From the article that was from the New York Times, Britain is in a tough spot with the Europe financial crisis. The crisis is about the euro and Britain’s refusal of using it. Britain’s economic status is not very stable and if the euro depletes in value then Britain is going to be following shortly after. The main leader in the European Union is Germany with France being a very big supporter.
At this point Britain has a problem because the country is torn between being anti –Europe and still having a benefit to any financial improvements that Europe produces. When attending the meeting in Brussels about the euro, Prime Minister David Cameron made it clear that he was out to protect Britain’s national interest. This type of behavior from Britain has Germany and France very annoyed because they are trying to save the euro and to impose policies that will keep the southern economies out of hot water. “We are sick of you criticizing us and telling us what to do. You say you hate the euro and now you want to interfere in our meetings” said Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France.
Cameron’s political opposition uses this problem to point out the prime minister’s “power” in the meetings. “The problem for Britain is that at that most important European summit for a generation, that matters hugely for businesses up and down the country, the prime minister is simply left on the sidelines." said Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party.
For more information and quotation reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/europe/britain-suffers-as-a-bystander-to-europes-crisis.html?pagewanted=1&hp
I need to catch up on my international news, but I just heard about this on the radio this morning. Have you seen the video where Cameron politely denies France's request for aid and extends his hand to shake, and instead of shaking hands, Sarkozy ignores the gesture? Pretty childish, but I can understand the frustration.
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