David Cameron’s EU deal talks go to wire ahead of Brussels summit

Negotiations to redefine the UK’s place in Europe are in their final phase ahead of a summit in Brussels tomorrow where Prime Minister David Cameron had hoped the deal would be ratified.

Cameron has briefed senior MEPs but European Parliament president Martin Schulz has warned the backing of MEPs cannot be guaranteed.

Schulz said he had had "a very constructive meeting" with Cameron on Tuesday, describing the talks as "a real open exchange."

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They discussed all four points of the reform package, and the German MEP warned: "The European Parliament insists that whatever happens has to be within the framework of the treaty. For the time being, no treaty changes are possible."

There are reportedly concerns over proposals to further protect countries outside of the single currency from fluctuations in the Euro.

Furthermore the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland have warned Cameron’s proposed changes to welfare access for EU migrants in Britain should only apply to new migrants, not those already living in the UK.

Schulz told Parliament magazine: “I gave the Prime Minister a clear commitment that once an agreement is found in Council, Parliament will immediately take it on board and start the legislative process. We will try to be as quick and constructive as possible, but I cannot guarantee the outcome."

A new poll of Scottish Chambers of Commerce 456 members released today revealed that 68 per cent of Scottish businesses said they would vote for the UK to remain a member “if the poll were held tomorrow”.