My MEP Robert Sturdy has today condemned the Labour government for selling out the UK taxpayer by agreeing to a massive increase of almost 60% in Britain’s financial contribution to the EU. He believes that a Conservative government would never have given away a large chunk of taxpayers’ money to the EU for no return.
He has already had media interest after we issued a press release criticising this massive increase. Documents recently released by the Treasury in their annual European Community Finances statement revealed that Britain will now contribute £6.4 billion for the year 2010-11, compared to £4.1 billion in 2009-10, an increase of £2.3 billion, or almost 60%.
Much of the increase is because of the reduction of the rebate won by Margaret Thatcher in 1984 which was designed to compensate the UK for the enormous costs of the Common Agricultural Policy which benefits Britain to a much lesser degree than other EU countries. In December 2005, the UK agreed to give up approximately 20% of the rebate for the period 2007-2013.
Mr Sturdy said:
"I remember clearly when Baroness Thatcher secured the rebate for the British taxpayer in 1984 and was shocked when the Labour government agreed to its reduction with nothing in return.
"At a time when the UK economy is in recession, with high unemployment rates and massive public debt, the government is now demanding that every UK household pay the EU £257 as a result of Labour’s sheer incompetence
"This increase in the EU budget could be spent much better improving essential public services in the UK, such as hospitals, schools and the police force. What makes this situation even worse is that further increases are planned for the future. The government should ensure that the money we already give to the EU is spent efficiently and is properly accounted for, instead of taking more from our hard working taxpayers.â€
Hear, hear, Ellie. If we’re looking for savings from a Conservative government, this is an obvious one.
Yes, agreed, and I enjoyed your dialogue about this on Facebook last night, though I only read it this morning.
Which party will give us our referendum – without strings ?
The Tories signed up to Maastricht which truly changed the face of this country.
Though I hate them I hope Labour wins the next election with a low voter turnout. The Tory party as it stands is no good for Britain – it needs another drubbing, Cameron kicked out and Daniel Hannan put in his place.
Utterly agree with E Kevin .
Cameron is only Blair in a blue jumper and shows no intention of sorting ( better still getting out) the EU nightmare .
He would if elected forget all his promises on an EU referendum .
He’s no Maggie and by the way Vicky Ford’s no Churchill ( inspite of her claims in the Cambridge News )
Time for a change of leadership in the Tory party before its too late . Id go for David Davies at least he has principles and hasnt just been a rich kid on the block .
Sturdy’s right but it’s an old story
Yes, this was an incredible betrayal. But don’t think Bliar didn’t get anything – he’s simply not European president yet.
Did Blair get this in order to be Euro President?
PS if E-kevin wants Hannan for PM he must be more than a bit cracked. I’m all for right wing idealogues stimulating debate but I find the thought of them running the country rather frightening
Hi,
I agree with Jean-Luc-Picard, that’s an open question… we’ll see