Cameron’s perfect Europe row

The European Commission has just given David Cameron the perfect chance to stand up to Brussels. Its attempt to make Britain pay benefits in full to any citizen of an EU country who pitches up here is, frankly, barking and if successful would totally undermine public support for the free movement of people, as Fraser said last night.

But, politically, this row provides Cameron with a real opportunity. By taking the commission on over it, he can reassure his party that he’s still a Eurosceptic while avoiding the more fundamental issues of the euro and Britain’s whole relationship with the EU. Indeed, I’d be very surprised if we didn’t see ministers repeatedly citing Britain’s opposition to this move as they attempt to argue that the government really is Eurosceptic.