Ministers say EU veto won't sink UK's coalition

(AP) Senior members of Britain's government insist Prime Minister David Cameron's veto to a Europe-wide treaty to create closer fiscal ties won't sink his coalition.

Nick Clegg, deputy prime minister and leader of the pro-European Liberal Democrats, has said he was "bitterly disappointed" by Cameron's decision.

The Liberal Democrats are junior partners to Cameron's Conservatives in Britain's coalition government.

Senior Liberal Democrat Danny Alexander, Britain's deputy Treasury chief, said on Monday that differences over Europe won't "threaten the coalition."

Many regard Clegg's criticism of Cameron as a ploy aimed at placating his restive rank and file.

Cameron is scheduled to address lawmakers on Monday afternoon about his decision to snub a new European Union treaty.