David Cameron faces sudden death over Europe. He cannot fail | Martin Kettle

The Tories are currently riding high, but all depends on how they tackle the defining test of this government – the EU referendum

In Goethe’s Faust, the devil makes a wager with the hero. I will do everything you want, the devil says. But if you ever say that you wish that a moment could last forever, you will die. Faust signs the deal, and seals his fate.

David Cameron, so far as we know, has not made a pact with the devil. But for the past two weeks, the Tory party has certainly been savouring its moment. And with good reason. It doesn’t get much better than this for a re-elected prime minister and his victorious party. But the moment will not last forever.

Everything in British politics now hinges on the Europe issue, including the union with Scotland

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