German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed confidence that a deal could be reached that would keep Britain in the European Union.
Avoiding a “Brexit” is set to be on leaders’ agendas for weeks to come, AFP reported.
“When it comes to the question of Britain’s place in Europe, I have always been confident that together we can secure the reforms that address Britain’s concerns and also work for Europe as a whole,” Cameron said at a banquet in Hamburg, where he was a guest of honor alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“When it comes to the question of Britain’s future in Europe, my aim is clear: I want to keep Britain inside a reformed European Union,” Cameron said at Hamburg’s historic “Matthiae-Mahl” banquet, which is the oldest banquet in the world.
“If by working together we can achieve these changes, then I will unequivocally recommend that Britain stays in a reformed European Union on these new terms.”
The prime minister underlined that he also had to protect Britain’s sovereignty, saying he would make “no apology” for Britain’s position with regard to the EU.
“We have the character of an island nation—independent, forthright, passionate in defense of our sovereignty—and of institutions that have served us well for many hundreds of years,” he explained. “But we are also an open nation. And I never want us to pull up the drawbridge and retreat from the world.”
Cameron has been trying to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU membership before holding a referendum on Britain’s EU membership before the end of 2017. Cameron has to convince EU leaders to back the reform proposals at a leaders’ summit in Brussels to be held on February 18-19.
Merkel highlighted that it was not only in Germany’s interest to keep the UK in the EU, “but also in Britain’s and in the interests of the entire EU.”
“My wish is that the United Kingdom is and remains an active member of a successful European Union,” Merkel told civic and business leaders at the banquet, adding that she felt confident that a deal would eventually be reached.
She also said more compromises may be still needed on both sides before a final agreement is reached.
