David Cameron has ‘lost control’ of Tories over Europe, Ed Miliband claims

• Cameron due to make statement on UK’s relationship with Brussels this Friday

• Party leaders clashed at PMQs, with Miliband warning that Friday’s speech would result in fresh infighting in Tory ranks

• PM seeking a fresh settlement in Europe that is more flexible, he told MPs

The Prime Minister will make his long-awaited speech on the UK’s relationship with Brussels on Friday.

Mr Cameron insisted today that Britain was better off in the European Union. But he said he wanted reform and the “full-hearted consent of the British people”.

The party leaders clashed at Prime Minister’s Questions, with Mr Miliband warning that Friday’s speech would only result in a fresh round of Tory infighting on Europe and five years of uncertainty for businesses over the UK’s position in the EU.

Mr Miliband claimed Mr Cameron had given the “green light” to Conservative Cabinet ministers to argue that the UK should leave the EU.

The Prime Minister did not respond to the assertion, but told MPs: “What is in Britain’s interest is to seek a fresh settlement in Europe that is more flexible, more competitive. That is in our interest, that is what we will seek.”