Shropshire MP Mark Pritchard joining rebellion on EU budget talks
David Cameron was facing another bruising showdown over Europe today, with Tory backbenchers led by Shropshire MP Mark Pritchard and Labour joining forces to demand a tougher line in budget negotiations.
The PM and Chancellor are said to have been holding personal meetings with wavering MPs as Government whips struggle to minimise a prospective rebellion.
The European Union's funding package for the next seven years is due to be decided at a summit next month, with Mr Cameron threatening to veto any increase above inflation – currently around two per cent.
However, dozens of Conservatives have signed a Commons amendment urging him to hold out for a real-terms cut.
Defeat
Labour has also said the budget should be reduced in recognition of the problems faced by member states, raising the possibility of a humiliating defeat for Mr Cameron.
Commons Speaker John Bercow is expected to confirm this morning that the amendment will be put to a vote after the Opposition signalled it would not table a rival text.
Mr Cameron could also be challenged on the controversial issue at the weekly Prime Minister's Questions session.
Although the result is not binding on the Government, it would be awkward for the premier to defy the will of the House.
Tory rebels said they believed 40 to 60 of their colleagues were ready to back the amendment, including Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard, along with Mark Reckless, Zac Goldsmith, Bill Cash, John Redwood, Bernard Jenkin and Peter Bone. Many more could abstain.
However, some rebels questioned whether all Labour MPs would turn up to support the call.
Mr Pritchard took to Twitter yesterday calling for all MPs to back an EU budget cut.
By David Burrows
