UK: Pittella, we will not allow concessions on the EU's fundamental principles

Following the victory of the Conservative Party in the UK general election on Thursday, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella stated:

"This is both a surprising and disappointing result for the S&D Group. The voters of the UK have made a clear choice and we send our congratulations to David Cameron.

"With the promise of an in/out referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union this result has huge consequences for the whole of Europe. The S&D Group sees the UK as an essential part of the EU and calls on David Cameron to make a strong and positive case for Britain's continued membership. We are willing to work with the new government but we will not make any concessions in regard to the fundamental principles on which the EU was founded."