Brown defends EU treaty position

Mr Brown insists there is no need for a referendum

Gordon Brown has defended his stance on the EU Reform Treaty, saying key opt-outs will mean British law will not be overruled by Europe.
Mr Brown told the Commons that MPs would be given a chance to debate ratification of the treaty which was negotiated in Portugal last week.

He also said the government would oppose further EU institutional change.

The Tories called for a referendum on the issue and accused ministers of breaking a manifesto commitment.

The prime minister told MPs that he had secured "special treatment for the UK in a range of areas" at the European summit and that Britain would keep opt-outs on foreign policy, labour rights, tax and social security.

"The protections we have negotiated defend the British national interest," he said.

Promising to oppose any further EU institutional reforms within this parliament and the next, Mr Brown said he would now focus on setting out a new agenda for the EU.

This would include "the new priorities" of jobs, competitiveness, prosperity, climate change and security "so that Europe can play a far stronger part in the competitive economy of the world and be a leader and success story in the new global order," he said.