MP Bernard Jenkin defends decision to vote against Government on EU budget (From Gazette)

Harwich MP Bernard Jenkin defends vote against Government on EU budget

2:00pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in Clacton, Frinton & Walton

REBEL Tory MP Bernard Jenkin has defended his decision to vote against the Government on the EU budget vote.

Mr Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, said it was unfair to expect Britain to pay vast sums to the EU while Britain was enduring austerity cuts.

Mr Jenkin was one of 53 Conservative MPs to vote with the Labour party calling for a real-term cut in spending.

He said: “I always thought the EU budget was an absolutely toxic issue but at a time when councils, hospitals, the police, ambulance service and Armed forces are enduring cuts, it is bizarre the EU thinks it is immune."

The European Commission's proposed budget for 2014-2020 would see a five per cent increase in spending.

Britain currently pays £15 billion to the EU each year and receives a rebate of £3.1 billion.

It is one of only 12 of 27 countries to pay a net contribution.

Mr Jenkin added: “By 2014/15, the net contribution will be £9.4 billion which equates to £380 per household."