Cameron Defends Treaty Veto While Clegg is a No-Show in the Commons

The scale of the divide between the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his coalition deputy, Nick Clegg, over the decision to veto the EU treaty was there for all to see as the Liberal Democrat leader failed to show up for the summit statement in the Commons.

During an interview with Andrew Marr on Sunday, Mr Clegg said the veto was "bad for Britain and would affect jobs and businesses up and down the country", effectively attacking the Prime Minister for his decision.

Mr Cameron had earlier tried to defuse the situation by saying that Britain would continue to "engage constructively" with other EU countries.

But Mr Clegg, who normally sits next to the Prime Minister during PMQs and statements, was noticeably absent from the Commons, which led Labour MPs to shout "Where's Clegg?" The leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, also made a point of saying: "He can't even persuade his own deputy this was a good deal for Britain."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister defended his decision, saying the safeguards were simply not within the blueprints of the new treaty.

He said: "I had two options, one was to accept the treaty without the safeguards and the other was to veto the treaty. I chose to veto."

Mr Cameron was keen to stress that the decision did not mean the UK was outside of the single market and all the benefits it brings.

"We are still part of the European Union, which is good for trade, investment and jobs," he said. "It's one of the largest gateways for exports and also helps us to progress on important policy issues."

Junior members of the Liberal Democrats are said to be "deeply concerned" by the unfolding events at the summit on Friday, which has put the UK on the "outside of a two-tier Europe", according to Mr Clegg.

Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem chief secretary to the treasury, told the BBC Today programme the government should now focus on not being the "odd man out" in Europe.