Commenting on the abrasive attack yesterday by the incoming EU Budget Commissioner on the British Rebate, DUP MEP, Jim Allister QC, said, "As I have previously warned, Brussels and the rest of Europe is preparing to rob the UK of the 4.6Billion euro which it annually recovers from its vast contribution as a main paymaster of Europe.

Yesterday's declaration by Dalia Grybauskaite, during the ratification hearing in Brussels,  that she is determined to press this issue and implement a new system, will make this a critical issue over the coming months and years.

Under the current rules, the UK's rebate could expand to 7 billion euros per annum.  The Commission wish to bring in a system whereby a total of 7.5 billion would be shared among all net contributors, probably meaning that the UK's rebate would fall to below less than half its current level.  This must not be allowed to happen. The British rebate was hard won by Margaret Thatcher.  It is merited and must not be lost.

It is important though that this issue is not swept under the carpet until after the referendum on the proposed EU constitution. It would suit the British Government, in its pursuit of a Yes vote, to not have any debate on the financial cost of membership.  Threatened reduction in the rebate should focus attention on this core issue."