Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron points at reporters as he attends a news conference after an EU summit in Brussels October 24, 2014. Cameron said on Friday Britain would not make an additional 2.1-billion-euro payment into this year's Eur
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron points at reporters as he attends a news conference after an EU summit in Brussels October 24, 2014. Cameron said on Friday Britain would not make an additional 2.1-billion-euro payment into this year's European Union budget, calling the bloc's demand for extra funds "completely unacceptable". Reuters/Stringer

British Prime Minister David Cameron has reiterated that the UK will not stay in Europe "come what may." He was addressing an industry gathering in London convened under the auspices of the Confederation of British Industry. The Prime Minister said the the onus of retaining Britain is on Brussels, by addressing Brits' concerns about immigration.

Cameron asserted that "proper" checks on immigration are imperative along with reforms on movement of people within the European Union. He said Britain cannot be "ordered around" by EU countries who are in the single currency union. The PM told the Industry that "Britain will only succeed in Europe if we are a strong economy. From the economic strength flows a lot of your power in international engagement", reported The Telegraph. Cameron said, "We want a Europe that addresses people's concerns, including the issue of immigration. Just standing here and saying that I will stay in Europe is not a strategy, and that won't work."

Referendum

The BBC also reported how David Cameron allayed the concerns of the industry, in his speech. The UK Prime Minister rejected fears that EU referendum will damage Britain's economy, and criticised those who argue the UK should stay in the EU "come what may". The prime minister told the industry that UK was attarcting more inward investment than the whole of the EU despite its position on 2017 referendum to decide on delinking from the EU. Cameron said he would go ahead with steps to tighten migration controls, despite the concerns of businesses. The businesses are wary that a referendum will unleash uncertainty and deter them from expanding the business with new workers.

Cameron asked, "where is the uncertainty when we have an extraordinary period of investment". The PM then added: "The worst thing for us to do as a country is to pretend that this European debate is not happening. The best thing is to get out there and make the arguments." Cameron with greater clarity said that he wanted "the UK to stay within a reformed EU, one that based on common market, co-operation, never a closed union". CBI director general John Cridland welcomed Mr Cameron's "endorsement" of its "In with Reform" European strategy.

Mr Cameron noted that the government's economic strategy is on the right track although the deficit is still high. The PM pledged a £15 billion revolution for the UK's road network, with upgrades in 100 major motorways and trunk roads by 2020 to tackle all "pinch points and problem areas".