Local MEP calls for Brussels to tighten its belt and reject inflated EU Budget.

On Thursday the European Parliament will vote on the EU's budget for 2010. The total of nearly €123 billion is roughly equal to the amount spent on the entire NHS for England in a similar time period. The UK is the second largest net contributor to the EU's budget. Vicky Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England, announced her intention to reject any increase in the EU budget by voting against it in Strasbourg this week.

Vicky said

"We are now being asked to vote through an increase of €3 billion from last year, above the rate of inflation. In my first 6 months in the European Parliament I have seen politicians constantly asking for more and more taxpayers' money but very little attempt to find even the most basic of savings.

"About 80% of this money is sent back from Brussels to fund projects in different countries including the UK. Some of these are excellent projects, for example, East Anglia recently received €9.2 million to upgrade the railways for freight. However, recycling British taxpayers' money through Brussels is extremely bureaucratic and often adds additional costs.

"At home we know that our public spending needs to be reduced both in Westminster and locally - many Councils across East Anglia are already struggling hard to balance the books. Continually boosting the budget, especially in such dire economic times, is completely irresponsible; Brussels' politicians must be held to account."

For Further information please call:

Vicky Ford (+44) 7771 812 976

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