UK Votes Down EU Budget, MPs Demands Spending Cuts

Rebel MPs say they're giving the government a stronger negotiating position

The government has been defeated in Parliament over its negotiating position on the EU budget.

Rebel Tory MPs joined with Labour and other parties to pass an amendment calling for a real-terms cut in spending between 2014 and 2020.

The coalition says it must be frozen in real terms as a minimum.

The amendment, passed by 307 votes to 294, is not binding on ministers, but is a blow to David Cameron's authority on Europe before key talks next month.

The rebel amendment calling for a real-terms reduction in EU spending was passed after a stormy debate in Commons on the EU's next seven-year budget and UK contributions.