Courtesy of Mish.
Former UK Prime Minister John Major warns of Split Between UK and European Union.
The split is blatantly obvious, but since we have a major new voice chiming in, let’s take a look.
The case for leaving the European Union will be fuelled further if EU countries do not help the UK limit immigration, Sir John Major has said.
The former prime minister said there was a “very real risk of separation” that would damage Britain and Europe.
David Cameron wants to renegotiate the UK’s membership of the EU and hold an in/out referendum by 2017.
In a speech in Germany, Sir John said the UK had a “compelling” case to change the free movement of people.
Addressing German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats in Berlin, Sir John – whose Conservative government was dogged by rows over Europe – put the chance of a British exit from the European Union at “just under 50%”.
But he said the probability would rise if Mr Cameron, who has promised the referendum if he is prime minister after the general election, could not secure reforms beforehand.
British governments were always willing to work with Europe on “the big issues”, Sir John said, but added: “Our people deeply resent interference in the day to day activities that have been part of the British way of life for generations.”
The UK’s concerns are “not a political ploy” he said, warning of a “breach that is in no-one’s interest”.
He said he hoped other European countries would understand Britain’s “dilemma”, saying: “It can only inflame resentment if we are told our concerns are non-negotiable and we must toe the line.”
Assessing the Odds
Major thinks the odds are “just under 50%” now but “probability will rise” is Cameron cannot get reforms….
