UK EU contribution set for 60% increase

The UK's contribution to the European Union is set to increase by around GBP 260 for every household next year, it has been announced.

This represents nearly a 60 per cent increase in total compared to this year's contribution, reports the BBC.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said that the decision is supported by the prime minister Gordon Brown and is in line with his long-term plan.

He said: 'The prime minister has made clear our belief is that it is right for us to share the burden of membership of the European Union with the new accession countries so that every part of the European Union can look forward to prosperity in the future.'

Labour suffered a significant defeat in the European Parliamentary elections earlier this year, losing seats to the Conservative Party and the British National Party.

Final results showed the Labour Party finished in third place behind the Tories and UKIP, the UK Independence Party.