Slow revolt in Hartlepool

Remarkable stuff going on in Hartlepool

Some local councillors (Labour please note) are railing against EU excess and the impact of EU costs on local budgets.

COUNCILLORS have tabled a motion slamming a rise in the European Union’s budget at a time when councils across the country are facing severe budget cuts

Angry they are,

The motion, which is being put to the full council at a meeting tomorrow, reads: “The council notes, with indignation, that while Hartlepool is facing a massive 25 per cent reduction in its financial settlement over the next two years, the UK’s contribution to the EU is set to increase by an incredible 60 per cent over two years.

“This council believes that the EU should be treated the same as the other tiers of Government and in these austere times should share responsibility, along with central and local government, for public spending reductions.

“Sharing the burden would result in less severe cuts for local authorities, and give more assistance to councils to protect front line services.”

The motion urges Hartlepool MP Iain Wright, Easington MP Grahame Morris and MPs across the Tees Valley not to support increases in the EU budget.

It has been signed by Labour councillors Chris Simmons, Marjorie James, Robbie Payne, Trish Lawton and Sarah Maness.

So is this the harbinger of a grwoing euroscepticism in Labour ranks? I really don't know, but it is heartening all the same.