Was David Cameron really a coward?

[fauzman]

kowenicki said:

fauzman said:
I wouldnt say he is a coward but imo it was a very ill-advised move. He was facing pressure from his Eurosceptic Conservative Party members to not sign the deal, and on the other hand he was facing pressure from Europes leaders to support the deal. At this stage, we dont really know if this was a great move or not, but London which is the financial capital of Europe, may certainly suffer from Cameron's rejection. I would say the that fortunes of the Conservative Party for the next few years depend on the fallout of this.

its actually the biggest financial centre in the world.  

I think you have read the fall out of this totally wrong.  What would have been certain is that the financial sector and London as a financial centre would have suffered majorly had he agreed to the amendments.  Also far from merely placating the tory euro sceptics, he said many, many times before the meeting what he would and would not sign up for and shock horror, he actually did what he said he would do... novel I know... a politicial doing what he said he would do.  

We aren't in the Eurozone, it has nothing to do with us.  We are the 2nd largest net contributor to the EU..... the EU will not cut off their nose to spite their faces.  If they do.. so be it, we will be fine.

I would disagree with you here. You ARE right in that had Britain agreed to the conditions, then Britain would have suffered to a degree  - from what ive heard maybe more so than other european countries due to its being the financial capital of europe (or the world if you are right) - even though its not part of the Eurozone. BUT I think Britain pulling out of the deal will have its own consequences. Most of the companies that make London such a financial power are from other european countries and they will likely face pressure from their governments to pull out/reduce presence in Britain. Additionally, EU/Eurozone countries may decide to punish Britain with restrictions and trade barriers/financial and economic relations. Again, as I said, we dont know what will happen and Britain may escape unaffected but then again maybe not.