Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 49
49
Accepted in Part
As for the UK Government position, we note that Ministers have not explicitly ruled out...
Conclusion
As for the UK Government position, we note that Ministers have not explicitly ruled out making a financial contribution to the economic development of the EU’s lower-income Member States in a manner similar to Norway and Switzerland. Irrespective of the arguments around the principle of such a contribution’ to the EU, it is essential that Ministers conduct these negotiations transparently. (Conclusion, Paragraph 129)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government clarifies that it will not make a financial contribution to the EU budget, directly responding to the committee's observation. It states that any potential future financial contributions would require clear benefits and be subject to robust parliamentary scrutiny, addressing the call for transparency.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
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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