European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says Britain does not need

The Telegraph has reported that ahead of a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Mr. Juncker insisted that while a few might think Britain needs the EU, he does not, although he added that he would prefer if the country did stay in the political union.

But, he said: “I can’t say that huge progress has been achieved, I can’t say that nothing has been achieved”.

Lord Blackwell told the House of Lords there was no “compelling economic argument” that outweighed the political costs of the EU.

“I am 150 percent in favor of having Britain as a constructive member state of the European Union; we need Britain”, he said.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker set off a mini-firestorm Wednesday after he appeared to declare in remarks to the Parliament, “Personally, I don’t think that Britain needs the European Union”.

In a tweet responding to questions about Juncker’s choice of words, European Commission spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud quoted her boss as saying: “I DO think Britain should be in EU”.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage tweeted: “I have always had a personal liking for Jean-Claude Juncker”.

“If you think Britain will be stronger and safer if we end the supremacy of European Union law, take back control, and can vote for the politicians who make our laws, then you should Vote Leave”.

“I want, we want, a fair deal with Britain”.

“Unless we seek to negotiate a new relationship and do so with full understanding on both sides that a significant change is needed, we are unlikely to get an outcome that secures a sustainable position for the United Kingdom within the European Union in the longer term”.

“Nor do I believe that there is a compelling economic argument to override those considerations”, Blackwell told a House Lords debate on the matter. I can’t say that nothing has been achieved.

A source familiar with the negotiations pointed out that the British are pushing hard to come up with a specific list by December, but the decision is up to Cameron.

“It needs two to tango so we have to dance and our British friends have to dance. Europe needs Britain. It takes two to tango”.

A series of discussions are planned with representatives of member states, and Jonathan Faull, the EU Commission’s chief negotiator, is to visit European capitals for further talks.