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17/05/2004
Government urged to come clean on cost of Iraq conflict
The Lib Dems have called on the government to come clean over the financial costs of Britain's involvement in the Iraq war – the bill for which, the party has estimated, may strip taxpayers of around £7 billion.
The party has today pressed defence ministers to confirm estimates that the continuing price of occupation in Iraq is costing British taxpayers more than £100 million a month.
Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable also asked ministers to clarify how much had been spent by the government on the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq; and how much has been set aside in the budget for the continuing presence of UK troops, and for how long.
The 1991 Gulf War cost the UK £2.3 billion, however, friendly Arab countries repaid 80% of the costs of that war. But the price of the recent conflict is being paid fully by British taxpayers, Dr Cable said.
Had the US and UK followed the UN route, rather than going it alone, much of this cost could have been shared with other countries, as happened in 1991, the Lib Dem frontbencher added.
"Because we went to war unilaterally with the United States, this time it is British and US taxpayers who are alone suffering the huge financial burden of war. The eventual cost to us - UK taxpayers - could be as much as £6 or £7 billion," he said.
"This is a phenomenal sum of money. It is time the government came clean and told us exactly how much is being spent in our name, especially if it plans to send even more troops to Iraq.
"Instead President Bush’s determination to go to war, and Tony Blair’s determination to follow him, is now costing British taxpayers billions of our hard-earned money."
Dr Cable added: "The lesson for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown is that being unquestioningly cosy with George Bush has proved very expensive indeed."
(gmcg)
The party has today pressed defence ministers to confirm estimates that the continuing price of occupation in Iraq is costing British taxpayers more than £100 million a month.
Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable also asked ministers to clarify how much had been spent by the government on the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq; and how much has been set aside in the budget for the continuing presence of UK troops, and for how long.
The 1991 Gulf War cost the UK £2.3 billion, however, friendly Arab countries repaid 80% of the costs of that war. But the price of the recent conflict is being paid fully by British taxpayers, Dr Cable said.
Had the US and UK followed the UN route, rather than going it alone, much of this cost could have been shared with other countries, as happened in 1991, the Lib Dem frontbencher added.
"Because we went to war unilaterally with the United States, this time it is British and US taxpayers who are alone suffering the huge financial burden of war. The eventual cost to us - UK taxpayers - could be as much as £6 or £7 billion," he said.
"This is a phenomenal sum of money. It is time the government came clean and told us exactly how much is being spent in our name, especially if it plans to send even more troops to Iraq.
"Instead President Bush’s determination to go to war, and Tony Blair’s determination to follow him, is now costing British taxpayers billions of our hard-earned money."
Dr Cable added: "The lesson for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown is that being unquestioningly cosy with George Bush has proved very expensive indeed."
(gmcg)
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Taxpayers pay heavy price for Blair's 'indecision'
Taxpayers are paying a heavy price for Downing Street's botched and rudderless plans regarding the occupation of Iraq, according to the Lib Dems. Yesterday's announcement that an extra 370 troops will be sent to Iraq could cost British taxpayers over £65 million extra a year, the anti-war party's shadow chancellor Vince Cable said.
Taxpayers pay heavy price for Blair's 'indecision'
Taxpayers are paying a heavy price for Downing Street's botched and rudderless plans regarding the occupation of Iraq, according to the Lib Dems. Yesterday's announcement that an extra 370 troops will be sent to Iraq could cost British taxpayers over £65 million extra a year, the anti-war party's shadow chancellor Vince Cable said.
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22 June 2005
Royal family cost taxpayers £37m-a-year
The latest figures on expenditure from Buckingham Palace has revealed that the taxpayer contributes £36.7 million to the running of the British monarchy. A decease, in real terms, this is equivalent to around 61 pence-per-person each year, as Buckingham Palace announced the publication of its annual report of Royal finances.
Royal family cost taxpayers £37m-a-year
The latest figures on expenditure from Buckingham Palace has revealed that the taxpayer contributes £36.7 million to the running of the British monarchy. A decease, in real terms, this is equivalent to around 61 pence-per-person each year, as Buckingham Palace announced the publication of its annual report of Royal finances.
19 January 2004
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12 December 2013
Ipsa Confirm Pay Rise For MPs
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has confirmed that MPs will receive an 11% pay rise. This will see salaries increase by £7,600 in 2015. The body responsible for setting MPs' salaries has said that once other changes have been taken into account, the rise will not cost taxpayers "a penny more".
Ipsa Confirm Pay Rise For MPs
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has confirmed that MPs will receive an 11% pay rise. This will see salaries increase by £7,600 in 2015. The body responsible for setting MPs' salaries has said that once other changes have been taken into account, the rise will not cost taxpayers "a penny more".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
