Local MP leads rebellion against European budget increase

22nd October 2010
Local MP leads rebellion against European budget increase

Local MP, Gordon Henderson would like to see the Government unilaterally reduce the United Kingdom’s contribution to the EU budget for 2011 by the average percentage cut imposed on Whitehall departments.

Mr Henderson also insisted that if the European Commission and Parliament are not happy with the Government’s decision and kick up a fuss, then the Government should hold an immediate referendum on Britain’s continued membership of the EU and let the British People decide our future once and for all.

Mr Henderson’s demand was made in a speech in the House of Commons, where Mr Henderson told fellow members that the EU Commission proposed to increase the EU budget next year by 5.8%, which in real money represents an increase of £6.2 billion pounds. The UK alone could expect to pay nearly £2 billion more in the coming year.

Mr Henderson expressed his concern that during an era of financial uncertainly and austerity, the British Government were expected to hand over to the European Union billions of pounds to waste on grandiose schemes such as the European External Action Service and the Institute of Gender Equality in Vilnius, Lithuania, and for which incidentally he said, the United Kingdom is being asked to cough up £800,000 next year.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Justine Greening MP said:

“In the wake of the worst financial crisis in living memory, there is no justification for an increase in the EU's annual budget of nearly 6%.

“We are already talking to our partners in Europe and in our group-the European Conservatives and Reformists. The Whip in charge of that group assures us that they will be voting against a rise in the European Parliament when it comes before them.”

Mr Henderson said, “I am delighted that the Government recognise the stupidity of the European Commission’s decision to increase its budget next year, however, I would like them to go one step further and actually reduce the amount British tax payers are expected to give Brussels.”

Mr Henderson was one of 34 Conservative MP’s who voted against the Government position.

CLICK HERE TO READ GORDON HENDERSON'S FULL SPEECH