Malta will not accept EU treaty changes by stealth, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has told his British counterpart David Cameron.

Mr Cameron called Dr Muscat last night to ask for support for Britain’s plan to amend the EU treaty ahead of his pledge to hold an in/out referendum in 2017.

“We are ready to discuss flexible conditions for Britain but not changes to the EU treaty by stealth,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister said.

Mr Cameron is believed to be in for a tough ride ahead of this evening’s EU summit where he will try to renegotiate the EU’s migration and welfare rules.

Dr Muscat is insisting that there should be no changes on taxation and benefits unless there is agreement for treaty amendments.

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