The European Commission (the unelected decision makers of the European Union) has just ordered the UK, and therefore the British taxpayer, to pay an additional budget contribution of £1.7 billion to the EU because our economy is performing better than the rest of Europe. In effect, we are being punished for our economic success whilst countries like France and even Germany are getting rebates because they are not doing so well.

The figure represents an increase of 20% of our normal annual contribution to Europe’s coffers and predictably our Prime Minister has responded by saying that the demand is “totally unacceptable” and the UK will not pay up by the December 1st deadline.

It would be quite an achievement and a considerable victory for David Cameron if we didn’t pay up especially since such a move would actually be illegal under EU legislation. However, I suspect that this is just a bit of posturing by our Prime Minister and an attempt to appear strong and forceful in the face of EU bullying particularly since there is the small matter of a general election coming up in 7 months’ time.

In spite of all the bluster and sharp rhetoric there will no doubt be some horse trading behind the scenes and the UK will end up paying the monies one way or another. The fact is the European grandees don’t want the UK to leave the EU and nor does Cameron. So if something can be done whereby Cameron appears to look strong and the UK caves in behind the scenes it’s a victory for both Cameron and the EU.

The British public will think that their PM has acted tough in apparently refusing to allow the UK to be bullied and so they will be less inclined to vote against European membership in a referendum. Our rulers take us for fools but if and when we do get the chance to vote on our continued membership of the European Union they may well be forced to reconsider their opinion.