Cameron: Italy ‘clear and present danger’ to euro zone

Italy represents a clear and present danger to the euro zone, Prime Minister David Cameron said today.

"What is happening in Italy is a warning to any country, any government, without a credible plan to deal with excessive debts and excessive deficits that you need a plan and you need to stick to that plan," he said in a speech.

"Italy is the third-largest country in the euro. Its current state is a clear and present danger to the euro zone and the moment of truth is fast approaching," he added.

"If the leaders of the euro zone want to save their currency then they, the governments and institutions of the euro zone, must act now.

"The longer they delay the greater the danger."