John Major warns David Cameron that 'flirting' with EU exit could lead to dangerous 'isolation'

He says the failure of EU negotiations should not decide whether the UK leave the bloc

Former prime minister John Major (BBC News/Getty Images)

Former prime minister John Major has warned David Cameron that “flirting” with leaving the European Union could lead to Britain being plunged into dangerous “isolation”.

Mr Major, who governed the country between 1990 and 1997, told the Prime Minister that his renegotiation of EU member was important but that it even if it failed it should not lead to Brexit.

“We are better off – we are safer – we are going to be more prosperous – in, rather than out,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I am sceptical of a great deal of European Union policy, but flirting with leaving at a moment when the whole world is coming together seems to me to be very dangerous and against our long-term interests.”

The warning comes shortly after Mr Cameron warned he’d be ready to lead Britain out of the European Union if his renegotiation plans on restricting in-work benefits for migrants failed.

The PM has also said he believes the UK would do "okay" outside the EU if it had to leave, but that it would not truly thrive.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported last week that the PM was set to dilute his demands as it became increasingly clear that a number of key EU states would not agree to the changes.

A flagship proposal to ban EU migrants from claiming in-work benefits like tax credits until they have been living in the UK for four years is expected to require treaty change to implement.

Such a change would have to be ratified by all the EU’s member states – but Mr Cameron has been met with limited success in convincing his partners abroad to support his goals.

On a recent visit to Poland the country’s premier Beata Szydło said she did not “see eye-to-eye” with Mr Cameron on a number of issues.

The Conservative election manifesto pledged to hold a referendum on European Union membership before the end of 2017.

Mr Cameron has pledged to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU membership before the vote is held – though it is looking increasingly likely the vote might come before any final deal.

Ukip, which campaigns for exit from the European Union, says Mr Cameron's rengotiation attemps have already failed.