Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 48
48
Rejected
It is disappointing that the EU has recently and unilaterally introduced a significant new element...
Conclusion
It is disappointing that the EU has recently and unilaterally introduced a significant new element into the “reset” negotiations by asking the UK to make a financial contribution to economic development of lower-income EU countries. Such a demand was not included in the Common Understanding. Introducing it in this way risks undermining confidence in the UK that the delicate balance of interests reflected in the Common Understanding is being respected and remains the basis for further negotiations in good faith. (Conclusion, Paragraph 128)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government explicitly states it will not make a financial contribution to the EU budget, clarifying its firm stance against the EU's demand for financial contributions to lower-income EU countries.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government · verbatim extract
Rejected
The Government is clear that we will not make a financial contribution to the EU budget. Any potential financial contributions, should they be considered as part of future agreements, would be contingent on clear benefits to the UK and would be subject to robust parliamentary scrutiny, ensuring value for money for the UK taxpayer. The Government remains committed to negotiating in the national interest and delivering on its manifesto commitments.
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