YOU’RE CHICKEN, FARAGE TELLS CAMERON
DAVID Cameron was branded “chicken” last night after pulling out of a Brussels showdown with Eurosceptic MEPs.
The Prime Minister was due to meet leaders of political groups in the European Parliament today to discuss details of his proposed EU deal.
He was expected to face questions from leading anti- Brussels figures including Ukip leader Nigel Farage and Marine Le Pen of the French National Front.
But yesterday it emerged that his schedule had been re- arranged to include private meetings with senior figures in the assembly instead.
Downing Street officials blamed “time constraints” for the re- drawn plans which scrapped his attendance at the Conference of Presidents, which is made up of leaders of the political groupings in the European Parliament.
Mr Farage said: “The Prime Minister has turned chicken.
“He knows that not only is his deal pitiful but that in an open conference of presidents I would be able to expose the fact that, even if he wins the referendum, the parliament will veto its terms.
“And that’s why he’ll meet everybody individually and tell the world he has got assurances. He’s scared of the truth.
“Nothing in this renegotiated package works for the British people. None of it will be enforceable; he’s trying to sell the British people a pup and he’s too scared of me being able to expose that. Gutless.” Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder said: “This is a missed opportunity for Cameron to stand tall and make the case for Britain’s place in Europe.
“The people of the UK and Europe deserve a public debate on this issue that is so central to our shared prosperity and security.”
Mr Farage was due to attend the meeting as a co- president of the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group in the Parliament. Miss Le Pen was expected to attend as president of the Nations and Freedoms group, which includes her anti- EU party.
An official agenda showed Mr Cameron was due to attend the meeting. Instead he will meet European Commission President Martin Schulz and senior figures.