UK officials to observe EU negotiations

UK to still play a role in EU negotiations

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Friday, 16, Dec 2011 10:45

By Mark Fordham

UK officials have been asked to play a role in negotiations over an EU-wide financial agreement despite refusing to sign up to treaty reforms last week.

A spokesman for No 10 said the UK would be happy to participate in discussions because, although it isn't an active member of the negotiations, the country was still keen for the agreement to succeed.

The spokesman said the prime minister had reiterated to the European Council president Herman van Rompuy that he wants the new fiscal agreement to succeed and to find a way forward for the EU during a phone call on Thursday (December 15th).

"That's why we have agreed to participate in technical discussions to take forward this work," the spokesman added.

This decision comes after David Cameron vetoed the EU treaty change because he wanted to prevent more power going to financial watchdogs on the continent. His decision has divided the coalition government between the Conservatives and the pro-Europe Liberal Democrats.