Whilst everyone else, from individuals to governments, are trying to reduce costs and keep things on track, Labour MEPs pushed for an INCREASE in the EU budget of nearly 6% in the European Parliament.

Liberal Democrat Euro-MPs voted to freeze the €130 million EU budget at 2010 levels.

Labour MEPs voted against that freeze and in favour of £1.5 million more EU money for trade unions, more for the expensive EU earth observation programme, and more money for EU information centres. Labour MEPs also rejected an amendment expressing concern that European Parliament pensions took no account of the current economic crisis.

Cllr Allan Witherick said “I’m pro-European Union, like many Liberal Democrats, and we know the pressures currently being faced. But it really says something when Labour tell us at home that the budget shouldn’t be increased- yet their members vote for it.”