Cameron 'disingenuous' claim, says MEP

Paul Nuttall, UKIP’s Deputy Leader

David Cameron is disingenuous in claiming to want to renegotiate this country's relationship with the EU, said local MEP Paul Nuttall.

And he pointed out that data compiled by UKIP exposes the fact that the Conservatives have voted for 62% of legislative reports passing through the EU Parliament since the start of the year.

Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader, made his comments on the day Foreign Minister William Hague published an audit of the impact of EU membership on UK businesses and public services.

The report, commissioned by David Cameron last year as a backdrop to renegotiating powers, shows some 400 new laws have come into effect since the Coalition Government was formed, costing British business £626 million a year.

"What most people do not realise is that out in Brussels the Conservatives were responsible for voting in favour of two thirds of this year's legislation," said Mr Nuttall.

"Cameron's Conservatives are fully signed-up to the EU project both back at home and in the European Parliament. Actions speak louder than words. Their MEPs have voted for 62% of legislative reports compared to UKIP's 0%. Those figures say it all.

"While UKIP wants the EU to have less power and less control and certainly spend less money, the Conservatives voted to give up to another 90 million euros to Georgia and for Latvia to adopt the Euro.

"The Tories are committed to EU membership and their votes expose this wholeheartedly. The reality is that those who want real EU opposition must vote UKIP," said Mr Nuttall.