The European Union has demanded that the UK pay a €2.13bn surcharge in addition to the €8.6bn already paid.
Brussels says that the one-off bill is owed because, since 1995, the UK economy has performed better than its continental counterparts. France will instead receive a €1.02bn rebate, and Germany a €0.78bn rebate.
A European Commission representative said that the contribution reflected an increase in wealth, just as one would pay more Income Tax on higher earnings.
David Cameron is determined to fight the charge and last night met his Netherlands counterpart, Mark Rutte, to discuss the top-up payment.
Financial Times, 1, 2, 10
Daily Telegraph, 1, 4
Times, 1, 2
