational discussion of Europe and it’s pro’s & cons.
I would like to see the Conservative Party (with the assistance of other parties – if possible) analyse the WHOLE history and concept of the EEC; what it means to Britian; the rest of Europe; how much has changed since 1975, and then publish nationally;- “The European Case – Britain’s Part” (or something similarly named).
This publication should be CONCISE, FAIR & IMPARTIAL, with numerous Tory contributors from both sides of the debate – such as:- John Gummer {etc} v. Bill Cash {etc}, and when agreed as FAIR by those contributors, the whole country can then deliberate and have an INFORMED VOTE that we have been denied.

No “European” has since shown me, how Britain has benefited from having entered the former “Common Market”, when compared with that which we had before. We still would have purchased European goods and they still would have purchased ours.

By the way – I voted NO in 1975.

I think I have since been proven right. !!??!!??

Comment by PeteFergie on November 5, 2009 at 2:26 pm

Liar, bottler, ditherer, coward, all these words have been used (rightly) to describe Brown.

Unfortunately since around 16.00hrs yesterday the same words apply to Cameron.

No referendum at all, instead he will piddle about with the EU for 5 years and we all know it will achieve absolutely nothing.

After almost 42 years of supporting the Conservatives my next vote will go to UKIP. If anyone tells me that will only let in Labour again, my answer will be…

Brown… Cameron… there is no difference!

I’m gutted!

Comment by Marion Malcher on November 5, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Mr Cameron,
I voted for the EEC in the seventies and I believe in cooperation and friendship with our European neighbours. But I cannot believe that completely surrendering the right to govern ourselves to an undemocratic, bloated bureaucracy riddled with fraud and corruption is the correct way forward.
I hoped that you would ensure the British people had their promised referendum on Europe. You have disappointed me.
I consider it nonsense to suggest that we cannot unravel the ‘knot’ of existing EC legislation which has been pushed through without the overwhelming consent of the people. There is much talk of building democracy in far flung parts of the world, but it seems there is little democracy left in the UK,

Comment by Mick Green on November 5, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Mr Cameron, I understand that you now can’t hold a referendum on the treaty now that all member states have ratified it. However, I and everybody I know still think that a referendum should be held on but on the subject of whether we continue to part of this monstrosity called Europe or stand alone as a once again proud island that has its own borders and law governed from Britain by the British.
Yes you have to be positive to get us out of this economic mire that the Labour Government has got us into, but use the money ploughed into Europe to do that.
David, listen to the public. Nobody wants europe anymore. Everybody is pig sick of immigration, european court of human rights, euro army, euro police who will be able to come into our country to carry out investigations as they wish.
Stand up and be counted as the first leader to do what this counrty wants. Let us decide if we want to British and European or just British.
I have always been a Tory voter and was going to vote Tory at the next election, but as you appear to now have lost interest in the subject of Europe and doing what is right for the country, I will be voting UKIP. I would never vote BNP but I know of a lot of professional people who are going to vote BNP because of their views on europe.
i ask you to stop this country from sliding into anarchy and what is right. YOU are going to lose votes. YOU haven’t won the election yet, be stong or yopu will reap from the majority what you have sown.

Comment by Alan Johnson on November 5, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Sorry, you appear to have sold out like all the others. There is a real referendum to call – the real one ‘IN OR OUT OF THE EU.’ Trouble is you anticipate an OUT vote which would not suit you or any of the other senior Europhiles in your Party, so you are putting your own wishes above those of the British people. Clearly by this stance, you are showing yourself unready to lead this Country. Sorry, you are forcing me and I suspect many others to reconsider voting Conservative. I will probably vote UKIP, but I also suspect your lack of leadership will also benefit the BNP. Down to you, I am afraid – you had your chance, and you ‘blew’ it!

Comment by Peter Smith on November 5, 2009 at 2:41 pm

Well I have been proved right. When you were elected leader I resigned from the Party on the grounds that I did not want a Blair clone. You have been spouting on about what the British people want in parliament for years and when it comes to crunch you roll over and look to your navel and say sod the people, I know best. Where do you sort of people come from. My Grandfather fought in WW1 and father in WW2 I spent 25 years in the Royal Navy and I am dammed that a jumped up politician is going to sell this country down the drain without the people of this country having a say. Where is your moral fibre. Hague’s argument that it is now law and cannot be change is wrong, The EU Constitution (sorry Lisbon Treaty) signed by your other clone Gordon Brown is not legal as is was not approved by the people as promissed. GET A GRIP MR CAMERON AND DO SOMETHING FOR THIS COUNTRY INSTEAD OF YOUR OWN SELF INTEREST
no doubt you will not see this comment as your yes men will filter the bad stuff out so you don’t feel bad and go and suck your thumb

Comment by Len Swallow on November 5, 2009 at 2:41 pm

Well over the years I have listend to the empty words and promises of Govenments on various subjects and now feel that democracy seems to have gone out the window and more like a dictatorship and the people of the U/K don’t seem to count any more for anything. If on this occasion your words are true and your govenment will consider the views of the British public then YOU HAVE MY VOTE

Comment by S Robinson on November 5, 2009 at 2:50 pm

What a foppish fraud.

What Blair / Brown have promised and lied about is on their watch, not yours.
Take responsibility for what you have said / alluded to, not what you cannot and quite possibly could not. You too have fallen into the familiar aphrodisiac of power, corrupting.
I don’t want to be part of a federal Europe, run by unelected corrupt officials. We have never been allowed a vote on the joining the EEC, nor losing ever more sovereignty to the EU. Shame on you. I will never vote for you. I do not trust you.

Comment by J M C Mortimer on November 5, 2009 at 2:52 pm

At your party conference you gave Tony B Liar a restrained but well merited drubbing – and then indicated that you would be prepared to pull the forelock to Europe. (UNBELIEVABLE) At that time UK citizens stood before you already stripped bare naked by the ravages of Europe, one hand covering their decency and the other extended in supplication. In effect your response was “let them eat cake – but if anyone takes that away also we may be prepared to intervene”.(UNBELIEVABLE) Now you want us to believe that for the first time in recorded history a vanquished nation will have significant negotiating powers. (UNBELIEVABLE – JUST LIKE THE FORMER CAST-IRON GUARANTEE OF A REFERENDUM) Should the current usurper of the position of PM go down in history as “Prudence” Brown the Great Betrayer you may find yourself in the history books as Quisling Cameron. It is noted with disgust that having just accepted proper discipline on expenses, our sad excuses for MP’s are now saying “We insist on having our former criminal gains added to o