Britain 'paying EU £28m net a day'

Britain's daily contribution to the European Union has passed £50 million, the UK Independence Party (Ukip) has claimed.

Analysis of figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK's gross contribution rising to £18.4 billion in 2010, or £51 million a day, the party said.

At the same time, receipts from the EU fell to £8.1 billion, meaning that Britain's net contribution increased from £6.7 billion to £10.3 billion, or £28 million a day.

Ukip based its calculations on the ONS's Pink Book, which is a summary of the UK's balance of payments accounts.

The party said the figures were more comprehensive and therefore higher than those published by the Treasury.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: "The figures speak for themselves. We are paying more than ever before for our EU membership and are getting less in return.

"This news is a kick in the teeth for the British people who are tightening their belts in these tough times.

"David Cameron has ignored the will of the people by denying them a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU, and now these figures will just rub salt in the wounds.

"How can the Prime Minister still say it is within our interests to remain in the EU?"