This controversy resurfaced recently, in the wake of a statement made by outspoken Brussels bureaucrat Jose Manuel Barroso.

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Certainly, given the broad range of APEC membership, such a strongly worded statement is likely to make uncomfortable reading in Brussels.

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The two men's differences on the issue were highlighted when the deputy prime minister did not attend the House of Commons on Monday for Mr Cameron's statement to MPs about using the veto in Brussels.

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"We also need to take a hard look at the copyright system we have today in Europe, " said a statement from the European Commission, as hearings got under way in Brussels to assess the latest Google plans.

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But Antonis Samaras, New Democracy's leader, caused consternation in Brussels by apparently refusing to do so following objections from his party (though a later statement left open the possibility).

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