QUOTE OF THE MONTH

‘Seldom in the course of European negotiations has so much been surrendered for so little.’

William Hague [the ex-Tory leader and new Tory shadow foreign secretary], commenting on the outcome of the recent EU summit.

The outcome for the UK is appalling. Tony Blair has simply agreed to forego not only more than £1billion per annum of the British rebate, but has also agreed to pay more over to the EU in the first place. The combined cost will lead to a 63% higher net payment in the period 2007-2013 than in the last 7 year period.

The total net cost being £40billion [ie a £15billion increase] over 7 years.

This increase is being funded by the English taxpayer - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all in deficit. It is English taxpayer’s money which Tony Blair is giving away.