Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

Angela Merkel: I can’t imagine UK quitting the EU

David Cameron and Angela Merkel are eating dinner together tonight, over which they will discuss the forthcoming European Budget summit. The discussion may make even the sweetest crème brûlée taste rather sour, with Cameron continuing to threaten to veto anything above a real-terms freeze in the budget. He has told reporters following him around on his tour of the Middle East that he will make the argument for a freeze ‘with vigour’. As she arrives in Downing Street, Merkel will be mindful, though, that she has a key role in trying to reach a consensus between the British position and the desire of other countries in the union for more money.

The Chancellor made her own vigorous argument about the UK and Europe this afternoon when UKIP leader Nigel Farage called for her to tell Cameron that it was time for a ‘simple amicable divorce’ as Britons were opposed to greater integration within the EU.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in