Last night, the DUP proposed a motion congratulating the prime minister on his use of the veto at the EU summit last week. It read:

"That this House commends the prime minister on his refusal at the European Council to sign up to a treaty without safeguards for the UK; regards the use of the veto in appropriate circumstances to be a vital means of defending the national interests of the UK; and recognises the desire of the British people for a rebalancing of the relationship with our European neighbours based on co-operation and mutually beneficial economic arrangements."

Only one Lib Dem MP spoke in the debate - Martin Horwood. Despite his party's involvement in the coalition, he followed his leader's example and hinted at his dissatisfaction with some of the Conservative tactics on Europe, saying:

"Perhaps the structures and the rules of a new treaty or agreement, whatever form it takes, may prove to be the beginning of a solution, but the process is still a long way from complete and there are quite a few obstacles in its path, some of them sitting in this Chamber."

He continued:

"The argument about repatriating powers, let alone leaving the EU, completely misses the point. It is in our interest not just to have a competitive and vibrant British economy, but for there to be a competitive and vibrant European economy as well, and Britain can help to bring that about. It is not just in Britain’s interest to be at the heart of the European economy and European economic decision making; it is in Europe’s interests too, and that in turn will help British jobs, British business and British prosperity."

Horwood has made it very clear that there is still a very strong pro-EU sentiment in his party, and that he, for one, is certainly not going to shy away from expressing it. Acting on it, though was another matter - when it came to voting on the motion, all 57 Lib Dem MPs abstained. The abstention breaks with coalition unity, but doesn't go as far as a full split, which is what a no vote could have precipitated. It's perfect piece of fence-sitting.

The motion still passed comfortably 278 to 200. An Ipsos MORI poll done after the EU veto puts the Conservatives neck and neck with Labour for the first time this year, indicating that the public approve of Cameron's veto, even if his coalition colleagues feel differently. If forced to choose between them, the PM will please the public every time, looking forward to a time when he has a majority and the Lib Dems can be left to sit on their fence in peace.

Tags: David Cameron, European Integration