IDS attacks Lib Dems over EU compromises

Iain Duncan Smith has become the latest Cabinet minister to blame the Liberal Democrats for hampering plans to reshape Britain’s position in Europe.

The Work and Pensions Secretary echoed comments made earlier this week by Foreign Secretary William Hague that the Conservatives had been forced to make compromises as part of the horse-trading involved in coalition. Mr Duncan Smith said it was “always a Conservative policy” to change the relationship with Brussels.

“We are, however, in a coalition so these things always have to get modified,” he said. “I know some of my Conservative colleagues are concerned about some of that, William has accepted that, but, nonetheless, the reality for us is that we have absolutely made it clear that on any future treaties, there will be a referendum.

“I’m personally always in favour of giving parliament greater power and authority.”

It comes amid mounting pressure on the party leadership over the influence Lib Dems are exerting on the coalition despite having just 57 MPs.

Disgruntled new-intake Tories will meet to discuss how they believe the government should be reshaping Britain’s position in Europe. Mr Duncan Smith added: “I think all of us are conscious there are often far too many stupidities that go on in there [Europe], interferences, and we are suffering some of those at the moment where they make judgments that don’t seem to make a lot of sense.”