Policy

UK Votes Down EU Budget, MPs Demands Spending Cuts

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

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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.