A NORTH EAST MP has praised Prime Minister David Cameron for his efforts in helping to secure a reduction in the European Budget.

James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, said the cuts to the EU’s multi-annual budget – worth about €24bn – were great news for the British taxpayer.

The first ever cut in the EU budget came after hours of negotiation and means that the EU’s spending will be limited to €908bn.

Mr Wharton said: “At a time when so many are having to tighten their economic belts, it is utterly wrong that the European Union should want to spend ever more.

“The EU budget has a role to play, particularly in supporting newer members who have suffered as a result of recent history. However, paying for the limousines of over-paid bureaucrats is utterly unacceptable. A real terms cut is reflective of most nation’s current economic situation, and that is right.”