February 3, 2016 2.54 pm This story is over 96 months old

Lincoln MP expresses “great disappointment” in draft EU deal

EU deal: Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has described a deal claiming to redefine Britain’s relationship with the European Union as “a great disappointment.”

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has described a deal claiming to redefine Britain’s relationship with the European Union as “a great disappointment.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has been in negotiations with President of the European Council Donald Tusk ahead of a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, which is predicted to take place in 2016.

A 16-page draft letter drawn up by Tusk was revealed on February 2, offering a so-called “emergency brake” on in-work benefits for up to four years if there is pressure on a particular member state, which would have to be approved by the EU council.

The deal also proposes a “red-card” system, which would allow a group of national parliaments making up more than 55% of votes on the council to be able to veto EU legislation.

Other references to economic governance and competitiveness were included in the letter.

The Prime Minister has welcomed the deal, describing it as delivering the “substantial changes” he was seeking.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

However, the deal that Cameron has reached has not received the support of Lincoln MP, and fellow Conservative Party member, Karl McCartney.

He said:

“The draft European Union deal is a great disappointment. It does not go anywhere near far enough in addressing the fundamental change that I, and I believe the vast majority of my constituents in Lincoln, want over the way the European Union currently operates now, let alone in the future.”

McCartney said three key tests would have to be met for him to support Britain’s continued membership of the EU, the first of which would be stronger rules on immigration and border controls.

He has also asked for “an increased ability” to not adopt rules and regulations which are to the detriment of the British people and business.

The Lincoln MP’s final demand is an answer on whether the British people or the European Commission governs the country.

McCartney added: “This draft European Union deal does not address these matters, though I believe this is not down to the negotiations that our Prime Minister has led, it is more likely to be the best deal the rest of the European Union may think about accepting.

“This at the end of the day is the crucial paradox, we want a fundamental change in our relationship but the European Union does not want us to have it.”

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips has been contacted by The Lincolnite but will not be commenting until the full details of the deal are finalised.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh has also been asked for a response.