Brown defends EU treaty position

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended his stance on the EU Reform Treaty, saying key opt-outs mean UK law will not be over-ruled by Europe. Mr Brown told the Commons MPs would be given the chance next year to debate ratification of the treaty whose text was agreed 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 their 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. (BBC News)