Skip to content
City PM
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Opinion
Tuesday 14 June 2016 11:44 am

David Cameron’s EU renegotiations were “Mickey Mouse” according to an international trade lawyer (who also happens to be his former deputy’s wife)

By: Mark Sands

Add as a preferred source on Google

David Cameron's renegotiations with the EU have been slammed as “Mickey Mouse” by Spanish international trade lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez.

Durantez, who is married to former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, said the UK is “sleepwalking towards disaster” in next week's Brexit vote, and called on the UK to commit to further European reform.

Speaking at the Fortune Most Powerful Woman International Summit in London, Durantez, who co-chair's Dechert's International Trade and Government Regulation practice, attacked Cameron saying: “I am all in favour of reform. The European Union is crying for reform. Proper reform. Not that Mickey Mouse negotiation that the Prime Minister did.

“The biggest reform that the EU needs is growth. We need growth in Europe. I believe that this country is sleep walking towards disaster.”

Read More: The great sterling stutter speeds up after Brexit gains momentum

Her comments come after former Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt yesterday told the same event that the UK had started a debate on reform in the EU.

Thorning-Schmidt, now chief executive of Save The Chldren, said: “We need reform of the EU and David Cameron has asked for it, but why would you leave a debate when you have just started it?”

Thorning-Schmidt, who is married to Labour MP and Remain campaigner Stephen Kinnock, added that in Denmark scepticism over the role of the EU is rife, but she maintained that the Danes would back their membership if offered a referendum mirroring the UK's own.

“I think if you asked the Danes if they wanted to leave the EU or stay you would get an overwhelming majority wanting to stay,” she said.

“Danes are tired of the EU but I think deep down Danes know how much we gain economically and culturally in terms of our freedom of being in the EU."

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Sections

  • News

Categories

  • Business
  • Politics

Trending Articles

  • Top Burnham adviser calls for capital gains and inheritance tax hikes

  • Two solicitors linked to Post Office scandal charged with misconduct

  • Revealed: Secret Treasury plan to tax State Pension before it is paid out

  • Clarkson’s Farm and why businesses must stop blaming the weather

  • As it happened: Stocks tumble after Apple rattles global markets; UK food exports hit by US tariffs

More from City PM

  • Jeremy Hunt: Pension triple lock is an ‘anchor drag’ on economic growth

    Politics
    Jeremy Hunt has promised to cut more taxes as “hard work is rewarded”.
  • Starmer insists he will challenge Burnham in a leadership contest

    Politics
    Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks at a press conference addressing future leadership rumours, wearing a navy suit and tie.
  • Burnham warns Labour of ‘final chance’ after Makerfield win

    Politics
    Andy Burnham speaking at a Labour Party event, addressing current political issues, with a focused and determined expression.
  • ‘No authority’: Starmer under pressure to quit after Burnham wins in Makerfield

    Politics
    Breaking news graphic with bold text on a vibrant background, emphasizing current events in the general news category
  • Burnham must walk a tightrope on his ascent to Downing Street

    Politics
    Andy Burnham discussing new policy agenda at a press conference with backdrop of city skyline and audience in attendance.
  • Banks call for ‘political mandate’ to bolster European defence

    Banking
    News article image depicting a significant business meeting with diverse executives discussing strategy around a conferenc...
  • Beware a desperate Prime Minister in search of a legacy

    Opinion
    Keir Starmer speaking at London Tech Week conference, discussing innovation and technology advancements in the UK.
  • Thames Water, energy grid, rent prices: Burnham drums up public control agenda

    Politics
    Burnham skyline at sunset highlighting modern architecture against a vibrant orange and pink sky, reflecting urban develop...

City PM — European politics, business and analysis.

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • UK & Ireland

Topics

  • Business
  • Markets
  • AI
  • Technology
  • Opinion
  • Energy

More

  • Politics
  • Economics
  • Fintech
  • Legal
  • Sport
  • Life

Company

  • About City PM
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 City PM · Published by CityPM Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
About · Editorial Policy · Corrections · Contact · Privacy