We must prepare now for EU renegotiation The lifting of restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian immigration in the coming New Year has crystallised in the minds of many voters just how powerless we can be in the face of an ever-expanding European Union. Aside from fears about the pressure on jobs and services, it illustrates how much of our sovereignty we have lost. Our borders have been steadily prised open. Against this background, senior MPs have started travelling to European capitals to discuss how to reform the EU ahead of the in/out referendum David Cameron has promised to hold by 2017. This week the Fresh Start group of Conservative MPs will also publish a "negotiating mandate" laying out 10 areas of necessary reform - and tackling the problem of so-called benefits tourism will be part of the discussion. The group will additionally identify the need to end the drive towards a "Euro-Army," to limit subsidies available for farming to efficient and productive businesses and achieving greater democratic accountability. These are sensible ideas and we would join the voices of those saying that the Prime Minister must draft his negotiating position as soon as possible. The more work that is done now, before the 2015 election, the more fruitful the negotiations will be should Mr Cameron win a second term. His vision for a reformed EU needs to be clear, practical and directly to address the concerns of voters. This could be the moment that redefines our relationship with Europe for ever.