As the debate ensues ahead of Britain's In/Out referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union (EU), right-wing leaning London newspaper The Times reveals details of a report to be published by the European Parliament on Thursday, which says:
"British taxpayers are losing US$2 billion (£1.45bn) a year in contributions paid to Brussels which are then used on aid projects that are badly managed or misappropriated."
Meanwhile, a poster made to look like a newspaper titled "Europe & You" is arriving in letter boxes around London, offering readers reasons why the UK should remain part of the EU, highlighting four risks to Britain if it left Europe.
"We pay a membership fee into the EU but get more back in return for being a member," states the article printed by campaign group Britain Stronger in Europe.
"UK businesses are free to trade with all EU countries; UK families get lower prices in the shops thanks to cheaper trade and more choice…the UK is safer thanks to the European Arrest Warrant… UK holidaymakers get free emergency healthcare in EU countries — and we're free to move and live anywhere we want in the EU.
"If we leave the EU, we would lose all these benefits — because we only get them if we remain a member," the leaflet says.
UK families are better off in the EU – because it’s cheaper to trade meaning lower prices in UK shops.Please 'like'…
Posted by Britain Stronger in Europe on Monday, January 18, 2016
However, in response to the European Parliament's report on the money wasted on EU development aid, UKIP spokesman Nathan Gill said:
"Why are we handing over billions each year to the EU which delights in doling out money to regimes like itself, both corrupt and unaccountable."
UK Prime Minister David Cameron says the referendum will be held in Britain by the end of 2017, but Downing Street sources suggest it could be held earlier — in June or July — if David Cameron successfully reaches a deal at the EU summit in February.
