UK Election Results: David Cameron Pledges a 'Greater Britain'

BBC AMERICA: David Cameron has promised to lead a government for "one nation" and make "Great Britain greater" as he returned to Downing Street as prime minister.

Speaking outside No 10 after visiting Buckingham Palace, he said the UK was "on the brink of something special".

The Conservatives have 331 seats - five more than needed for a Commons majority - their first such victory since 1992.

Mr Cameron's rivals Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage have all resigned after election disappointment.

The Conservative leader is now beginning the process of putting together the new government, which will have a parliamentary majority of 12. Senior Cabinet appointments are expected to be announced later on Friday. » | Friday, May 08, 2015

David Cameron on Track to Remain PM after Electoral Triumph

THE GUARDIAN: Conservatives head towards overall majority in UK general election as swings to Labour fail to materialise and Lib Dems face huge losses


David Cameron is on course to secure an astonishing electoral triumph as the Conservative party headed towards an overall majority and unseated a raft of senior political opponents including the Labour shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, and the Lib Dem business secretary, Vince Cable.

The result – devastating Labour and the Liberal Democrats, and leaving Scotland a near one-party state under the control of the Scottish National party – probably represents the biggest surprise in a general election since 1945.

Cameron is to head to Buckingham Palace at 12.30pm to meet the Queen and is expected to make a statement on his return to Downing Street. » | Patrick Wintour and Rowena Mason | Friday, May 08, 2015

EU Chief: We’ll Survive without Britain

Prime Minister David Cameron with president of the European
Council, Herman Van Rompuy outside 10 Downing Street

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Herman Van Rompuy hits out at David Cameron’s demands for change as it is disclosed UK faces £34bn bill for ‘black hole’ in budget

The European Union “will survive” if Britain leaves after an in-out referendum but would be “dead” if France voted for exit, Herman Van Rompuy has said.

The outgoing president of the European Council criticised the UK and indicated that David Cameron will not be able to secure changes to freedom of movement rules.

He made his comments as it was disclosed that a black hole in the EU budget could leave British taxpayers paying an extra £34 billion over six years.

Mr Cameron will now be legally obliged to make up a share of a shortfall of £259 billion by 2020, with liabilities for the Treasury estimated at £33.7  billion.

The hole in EU spending has been identified by the European Court of Auditors and will come as a major blow to the Prime Minister just days before he is expected to make a major speech about Britain’s relationship with the EU.

Mr van Rompuy said in Paris that Brussels would not negotiate on the “fundamental principles” of the EU simply to convince Britain to remain a part of the bloc.

He said that a British exit would leave Europe “wounded” and that “everything should be done to avoid it”.

“Without the United Kingdom, Europe would be wounded, even amputated – therefore everything should be done to avoid it,” he said.

“But it will survive. Without France, Europe — the European idea – would be dead.” » | Peter Dominiczak and Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Wednesday, November 26, 2014