Menu
07/11/2012
EU Budget Rise 'Ludicrous' - Cameron
David Cameron has described as "ludicrous" a proposed rise in the EU budget ahead of talks with Angela Merkel.
The PM was speaking in Abu Dhabi on a three day visit to the Middle East. He said he wanted a freeze on the budget instead.
Cameron faces criticism from some in his party who are asking for a reduction. Germany has said some rise is necessary.
The talks between Merkel and Cameron are due to come before an EU summit in less than three weeks.
At the summit, EU member states will attempt to lay out the next set of spending plans for Brussels.
Cameron said he would make a "very robust and strong argument" to force the European Commission to limit its budget.
He said: "They are proposing a completely ludicrous 100bn euro increase in the European budget.
"I'll be arguing for a very tough outcome. I never had very high hopes for a November agreement because you have got 27 different people round the table with 27 different opinions."
Cameron is under increasing pressure from the Commons following a Labour backed rebellion by 53 Conservative MPs on the EU budget.
An amendment has been passed calling for a real-terms cut in spending between 2014 and 2020.
It was seen as a major blow to Cameron's authority on Europe ahead of the EU budget summit and has been likened to similar problems experienced by John Major in the 90s.
"I feel I am in there fighting for Europe's taxpayers, particularly British taxpayers," Cameron said.
"We have a rebate, we are keeping that rebate. But over and above that rebate I also want to see a good budget outcome for the UK."
(IT/GK)
The PM was speaking in Abu Dhabi on a three day visit to the Middle East. He said he wanted a freeze on the budget instead.
Cameron faces criticism from some in his party who are asking for a reduction. Germany has said some rise is necessary.
The talks between Merkel and Cameron are due to come before an EU summit in less than three weeks.
At the summit, EU member states will attempt to lay out the next set of spending plans for Brussels.
Cameron said he would make a "very robust and strong argument" to force the European Commission to limit its budget.
He said: "They are proposing a completely ludicrous 100bn euro increase in the European budget.
"I'll be arguing for a very tough outcome. I never had very high hopes for a November agreement because you have got 27 different people round the table with 27 different opinions."
Cameron is under increasing pressure from the Commons following a Labour backed rebellion by 53 Conservative MPs on the EU budget.
An amendment has been passed calling for a real-terms cut in spending between 2014 and 2020.
It was seen as a major blow to Cameron's authority on Europe ahead of the EU budget summit and has been likened to similar problems experienced by John Major in the 90s.
"I feel I am in there fighting for Europe's taxpayers, particularly British taxpayers," Cameron said.
"We have a rebate, we are keeping that rebate. But over and above that rebate I also want to see a good budget outcome for the UK."
(IT/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 November 2008
PM Hints At Tax Cuts
Number 10 has failed to quell speculation that a cut in taxation is being considered. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he was looking "at everything" that could be done to help people through the downturn. He told GMTV that tax changes were a matter for the pre-Budget report - which he said would be "in the next few days".
PM Hints At Tax Cuts
Number 10 has failed to quell speculation that a cut in taxation is being considered. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he was looking "at everything" that could be done to help people through the downturn. He told GMTV that tax changes were a matter for the pre-Budget report - which he said would be "in the next few days".
23 November 2012
Cameron Unhappy At Lack Of Progress In EU Budget Talks
As EU budget talks enter their second, David Cameron has said there is a “real problem” with the lack of progress, and warned that it was not the time for "tinkering" with the money spent. The prime minister told reporters that the EU needed to cut "unaffordable spending" as had been done in the UK.
Cameron Unhappy At Lack Of Progress In EU Budget Talks
As EU budget talks enter their second, David Cameron has said there is a “real problem” with the lack of progress, and warned that it was not the time for "tinkering" with the money spent. The prime minister told reporters that the EU needed to cut "unaffordable spending" as had been done in the UK.
04 November 2014
UK Warned Over Interest Charges If EU Payment Deadline Missed
The European Commission has warned that the UK will face charges of more than £3.5 million if it misses the 01 December deadline, for a £1.7 billion payment it has been asked to make to the European Union. It is understood that David Cameron has said the UK has "no intention" of paying the money.
UK Warned Over Interest Charges If EU Payment Deadline Missed
The European Commission has warned that the UK will face charges of more than £3.5 million if it misses the 01 December deadline, for a £1.7 billion payment it has been asked to make to the European Union. It is understood that David Cameron has said the UK has "no intention" of paying the money.
23 September 2014
PM In New York For UN Meeting On IS
The Prime Minister is in New York for a meeting of the UN General Assembly, to find out "what more the UK can do to contribute" in the efforts to confront Islamic State militants. Downing Street has said that David Cameron supports the latest air strikes launched by the US and five other Gulf and Middle East countries.
PM In New York For UN Meeting On IS
The Prime Minister is in New York for a meeting of the UN General Assembly, to find out "what more the UK can do to contribute" in the efforts to confront Islamic State militants. Downing Street has said that David Cameron supports the latest air strikes launched by the US and five other Gulf and Middle East countries.
09 September 2014
Devolution Deal Offered For Scots 'No' Vote
A 'fast-track' deal is being offered to the people of Scotland by the three main UK political parties, should they decide to vote 'no' in the looming independence referendum. The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom.
Devolution Deal Offered For Scots 'No' Vote
A 'fast-track' deal is being offered to the people of Scotland by the three main UK political parties, should they decide to vote 'no' in the looming independence referendum. The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
