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EU row: Cameron has 'low opinion of British people'

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has accused the Prime Minister of having "a low opinion of the British people" by downplaying the UK's prospects if it left the EU.

It comes after a Sunday newspaper column in which David Cameron accused MPs backing an EU exit of wanting to take "the gamble of the century" with the country's future.

Amid rising tensions between the pro- and anti-Brexit camps, Mr Cameron has reportedly been threatened with a challenge to his leadership unless he tones down attacks on MPs backing the "leave" campaign.

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Nigel Farage: 'PM in weak position over EU deal'

Nigel Farage claims David Cameron is in a weak position over Europe Credit: BBC/Andrew Marr Show

Nigel Farage has played down David Cameron's EU deal, saying it only touches on "marginal" issues.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show this morning, UKIP leader Mr Farage said the Prime Minister had "not asked for much" when finalising the deal struck with EU leaders yesterday.

All he has asked for is some minor changes to migrant benefits and a couple of promises that might go in the next treaty.

The truth of it is he can't deliver this deal because the European Parliament can strike down the benefits deal and the European Court of Justice can rule out everything else.

To say to people 'please vote for this deal in a referendum' when you can't guarantee its delivery seems to me to be a rather weak position.

– Nigel Farage

Mr Farage said UK voters in the June EU referendum would base their decision on topics such as the ability to veto EU law and not "marginal" issues like migrant benefits.

In the event of a so-called Brexit, Mr Farage would back a "much tougher and stronger" immigration policy based on an Australian-styled points system.

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