AN East Lancashire MEP has welcomed a freeze in the EU budget for 2014.

Sajjad Karim hailed the news as as ‘a step in the right direction’ following the 3.8 per cent reduction in the European Union’s long-term budget secured by Prime Minister David Cameron in February.

Mr Karim said: “Although we haven’t seen the hoped-for cut in the 2014 Budget, the freeze is a step in the right direction.

“It is evidence of much-needed discipline being brought into EU spending.

“Our drive to bring down the costs of Europe is showing results, which began with David Cameron negotiating a reduction in the long-term budget earlier this year.

“Despite their rhetoric, UKIP MEPs were once again notable for their absence during the crucial budget vote on Wednesday, with only half of them turning up to vote.”