William Hague introduces a Conservative opinion survey
What matters most to you?
 I want to know your views on the important issues facing your family and our country - please take our quick survey today. So much is at stake at the next election. Despite the progress we have made, Britain still faces big challenges - and we must deal with complex problems so that we can continue on the path to a better future. It's absolutely vital we know your views on these issues. So please take two minutes to fill in our survey and let us know what matters most to you, your family and our country:  Thank you,  William Hague |
Comments
“Today I can say this: instead of footing the bill, we have halved the bill, we have delayed the bill, we will pay no interest on the bill."
"we have halved the bill". - when no such thing has been achieved. Its almost as mad as some one stating they have taken a pay cut by stating the top line figure one month and the net figure the next.
So does Mr Osbournes statement count as "a minor lapse of integrity"
Or does quote of the day 8th November still stand?
We cannot know for certain whether the rebate would have been applied to the extra £1.7 billion payment demanded by the commission had not a fuss been made. Conflicting opinions have been expressed on this point.
What is not in dispute is that, following the negotiations, the net amount to be paid by the UK taxpayer is half the £1.7 billion gross amount which the press were originally quoting.
Still a very annoying position, but in that sense at least the Osborne statement has a basis in fact.
we also know that the bill has in no way been reduced, the biggest give away is the fact that this correction is revenue neutral to the EU, which means some places, like the UK and Greece are having to pay more, whilst others are paying less or being refunded (like Germany) so if the UK bill had been Halved, others would have had to pay more, and of course they would have kicked up a fuss, and they have not. So much so that whilst Mr Osbourne was telling the UK press he had "Halved the bill" the rest of the world were hearing a Rether different story.
We will never know what was said in that meeting as it was behind "closed doors" - Democracy EU style.
though its been reported from most others who were in there that he never attempted to reduce the bill, only to delay paying past the next election, the split and forwarding of the rebate also seemed to be an afterthought.