EU Budget (Surcharge) Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Monday 10th November 2014

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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As I have already explained, the negotiation and discussion on the rebate are had with the European Commission. The full amount, which was universally discussed in this House beforehand and by the shadow Chancellor in The Guardian, was £1.7 billion. As a result of our negotiation and intensive discussion, we will be paying £850 million.

David Rutley Portrait David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)
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I am pleased that my right hon. Friend has secured a change in the way that the surcharge formulas are calculated. Can he confirm that the UK will never be penalised in this way again for a strong economic performance?

George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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We will never face such a large payment or such an unexpected period of time in which to pay, which is why we are getting permanent changes to the budget rules. That requires the consent of all member states, and we have that.