HERTSMERE MP James Clappison has accused former Prime Minister Tony Blair of failing to stand up for Britain’s interests in Europe.
The shadow work and pensions minister spoke out after new figures showed that the ex-premier’s decision to cut the UK’s cash rebate from the European Union will cost the economy almost �10bn.
Negotiated by Margaret Thatcher in 1984, the rebate was substantially reduced by Mr Blair four years ago.
Speaking in 2005, he described the rebate as “an anomaly that has to go”.
However, a report just published by House of Commons researchers shows Britain will lose out on �9.3bn by not receiving the full rebate between 2007 and 2013.
The lost income works out at �344 for every household in the UK.
Mr Clappison said: “Every household will pay the price for years to come.”
He added: “This demonstrates a complete failure to stand up for Britain’s interests.”
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