Express. My EU referendum is vital for UK, says David Cameron

DAVID Cameron insisted last night that his plan for an in-or-out referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union was “vital” for the country’s future.

And he denied accusations the move was a “gamble” that could put Europe’s future prosperity at risk.

He spoke after his referendum announcement was given a mixed reception by politicians across Europe.

In an interview at the business summit in Davos, Switzerland, the Prime Minister said: “I think the referendum is vital, because in the end we should have the consent of the people for what we do. We should trust the people.

“Now, I believe we’ll secure the changes we need and I will be able to recommend to the British people that we vote to stay in the European Union.”

Asked in the CNN interview if the referendum was a gamble, Mr Cameron replied: “I think the greatest gamble for Britain would be to sit back and do nothing.

During the World Economic Forum, Mr Cameron held a 20-minute meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss his plan to negotiate a new deal for Britain. She had indicated a “fair compromise” could be possible to allow the UK to loosen ties. He also met other EU premiers including Italy’s Mario Monti and Enda Kenny of Ireland.

Mr Cameron made a passionate defence of his referendum plan in a speech to the Forum. He said: “This is not about turning our backs on Europe – quite the opposite.

“It’s about how we make the case for a more competitive, open and flexible Europe – and secure the UK’s place within it. This is how I see it; just over half of EU countries are in the single currency.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: “The UK outside the EU would be an island somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between the US and Europe.”