David Cameron says Britain can 'do business' with Jean-Claude Juncker in Europe

 
Olive branch: David Cameron said he can work with Mr Juncker in Europe
Robin de Peyer30 June 2014
WEST END FINAL

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David Cameron has assured Jean-Claude Juncker he can "do business" with him after the Prime Minister's high profile failure to block his appointment to the European Union's top job.

After congratulating Mr Juncker on becoming the next president of the European Commission in a humiliating phone call last night, Mr Cameron insisted he is now "ready to move on" and work with the arch-federalist.

"I am ready to move on and keep fighting for Britain's interests in Europe," Mr Cameron wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

Referring to previous claims by Mr Juncker that he was ready to deliver a "fair deal" for Britain, Mr Cameron said: "If by a fair deal, we can agree that we are not heading, at different speeds, to the same place - as some have assumed up to now - then there is business we can do."

The Prime Minister said last week that the coronation of Mr Juncker represented a "bad day for Europe" and was accused by shadow chancellor Ed Balls this weekend of "cack-handed" negotiations.

He will today face MPs in the Commons as he seeks to salvage progress after his failed negotiations last week.

But Mr Cameron wrote: "Anyone in Europe who thought I was going to back down or blink is now thinking again.

"So as we move on from this episode, what do I take away from it? That the task is hard; and it has got harder. But my determination to succeed, for the sake of Britain and for the sake of Europe, is even greater."

A No 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister congratulated Mr Juncker on running a successful campaign and securing the Council nomination.

"They discussed how they would work together to make the EU more competitive and more flexible."

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