Cameron’s EU referendum plan slammed

British Business Secretary Vince Cable has slammed Prime Minister David Cameron’s vow to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership in the EU, describing it as “dangerous” and “utterly unrealistic.”

“Precipitating a referendum in current conditions, holding out the prospect of major reforms that aren’t going to be achieved is dangerous,” Cable said in the EU’s de facto capital of Brussels on Tuesday.

Cameron has promised to hold the vote on the UK’s membership in the 28-member bloc by the end of 2017.

Cable also said the reason why the referendum would be dangerous is that it would undermine the confidence of the Japanese, Indian and other foreign companies that invest in the UK.

He said, “Anybody who is expecting that our relationship with Europe can be fundamentally renegotiated is just being utterly unrealistic.”

“I think the approach of the Conservatives is actually quite dangerous. It is assuming that the other 27 countries will magically agree to British requests,” Cable added.

In response, a Conservative party spokesman rejected Cable’s remarks, saying, “Cameron has a clear plan to renegotiate our relationship with Europe to boost our economy, crack down on migrants claiming benefits and let the British people have their say on the EU with an in/out referendum.”

Cameron has claimed renegotiating the UK’s membership is crucial to persuading Britain to stay in the bloc. The British prime minister made the pledge in 2013 to hold the referendum following pressure from Tory Eurosceptic backbenchers and the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

CAH/HJL

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk