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Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

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to rega<strong>in</strong> UK powers were deeply damag<strong>in</strong>g. 70 With<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

UK government, <strong>the</strong> divide <strong>in</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ions over <strong>the</strong> UK’s membership<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> EU has led to David Cameron attempt<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

appease all parties. The PM’s <strong>in</strong>consistent stance on <strong>the</strong> EU<br />

over <strong>the</strong> year does not present a stable picture <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> EU to<br />

<strong>the</strong> UK public.<br />

In December, Cameron’s veto over <strong>the</strong> Eurozone<br />

crisis would dramatically alter <strong>the</strong> UK’s position with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

EU and separate it from o<strong>the</strong>r EU Member States. His move<br />

threatened <strong>the</strong> stability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> EU <strong>in</strong> order to prioritize <strong>the</strong><br />

UK’s agenda. There are reports that <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK<br />

public supported his decision, fall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>the</strong> Eurosceptic<br />

trend. 71 Internally, <strong>the</strong> coalition government has<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>ed divided throughout <strong>the</strong> year. Deputy PM Nick<br />

Clegg has warned <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dangers <strong>of</strong> "fragmentation" 72 and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r senior government <strong>of</strong>ficials have also expressed disda<strong>in</strong><br />

over <strong>the</strong> outcome. 73 France and Germany have shown<br />

a loyalty towards <strong>the</strong> UK, despite Cameron supposedly agitat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

relations. 74 It rema<strong>in</strong>s to be seen what <strong>the</strong> consequences<br />

are, but <strong>in</strong>itial responses suggest <strong>the</strong> UK could easily<br />

become isolated from EU affairs. 75<br />

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