Speaking today, DUP MEP Jim Allister QC said, “It is imperative in the British national interest that there is no fudge or budge on the British rebate. As a nation the EU has cost us dear.

The United Kingdom has always been a net contributor, that is, even with the UK rebate, we contribute more than we get back. The UK’s net contribution can vary considerably from year to year. The table below sets out the UK’s contribution, abatement and public sector receipts from the EU for the period 1998 – 2004, showing an estimated net contribution of over £4 B in 2004. Taken over all our years of membership it is clear that EU membership has been a massive drain on our financial resources”.

Gross payments, abatement and receipts (Calendar Years)

£ million

Mr Allister concluded, “While others sponge off Europe, the UK pays in far too much. The rebate must not be surrendered, nor can it be used as the scapegoat for Europe’s multiple ills. It is not the rebate which causes loss to EU resources but excessive waste and foolish projects.  With the Court of Auditors refusing to sign off EU spending for each of the last 10 years, it is clear that the books are a shambles and fraudulent leaching of funds is rife.”