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Conservative MEP Leader Calls on Blair to Stand Firm on UK Rebate
Friday January 14, 2005
"The comments today by the EU's Budget Commissioner, Dalia Grybauskait?, make it clear she wants Britain to abandon its EU budget rebate.
"The rebate remains fully justified and has saved British taxpayers tens of billions of pounds since a Conservative Government negotiated it over twenty years ago.
"The Prime Minister must stand firm on this issue, and make clear that he has no intention of negotiating away our rebate in some Euro fudge. Despite strong statements to the contrary, I believe that the British Government cannot be trusted to maintain the rebate which was fought for and secured by Margaret Thatcher.
"Mr Blair is the master of double speak. On this matter, we will watch him like a hawk for any sign of weakness. He must defend the national interest."
ENDS
