EU: UK Net Contributions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

EU: UK Net Contributions

Lord Davies of Oldham Excerpts
Wednesday 24th October 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Sassoon Portrait Lord Sassoon
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I would love to see that happen. Of course, I cannot give any assurances about how it will play out.

Lord Davies of Oldham Portrait Lord Davies of Oldham
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My Lords, of course we agree that the European budget needs to be tightly controlled and, if possible, redirected towards jobs and growth. We are not too confident that this Government will produce the same priorities. However, can the Minister confirm that the Prime Minister will be calling on his many friends among the leaders in Europe in this negotiation?

Lord Sassoon Portrait Lord Sassoon
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What I can confirm is that the UK’s priorities for expenditure include the following: substantial cuts to the common agricultural policy. However, I agree with the noble Lord that priorities for the UK include growth and competitiveness, climate change and external action. I am not going to speculate on how the negotiations will play out.