EU budget proposals

Dear Editor,

The European Commission's recent proposal for the EU's budget in 2013 is out of touch and unacceptable. London taxpayers cannot afford to help finance a 6.8% increase on the 2012 level of spending.

The vast majority (94%) of EU budget spending is in fact on the ground in the 27 member countries, not on administrative costs in Brussels. The national governments need to engage with Euro-MPs in a serious effort to cut spending, not least on the Common Agricultural Policy.

But in addition, MEPs have confirmed repeatedly our opposition to having two European Parliament seats. Chopping the 'travelling circus' once a month to Strasbourg would save £180 million a year. Only the 27 governments have the power to change EU rules to liberate us from this absurdity and lift the burden on hard-pressed taxpayers. My ‘One Seat’ petition can be signed here: http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/petition_one_seat
  
There needs to be a thorough audit of all EU expenditure, a focus on top priorities - such as investment for jobs - and a ruthless pruning of waste.

This letter was sent to London local papers on May 8th 2012