Allister opposes Turkey's admission to EU
12 March 2009
During a further debate in the European Parliament on Turkish accession to the EU Jim Allister MEP again voiced his opposition, this time highlighting the cost on the member states, like the UK, which bankroll the EU.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"I never have supported the admission of non-European Turkey into the EU, but the current economic downturn makes me more convinced in that view than ever.
As a huge net contributor the UK carries a disproportionate burden in funding the EU. So, when it comes to the massive additional cost of enlargement to include Turkey, we would be burdened beyond what we could bear.
With a reduced tax base, falling income and increased welfare outlay, and a crippling debt legacy to pay off for decades from mismanagement by the Labour Government, we can't go on taking out our diminishing cheque book to pay for Turkish enlargement.
Call that narrow, national mercenary interest, if you will, but to me it is inescapable common and fiscal sense."
