David Cameron: Eurozone must reform economies

David Cameron has urged Eurozone countries to revamp their economies amid fears over a renewed EU financial crisis. Picture: AP

Mr Cameron warned that Britain was not “immune” to the impact of sluggish economic performance elsewhere in Europe and called on fellow EU leaders to deregulate their economies and reform labour markets to stimulate growth.

The Prime Minister was speaking as he arrived for a European Council summit in Brussels which is expected to be overshadowed by the woes of the single currency area, amid fears of a renewed crisis for the euro.

Mr Cameron also called on other EU leaders to come forward with more cash for the fight against killer disease Ebola in west Africa.

Britain is taking a lead in the international response to Ebola in Sierra Leone and has already pledged £125 million and 750 military personnel, and Mr Cameron has challenged other EU nations to follow the UK’s lead and provide a total 1 billion euros (£790m) and 2,000 medical workers for the region.

Arriving in Brussels, Mr Cameron said he was hoping the summit would address two major risks facing Europe.

“Risk number one is obviously the crisis over Ebola,” he said. “It is very important we take action at source in west Africa.

“Britain has been leading the way in terms of Sierra Leone and we have already pledged £125 million, we have got military and other forces going to that country to help.

“But we need other countries to do more.”

He added: “The second risk is obviously to our economy. Britain’s economy is growing well, we are creating jobs, seeing new businesses start up.

“But we are not immune to economic problems elsewhere in Europe. There are some worries and concerns about the state of other European economies, so I will be wanting to be hearing about plans others have to make it easier to employ people, to deregulate and to reform to make sure the European economies grow so the British economy can continue.”

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