23/11/2012

Cameron Unhappy At Lack Of Progress In EU Budget Talks

As EU budget talks enter their second, David Cameron has said there is a “real problem” with the lack of progress, and warned that it was not the time for "tinkering" with the money spent.

The prime minister told reporters that the EU needed to cut "unaffordable spending" as had been done in the UK.

As the talks on the 2014-2020 budget resumed it is understood most EU members want a budget increase, but the UK and some others oppose that.

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy circulated a revised proposal for the new budget at the start of the two-day summit and said he believed a compromise was possible.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel said after Thursday's talks: "I think we're advancing a bit, but I doubt that we will reach a deal."

Ahead of the second day of talks Cameron said: "Well I don't think there's been enough progress so far.

"There really is a problem... there hasn't been the progress in cutting back proposals for additional spending.

"It isn't a time for tinkering. It isn't a time for moving money from one part of the budget to another. We need unaffordable spending cut. That's what's happening at home, that's what needs to happen here."

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 October 2014
Crime Victims Pay The Price For Police Budget Cuts
Crime victims are facing a poorer service because of police budget cuts, according to a new survey. The results of a national detectives' survey, undertaken by the Police Federation of England and Wales, highlights the continuing pressure that detective officers throughout the country are under.
14 January 2011
Stormont Budget Hit In Treasury Claw-Back
Although Northern Ireland's Finance Minister and the First and Deputy First Ministers raised their concerns in London, some £300m of Westminster funding is being removed from the Stormont Executive. This is to "sort out a hole" in the Treasury's finances, Minister Sammy Wilson has said.
23 June 2010
SMEs Back Budget Pledges
Small business support group the Forum of Private Business has welcomed a number of key victories for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tuesday's Budget.
25 November 2008
Shadow Chancellor Criticises 'Tax Bombshell Budget'
Chancellor Alistair Darling's pre-budget report represents "the greatest failure of public policy for a generation", according to the Conservatives.
04 October 2007
Ryanair Founder Tony Ryan Dies
Irish entrepreneur Dr Tony Ryan, who founded budget airline Ryanair, has died following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr Ryan, 71, died on Wednesday at his home in Cellbrdge, Co Kildare.