UK: ‘No apology’ for multimillion pound leaflet, says PM

LONDON

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Thursday he “makes no apology” for spending millions of pounds on a government leaflet promoting EU membership.

The 14-page brochure, to be posted to every British household in the coming weeks, contains a series of facts to reinforce the government’s argument for Britain remaining an EU member.

It will cost £9.3 million (US$13.1 million) in print and mail costs, a point of criticism among campaigners favoring a British exit.

During a televised address to a group of students in the western English town of Exeter, Cameron said: “I make no apology for the fact that we are sending to every household in this country this leaflet, which sets out what the government's view is and why we come to that view.

“We're not neutral in this. We think it would be a bad decision to leave – for the economy, jobs, investment, family finances, and universities.”

A referendum on Britain’s EU membership takes place on June 23.

Earlier on Thursday Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), criticized the government for spending millions “telling us what we should think and what we should do”.

He said: “This government scam confirms my view that this referendum will be defined by the battle of the people versus the political class.

“Furthermore, the document is jammed full of lies and inaccuracies, including the claim that we currently control our borders. We don't. It is outrageous to suggest otherwise.”

In his speech, Cameron also said he hoped the result of this week’s Netherlands referendum on Europe’s association agreement with Ukraine will not affect Britain’s own poll.

He said: “I hope it won't affect our results of our referendum, because it is a very different issue.

“I think it's very important the Dutch government stops and thinks and looks at that referendum and doesn't try to dismiss it, and I know they won't do that”.