Cameron: UK won't pay £1.7bn EU bill

[Lite Beer]

Cameron: UK won't pay £1.7bn EU bill

LONDON: -- David Cameron has angrily insisted the UK will not pay £1.7bn being demanded by the European Union.

"If people think I am paying that bill on 1 December, they have another think coming," the prime minister said in Brussels. "It is not going to happen."

But Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the demand should "not have come as a surprise" to the UK.

He said it was made under a system agreed by all the member states and based on data provided by them.

EU finance ministers have agreed to the UK's request for emergency talks about the top-up payment, which would add about a fifth to the UK's net EU contribution of £8.6bn for this year.

'Not acceptable'
Mr Cameron said he was "downright angry" and said the British public would find the "vast" sum "totally unacceptable".

"It is an unacceptable way for this organisation to work - to suddenly present a bill like this for such a vast sum of money with so little time to pay it," he said.

"It is an unacceptable way to treat a country which is one of the biggest contributors to the EU."

Read More: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-29754168

-- BBC 2014-10-25

[Mosha]

I think the EU are campaigning for UKIP

[terryp]

more bull it will be paid as always (maybe indirect but it will be paid)...the British Q gave up soverenty to the eu In the 70"s it is all over

[robcar]

He obviously has a temporary loan of someones balls............... tnere is no way he has grown a set of his own

Edited October 25, 2014 by robcar

[shirtless]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

[bkkcanuck8]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

Exactly! That is why Scotland should have left the UK, get rid of that extra layer of government admin

[Manbing]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

[bkkcanuck8]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

Which is why every UK person should refuse to pay their tax bill, and only pay what they want

[Manbing]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

I think your position in this matter is illinformed.

Economic Unions are interested in reducing trade barriers and elimating customs and excise costs to manufacturers and buyers of commerce, for imports and exports.

Sure there are inherent risks and costs associated with these cooperatives.

They need administration though and agreements to negotiate the different constitutions of various members.

[Thanet]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

Right - Cameron's just a gasbag PR man.

None of what he says he will do is going to happen.

[DiamondKing]

I think the EU are campaigning for UKIP

awesome ukip IS THE FUTURE FOR the UK

[MDS]

Nope won't pay on the 1st because it's a Saturday and he can't get to the bank. Will have to wait until Monday 3rd !

Not really but he will pay unfortunately.

Edited October 25, 2014 by MDS

[Suffinator]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

Exactly! That is why Scotland should have left the UK, get rid of that extra layer of government admin

If Scotland had declared independence it would have lost the pound and therefore almost forced to adopt the EU - they would have added another layer and more of gov admin. You should study the EU structure to fully understand just how the EU has managed to bankrupt itself by uncontrolled spending and allowing certain member states, such as Spain and Greece to continue spending without any fiscal policy.

[bkkcanuck8]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

Exactly! That is why Scotland should have left the UK, get rid of that extra layer of government admin

If Scotland had declared independence it would have lost the pound and therefore almost forced to adopt the EU - they would have added another layer and more of gov admin. You should study the EU structure to fully understand just how the EU has managed to bankrupt itself by uncontrolled spending and allowing certain member states, such as Spain and Greece to continue spending without any fiscal policy.

Maybe, but if Scotland was FORCED to use the EU right away - it would harm England almost as much as anything that would happen to Scotland - therefore rational minds would likely have worked out a transition period. Suddenly all that oil and gas that you would import would be the outflow of GBP into a foreign currency which would cause a dramatic change in the balance of inflow vs outflow.... so it would not be in the interest of England to force the premature move of Scotland to the EU as punishment. It would of course mean that an independent Scotland would still have to abide by strict monetary budget requirements while they were using the GBP. The colonies such as Canada and Australia really became independent in stages and although Canada was officially independent in 1867 it was not until just before 1939 that we were for all intents and purposes independent (which is why lobbying was required to make sure Canada entered WWII at the same time Britian did).

[eastcanje]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

1) How is the money (paid by Britain) used?

2) I would assume that different member nations of the EU contribute different amounts...how is that decided?

[RustBucket]

more bull it will be paid as always (maybe indirect but it will be paid)...the British Q gave up soverenty to the eu In the 70"s it is all over

The British Q (as you put it) gave up nothing.

It was done by the politicians who lied to the British people before a referendum that the then EEC was nothing more than a trade agreement.

The British public have been campaigning for a new referendum for the past 30 years which has been fruitless until now.

Nigel Farage must think all his Christmases have come at once.

There WILL be a new referendum as soon as next year, and now with this news it is being hinted that it may even be possible to see one before the next election in May. Which would be a master stroke from Cameron to regain popularity.

I guarantee I know the way the referendum will go..... landslide OUT!!!

So yes, in a way.... IT WILL BE ALL OVER. All over for the EU, because if Britain pulls out, the German public will demand their own referendum and probably so will the French, and that will be the domino topple.

Edited October 25, 2014 by RustBucket

[Baerboxer]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

I think your position in this matter is illinformed.

Economic Unions are interested in reducing trade barriers and elimating customs and excise costs to manufacturers and buyers of commerce, for imports and exports.

Sure there are inherent risks and costs associated with these cooperatives.

They need administration though and agreements to negotiate the different constitutions of various members.

I think you are ill informed. I wish you were right and the EU was the intended economic union I voted to join. Unfortunately too many members have federalist aspirations and the layers of unnecessary bureaucracy have become associated with trivia and opulent expenditure.

Some countries use membership purely as a gravy train and make little if any effort to improve their productivity or control spending. Greece, Spain, are particular examples who want a lot for nothing. I feel for my German friends who are sick of subsiding them and rescuing them. France is an economic basket case that is getting worse and simply won't change in certain parts. The true state of Italy is unknown.

Maybe some member countries would do better trying to put their own house in order, rather than always holding up the begging bowl and expecting others to pay for the lazy ineptitude.

[Baerboxer]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

Exactly! That is why Scotland should have left the UK, get rid of that extra layer of government admin

Thankfully, the majority of Scots are intelligent enough to realize the benefits of the Union, and helping keep it strong, far outweigh the benefits of leaving.

How many layers of government exist in Canada? Maybe Quebec should consider another referendum based on your simple criteria?

[sean in udon]

He obviously has a temporary loan of someones balls............... tnere is no way he has grown a set of his own

Sadly, only the appearance of having some balls. Look at the specific words he has chosen:

"If people think I am paying that bill on 1 December, they have another think coming," the prime minister said in Brussels. "It is not going to happen".

"It is an unacceptable way for this organisation to work - to suddenly present a bill like this for such a vast sum of money with so little time to pay it,"

Not going to be paid on December 1st and unacceptable to have a big bill with little time to pay.

He will posture and stamp his feet for a while and then give in.

The good news is, by giving in and paying, he's limited chances of being PM again are screwed. And a massive bonus for UKIP, the sort of promotion that money couldn't buy.

The sad thing about that last sentence is that money did buy it. The UK taxpayer gets shafted again.

And Germany gets a rebate? <deleted>!

Edited October 26, 2014 by metisdead

[RustBucket]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

You are talking complete crud.

The UK can cancel membership any time they want to, it is as simple as that, because we have a sovereign right to leave.

The UK does NOT get more out of the EU than they put in, they probably get the least compared with everyone else. The British have paid in probably hundreds of billions over the years.

France is the country that does the best from the EU... The EU has been pretty much run by France and Germany since the eighties.

Stay away from politics because your post basically screams that you know nothing about European politics, so you should not really be commenting on something you know nowt about.

That is why I don't comment on the motoring forums, I know nothing about it.

[Manbing]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

You are talking complete crud.

The UK can cancel membership any time they want to, it is as simple as that, because we have a sovereign right to leave.

The UK does NOT get more out of the EU than they put in, they probably get the least compared with everyone else. The British have paid in probably hundreds of billions over the years.

France is the country that does the best from the EU... The EU has been pretty much run by France and Germany since the eighties.

Stay away from politics because your post basically screams that you know nothing about European politics, so you should not really be commenting on something you know nowt about.

That is why I don't comment on the motoring forums, I know nothing about it.

Things you know nothing about seems to be a large range of topics. In case you missed the story it's related to economics not politics. I work for a respected economics research department in Thailand. I think that gives me something of a legitimate platform from which to comment.

As I said earlier, benefits through reduced trade tariffs are larger than costs of membership.

If it was in the interests of the UK to leave, and it was so easy to leave, why remain?

No one is holding a gun to their heads.

Stick to commenting on the Daily Mail stories it's clearly more your cup of tea.

[RustBucket]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

You are talking complete crud.

The UK can cancel membership any time they want to, it is as simple as that, because we have a sovereign right to leave.

The UK does NOT get more out of the EU than they put in, they probably get the least compared with everyone else. The British have paid in probably hundreds of billions over the years.

France is the country that does the best from the EU... The EU has been pretty much run by France and Germany since the eighties.

Stay away from politics because your post basically screams that you know nothing about European politics, so you should not really be commenting on something you know nowt about.

That is why I don't comment on the motoring forums, I know nothing about it.

Things you know nothing about seems to be a large range of topics. In case you missed the story it's related to economics not politics. I work for a respected economics research department in Thailand. I think that gives me something of a legitimate platform from which to comment.

As I said earlier, benefits through reduced trade tariffs are larger than costs of membership.

If it was in the interests of the UK to leave, and it was so easy to leave, why remain?

No one is holding a gun to their heads.

Stick to commenting on the Daily Mail stories it's clearly more your cup of tea.

OK Mr 'supposedly' economic expert.

Which EU country is the biggest market for imported EU products and then explain the ramifications of being that country under your 'trade tariff' system.

But that aside.... It is not only about tariffs, it is about immigration open door policy, it is about 75% of Britain's laws being made in Brussels by an unelected commission, it is about the EU trying to pull the UK into a federal superstate, it is about the antidemocratic stance of the EU over failed states they have been forced to bail out.

No democracy in Greece any more, and they even told Ireland to suspend its democracy.

I don't want the EUand the sooner we get out the better.... All trade agreements can still stand between the UK and the EU. We won't be frozen out, we are too valuable as a market.

[bkkcanuck8]

No countries in the world need any extra government it just adds to costs , ask the EU ministers to cut expenses we all know that will never happen, they just spend then tax, I hope UKip get in power .

Exactly! That is why Scotland should have left the UK, get rid of that extra layer of government admin

Thankfully, the majority of Scots are intelligent enough to realize the benefits of the Union, and helping keep it strong, far outweigh the benefits of leaving.

How many layers of government exist in Canada? Maybe Quebec should consider another referendum based on your simple criteria?

You seem to think I am afraid of the inevitable. Everytime they hold a referendum it gets closer to that threshold, in and the politics of fear of separation becomes less and less. Quebec wants to govern itself with powers closer to the people, the English speaking (majority) provinces meanwhile don't want to go as far - and they don't want other provinces getting what they don't want anyways -- every province to be treated the same. So yes, there is an inevitability (IMHO) that eventually they will vote for separation and then the rest of Canada will have to come back to the table and negotiate some middle ground for the sake of the economy (to minimize the economic risks). If the majority of Quebecois want to leave - then that is what the future holds. The majority of Scots want "max devolution" which is basically full country powers without the risks of economic dislocation. It is what the balance have more or less stated on exit polls, it is what they believe was promised to them and failure there will eventually bring them back to the polls again ... maybe in 15 years or so. I find it sort of ironic that English are stating two completely different things - separation is wrong when it is Scotland - but right if it is the UK visa vie the EU.

[Manbing]

Clearly you are spoiling for an arguement.

1. It's not my system.

2. I have made no comments about the rest of the union

3. I have no interest in whether the UK remains a member.

This is a simple explaination of how it works.

The UK manufacture sweet FA.

It's reliant on imports for most of its consumption

The majority of the working public earn considerably less than they used to, to buy what they need and want.

The government pays their membership levies and offset these costs via taxes passed on to consumers.

Leaving the EU will mean an increase in various trade costs, which would be passed onto the consumer. The costs of imports would rise.

They will buy less as they have less money to spend as costs rise.

Buying less means companies in the UK selling less, leading to unemployment and failing businesses. So the EU remains an important and I agree heavily flawed system essential to the UKs interests.

Sure it's a simple explaination but none the less true.

BTW I don't give a tinkers doodle whether this happens or not. I am Australian.

[bartender100]

Whats a couple of billion more? we are never going to pay off the national debt anyway

http://www.nationaldebtclock.co.uk/

[sean in udon]

Things you know nothing about seems to be a large range of topics. In case you missed the story it's related to economics not politics. I work for a respected economics research department in Thailand. I think that gives me something of a legitimate platform from which to comment.

As I said earlier, benefits through reduced trade tariffs are larger than costs of membership.

If it was in the interests of the UK to leave, and it was so easy to leave, why remain?

No one is holding a gun to their heads.

"...respected economics research department in Thailand."

Respected by who? Thailand isn't exactly famous for garnering respect.

"If it was in the interests of the UK to leave, and it was so easy to leave, why remain?"

Ask the average man/woman on the street and you'll probably find the majority want to leave. Politicians? Not a chance. They have too many friends suckling on the fat beast that is the EU.

Money dictates the motives and actions of those in power. They usually only bend to the will of the people if it suits their needs or the repercussions of disobedience threatens their livelihood.

[khunken]

A ridiculous position, aimed at garnering support from the UKIP fraternaty.

He knows he has to pay it, I suppose its a bit like asking someone to pay a utility bill within a fixed time. But in order to really get this entitled ass to understand the point, its like having to pay your club membership fees.

Of course one rule for tory elites another for the plebs.

The bottom line is that the UK get more out of the EU than they put in. Right now the UK couldn't drop out even if they wanted to. There is a recession going on and they simply can't afford it.

You are talking complete crud.

The UK can cancel membership any time they want to, it is as simple as that, because we have a sovereign right to leave.

The UK does NOT get more out of the EU than they put in, they probably get the least compared with everyone else. The British have paid in probably hundreds of billions over the years.

France is the country that does the best from the EU... The EU has been pretty much run by France and Germany since the eighties.

Stay away from politics because your post basically screams that you know nothing about European politics, so you should not really be commenting on something you know nowt about.

That is why I don't comment on the motoring forums, I know nothing about it.

Things you know nothing about seems to be a large range of topics. In case you missed the story it's related to economics not politics. I work for a respected economics research department in Thailand. I think that gives me something of a legitimate platform from which to comment.

As I said earlier, benefits through reduced trade tariffs are larger than costs of membership.

If it was in the interests of the UK to leave, and it was so easy to leave, why remain?

No one is holding a gun to their heads.

Stick to commenting on the Daily Mail stories it's clearly more your cup of tea.

OK Mr 'supposedly' economic expert.

Which EU country is the biggest market for imported EU products and then explain the ramifications of being that country under your 'trade tariff' system.

But that aside.... It is not only about tariffs, it is about immigration open door policy, it is about 75% of Britain's laws being made in Brussels by an unelected commission, it is about the EU trying to pull the UK into a federal superstate, it is about the antidemocratic stance of the EU over failed states they have been forced to bail out.

No democracy in Greece any more, and they even told Ireland to suspend its democracy.

I don't want the EUand the sooner we get out the better.... All trade agreements can still stand between the UK and the EU. We won't be frozen out, we are too valuable as a market.

If the rest of your post is as ignorant as 'they even told Ireland to suspend its democracy.', then you don't know what you're writing about.

Manbing is completely right about the economic benefits for trade of being in the EU and I applaud the EU for having an upper house that can challenge any stupid laws passed by individual country's politicians.

I'll go further, Instead of constant complaining about the EU, if only the UK had stood up to be counted and not allowed Germany & France to be the real power in the EU, the UK would have had a lot more influence on decision making. It's nothing but sour grapes with the previously defeated Germans now the top dog.

[firefox999uk]

I don't care either way, but i was sent this email by a friend in the UK recently,

and it sure woke me up to what England has become. boy is he right...

I think so anyway.

Email:-

Irrespective of whether you like the man or not this is brilliant.

Why are those in power worried about this man and his party...?

Absolutely Brilliant one of the best e-mails in ages!
Nigel Farage UKIP

Nigel Farage for Prime Minister.

This is what he said:

"I am the Tory Party's Worst Nightmare.
I am a White, Tax-Paying, God fearing English man.
I am a hard working Brit and I work long hours to earn a living.

I believe in God and the freedom of religion,
But I don't push it on others.

I believe in British products
And buy them whenever I can.

I believe the money I make belongs to me
And not to some governmental functionary,
To share with others who don't work!

I think owning a home doesn't make you a capitalist;
It makes you a smart Brit.

I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized,
And does not entitle you to anything.
Get over it.
Join in with the majority!

I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac,
You should do it in English.
I believe there should be no other language option.

I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God
When and where they want to.

My heroes are fellow Brits like Freddy Flintoff
And Winston Churchill
And I know I've missed a few thousand!!!!!

I don't hate the rich.
What I hate is the way they always manage to avoid paying proper
taxes.
I don't pity the poor,
I just hate the way they are always moaning that they are hard done
by!!

I know wrestling is fake
And I don't waste my time watching or arguing about it.

I believe if you don't like the way things are here,
Go back to where you came from
And change your own country!

This is ENGLAND ......
We like it the way it is and even more so the way it was
So stop trying to change it to look like some other socialist country!

If you were born or legally migrated here
And don't like it... You are free to move
To any Socialist country that will have you.
I believe it is time to really clean house,
Starting with the House of Commons,
The seat of our biggest problems.

I want to know where the "Do Gooders" get their money from,
And why are they always part of the problem and not the solution?
Can I get an AMEN on that one?

I also think the cops have the right to pull you over if you're
breaking the law,
Regardless of what race, colour or creed you are.
And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my driving licence.
I think it's good....

I dislike those people trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to
their cause.
Get a job and support yourself and your family!

I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think!

I believe the Union Jack flag should be allowed to be flown
Anywhere in the United Kingdom !

If this makes me a BAD Brit,
Then yes, I'm a BAD Brit.
If you are a BAD Brit too,
Please forward this to everyone you know....

We want our country back! My Country.....

I hope this offends all illegal aliens.

My great, great grandfather watched as his friends died in the Boer
War.
My grandfather watched and bled as his friends died in World Wars 1&2.
I watched as my friends died in Sierra Leone Bosnia, & Desert Storm.
Our sons and daughters watched & bled as their friends
Died in Afghanistan and Iraq .
None of them died for the Afghanistan and Iraq Flag.
Every Briton died for the British flag.

At one high school,
Foreign students raised a Middle East flag on a school flag pole.
British students took it down.
Guess who was expelled.
The students who took it down .

West London high school students were sent home,
Because they wore T-shirts with the Union Jack flag printed on them.

What is going on??
What idiots do we have in authority??
Enough is enough.

This message needs to be viewed by every Brit;
And every Briton needs to stand up for Britain .
We've bent over to appease the Brit-haters long enough.
I'm taking a stand.

I'm standing up because of the millions
Who died fighting in wars for this country,
And for the British flag.

And shame on anyone who tries to
Make this a racist message.
IT IS NOT !

Britons, stop giving away Your RIGHTS !

THIS IS OUR COUNTRY !

This statement DOES NOT mean I'm against immigration !

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE, IN MY COUNTRY,
Welcome to come legally:

1. Get a sponsor !
2. Learn the LANGUAGE, as immigrants have in the past!
3. Live by OUR rules ! Dress as we Britons Do
4. Get a job !
5. Pay YOUR Taxes !
6. No Social Security until you have earned it and paid for it !
7. Find a place to lay your head !

If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone,
then YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !

We've gone so far the other way.
bent over backwards not to offend anyone.

WAKE UP BRITAIN ! ! !

If you do not Pass this on, may your fingers cramp !

Made in BRITAIN & DAMN PROUD OF IT!!!!!"

AMEN"

Nigel Farage
UKIP

End of Email...

Have a Nice Day.

[H1w4yR1da]

If Farang actually wrote that, my already high respect for him has increased 10 fold.

[bkk_mike]

I thought the issue was that Britain has had to restate it's GDP figures because the treasury can't count.

Those figures fed into the calculation of the UK's payments into the EU.

All that's happened is the EU recalculated the UK payment for the last 11 years in line with the new figures and worked out the amount owed.

The UK government might have a point in relation to the deadline, but it's the Treasury that couldn't get it's sums right, so shouldn't there be some civil servant somewhere getting sacked for this.