Portrait of David Cameron
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David Cameron on Brexit

Regretting the referendum (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

David Cameron vehemently campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU but deeply regrets calling the referendum and its consequences.

Key Points

  • He called and subsequently lost the 2016 referendum on the UK's EU membership, leading to his resignation as Prime Minister on June 24, 2016.

  • He openly supported the 'Remain' campaign, arguing that Britain was stronger, safer, and better off inside the European Union.

  • Post-premiership, he expressed that he should have done more to discuss the EU's achievements alongside his criticisms and called the referendum his 'greatest regret'.

Summary

David Cameron's core position on Brexit was to advocate for the United Kingdom's continued membership in a reformed European Union, campaigning for the 'Remain' side in the 2016 referendum. His decision to call the referendum was reportedly a strategic move, partially to contain the Eurosceptic wing of his Conservative Party and to deliver on a 2013 pledge made to secure an election victory. Despite his efforts, the 'Britain Stronger in Europe' campaign lost, leading to his immediate resignation as Prime Minister on June 24, 2016, as he felt it was improper for him to lead the country's next destination.

Following his departure from frontline politics, Cameron has expressed deep regret over the outcome, stating he is 'hugely depressed' by the result and worries 'desperately' about the consequences, even calling the referendum his 'greatest regret'. He has, however, maintained that calling the vote was necessary and, in his view, ultimately inevitable to address the long-standing issue within his party. While he initially did not regret holding the vote itself, he has since criticized the conduct of some in the Leave campaign and later backed the withdrawal agreement negotiated by his successor.

Key Quotes

Every single day I think about it, and the fact that we lost, and the consequences, and the things that could have been done differently, and I worry desperately

Frequently Asked Questions

David Cameron was a strong advocate for the UK to remain a member of the European Union, campaigning under the banner of 'Britain Stronger in Europe'. He believed the country was stronger, safer, and better off within the EU.

Yes, the former Prime Minister has called the referendum his 'greatest regret' and has stated he is 'hugely depressed' by the outcome. He worries desperately about the consequences since the vote.

Immediately after the results, David Cameron announced his resignation as Prime Minister, stating that it was not right for him to be the 'captain that steers our country to its next destination'. He pledged to help steady the ship for the next three months.