William Hague: UK 'plays a central role' in Europe

Prime Minister David Cameron has been defending his decision to block EU treaty changes designed to protect the eurozone.

He told MPs he had gone to Brussels hoping for a deal, but would make no apology for putting Britain's interests first.

Speaking at a joint news conference with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Mr Hague said the UK continued to have a ''central and leading role'' in Europe.