Parliament right to demand talks to modify but not increase EU Budget

The European Parliament has voted by a massive majority to seek radical changes to the spending priorities in the draft budget proposed by EU leaders at their summit in February.

In the resolution, approved by 506 votes in favour to 161 against, with 23 abstentions, MEPs voted for Parliament to join three-way talks with the EU Commission and Council of Ministers on a revised financial framework but not to increase the budget total.

Miliband's 10p tax plan will increase tax on low paid

Ed Miliband's plan to bring back a 10prate for £1,000 of income would increase tax on the lowest earners from 2015, says the MEP who first proposed the Lib Dem policy of raising personal allowances.

Now Euro MP for the West Midlands, Phil Bennion was the key champion for the £10,000 tax threshold plan on the Lib Dem Federal Policy Committee before the last election.

Paterson must negotiate on threat to cap large farm payments

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is being urged to negotiate over a crucial EU Council of Ministers position on whether future EU farm support payments to larger farms common in the Midlands and the UK will be capped.

Phil Bennion MEP is urging Tory Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to negotiate to stop larger farms losing out under changes to EU farm support payments.

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