Did Juncker Say Britain Does Not Need The EU?

Did one of the most powerful men in the European Union say Britain does not need the EU?

That is the question being asked after the potentially controversial comment by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, during a speech at the European Parliament.

If he did say it, it would be seen a major boost for the 'Out' campaign ahead of the referendum on whether or not the UK should stay in the EU, which is due to take place by the end of 2017.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "I have always had a personal liking for Jean-Claude Juncker. He doesn't think Britain needs the EU and neither do I!"

But Mr Juncker's aides have tried to clarify his comments, claiming he said the UK "does" need the EU.

They have provided a new quote from him to clarify his earlier one:

"I personally do think Britain needs Europe. Not everyone in UK thinks they need Europe, that's a matter for them. The EU needs Britain."

In his earlier speech, he said the EU needs Britain but the next quote was where the confusion arose.

He may have said: "Personally I do think that Britain needs the European Union."

Or he may have said: "Personally I don't think that Britain needs the European Union."

Prime Minister David Cameron has been attempting to negotiate European reform with EU officials ahead of the referendum.

Mr Juncker told MEPs that he and the EU commission "want a fair deal with Britain" and are "working in that direction" as talks have been taking place over the weeks.

He cautioned: "I can't say huge progress has been achieved. I can't say that nothing has been achieved but it needs two to tango.

"We have to dance and our British friends have to dance.

"I am 150% in favour of having Britain as a constructive member state of the European Union.

"We need Britain."

But then the ambiguous line comes in.

He added: "Personally I don't (or did he say do?) think that Britain needs the European Union but that's a matter of conviction.

"Others may have a different feeling on that; they will have the same feeling if ever Britain would leave the European Union but that's not the assumption under which I am working."