“No interference” promise from European Commission over EU referendum

Brussels bosses won’t make any foray into Britain’s EU referendum debate despite being outspoken on Scottish independence, The Courier can reveal.

Senior European Commission sources said there would be no interventions similar to that of former President Jose Manuel Barroso has said it would be “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for a Scotland to join the European Union in the event of a Yes vote.

But those close to Mr Barroso’s replacement, Jean-Claude Juncker, say the Commission will steer clear for fear of inadvertantly pushing Britain towards a so-called Brexit by appearing to interfere.

It comes as Prime Minister David Cameron met Mr Juncker in Brussels to continue renegotiations on the terms of the UK’s EU membership.

Figures close to the talks suggested the basic building blocks are in place and a deal is likely to be concluded mid-Feburary.

Doubts remain, however, about the prospect about changing benefit rules for EU migrants, a key demand from Mr Cameron.

They key phrase being used by negotiators is that any agreement must be “fair for the UK but also fair for the other EU member states”.