EU budget veto threat is 'absolutely ludicrous', says Ken Clarke
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is “absolutely ludicrous” for the UK to go to Brussels intending to veto the EU budget, Ken Clarke said today.
The Cabinet minister added that such a position would be "absurd".
He was speaking after Prime Minister David Cameron said last night that he would veto the financial package if it was not a good deal for Britain.
"It's absolutely ludicrous to go there intending to veto," Mr Clarke said.
"It's just absurd."
Speaking after an event at the Policy Exchange think-tank in central London, the Minister without Portfolio went on: "Every one of the 27 member states has a veto. What they've got to do is reach a negotiated situation.
"Of course people have a veto.
"Any government will veto it if it goes too far in one direction or the other.
"The Commons vote doesn't tie anybody to anything."
Mr Clarke sought to clarify his remarks, saying: "The clear meaning of what I said was that we cannot go intending to exercise a veto before we actually arrive.
"But we have an undoubted right to exercise a veto if we cannot negotiate a satisfactory conclusion."
Referring to the Prime Minister and the Commons vote, Mr Clarke added that it "just strengthens his negotiating position".
Last night, Mr Cameron said he would listen very carefully to Parliament after Tory backbenchers inflicted a stinging defeat on the coalition over the EU budget.
But the Prime Minister insisted the Government was taking the toughest ever approach to the negotiations over how much Britain paid to Brussels.
"Of course I will listen carefully to Parliament but we should be absolutely clear this Government is taking the toughest approach to the EU budget of any government in this country's history," he told a Downing Street press conference.
"If we don't get what I consider to be a good deal for Britain, I have no hesitation in vetoing the multi-financial package."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments