I've spent much of the day considering all the arguments for and against a motion on whether to reduce the amount of money we pay into the EU.

I have always recognised the positive aspects of EU membership and have spoken openly about the good that the EU can do.

I have also campaigned for significant reform of the EU institutions, an end to waste and for Europe’s priorities to be very different – more investment in the green economy, and less on pipe dreams like nuclear fusion, for example.  

I regret the way this issue has been turned into a political football. 

In the end, for me, at a time when the government is slashing welfare spending and hitting the poorest hardest, I find it hard to justify further EU spending which is unlikely – as things stand today – to help the most vulnerable.  

My priority is how best to continue fighting for resources to  be directed where they’re most needed. 

When faced with people queuing up at my surgeries to tell me about the impact of having their housing benefit slashed and their disability living allowance removed, it would be irresponsible not to reflect that when voting in Parliament.

That’s why, with reluctance, I have decided to vote for a reduction to the EU’s budget on this occasion.