Brussels, 08/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union promised by the British Prime Minister has created waves in the ranks of the Conservative party over the weekend, with David Cameron suggesting, on the sidelines of the G7 summit (see other article), that ministers supporting the country's exit during the campaign could be sacked.
On Monday 8 June, Downing Street staff played down these words, explaining that the Prime Minister mainly expected his ministers, most notably the Eurosceptics, to show an attitude of responsibility.
According to the media, David Cameron explained on Sunday, during a briefing in Bavaria, that his ministers would be expected publicly to support the idea of a renegotiation with the EU which would meet his objectives and prove successful. The Tory Prime Minister was speaking in response to a question on the possibility that any ministers calling for the United Kingdom to leave the EU would be sacked from his government.
Cameron also has to deal with calls by 50 MPs from his party who have launched a campaign, 'Conservatives for Britain', calling for the country to come out of the EU if Cameron fails to secure sufficiently consistent changes.
It is worth noting that on Tuesday 9 June, the British Parliament will hold an initial debate on the British legislation on which the referendum, expected for the end of 2017 at the latest, will be based (see EUROPE 11322). (Solenn Paulic)