EU costs a disgrace, says MEP

MEP Paul Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader

Confirmation that the UK will spend £97.7 billion gross on EU membership between now and 2020 was described as 'a disgrace' by UKIP MEP Louise Bours today.

"Even the net figure of £64.2 billion is eye watering and demonstrates how down-trodden we have become under EU rule," she said.

The confirmation of the figures was given in response to a written question from independent Labour Peer, Lord Stoddart of Swindon, who Ms Bours congratulated for his assiduous questioning on the cost of our EU membership.

"He is spot on saying that, 'the EU will bleed us dry to pay for public services in other member states, while steadily dismantling our Parliamentary democracy and freedoms.'

"We have been told by the government we face more years of austerity and our £1.6 trillion national debt shows no real sign of reduction yet we are still shackled to the money-draining European Union," said Ms Bours, North West Euro MP.

"It is a disgraceful situation and we must leave the EU as a matter of urgency. These debts are creating a terrible financial burden for future generations and they will look back in anger at this folly.

"Meanwhile let us not forget the £8 billion shortfall in the NHS. That is just a drop in the ocean compared to the vast amounts handed over to the EU and it is money we need here, instead of it being wasting in Brussels," she added.