Graham Watson MEP

UK proposals got the reaction they deserved

Published on Wednesday 7th December 2005

Graham Watson MEP (UK Lib Dem), Leader of the group of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament commented on the universal criticism by Foreign Ministers across the EU to the latest budget proposals tabled by the UK Presidency:

"Once again the British Government finds itself virtually isolated in Europe and living up to its reputation as 'perfidious Albion'. When will Blair learn that he cannot play to the eurosceptic gallery at home whilst simultaneously pretending to be the great saviour of Europe?"

"The UK rebate remains the key to breaking the deadlock next week at the EU summit. If there is no genuine offer from Tony Blair to limit the growth of Britain's exclusive annual rebate, the ill will across the continent towards the Brits will persist, making any compromise or concessions impossible. Blair has rubbed salt into the wounds by slashing funding to Europe's poorest nations whilst attempting to ring-fence future windfall payments to his own Treasury. His proposals received the reaction they deserved."

Anne Jensen MEP (Danish Liberal) and ALDE group spokesperson on budgetary matters also warned the UK that they face opposition not only from the majority of Member States but also the European Parliament which also has to sign off any deal: "There is a risk that by presenting proposals so late in the day and demonstrating so little flexibility that the prospects of any inter-institutional agreement on the future multi-annual budgetary framework will become remote and we will resort to annual budget planning."