By refusing to agree to an emergency change to the European Union treaty, the UK has taken a very public step away from its neighbours.<br/> European Commisson President Jose Manuel Barroso has added to the criticism, saying Britain had made unacceptable demands.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT, JOSE MANUEL BARROSO, SAYING:<br/> "The United Kingdom, in exchange for giving its agreement, asked for a specific protocol on financial services which, as presented, was a risk to the integrity of the internal market. This made compromise impossible."<br/> On Friday British Prime Minister David Cameron left his country alone in the 27 nation European Union.<br/> At a summit in Brussels to try and stop the euro zone debt crisis he vetoed plans for a fiscal treaty which would impose closer control over national government budgets.<br/> The plan is going ahead regardless.<br/> European Council President Herman Van Rompuy says the pact to enforce greater budget discipline will be finalised in March.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT, HERMAN VAN ROMPUY, SAYING:<br/> "Following consultations with national parliaments, we should know the number of participating states. I am optimistic because I know that it is going to be very close to 27. In fact 26 leaders indicated their interest in this effort. They recognise the euro is a common good."<br/> On Monday David Cameron defended his decison.<br/> Britain's anti-European UKIP party has a seat in the European Parliament, and its outspoken leader Nigel Farage went a step further.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) LEADER OF ANTI-EUROPEAN UKIP PARTY, NIGEL FARAGE, SAYING:<br/> "Well you've decided to head off on the Titanic towards economic and democratic disaster and we are now in a life boat."<br/> The new fiscal pact will be extremely demanding for some countries.<br/> It will require national budgets to be balanced, with annual deficits limited to 0.5 percent of GDP.<br/> It's hoped the first draft of the new fiscal treaty could be ready by next week.<br/> The European Union aims to have it in place by June.<br/> Anderw Potter, Reuters
