European finance ministers looked unlikely to reach a target of boosting IMF resources by 200 billion euros to ward off the debt crisis on Monday, after Britain said it would not take part in a plan aimed specifically at helping the euro zone.
In a three-hour conference call, ministers also assessed plans for tighter euro zone fiscal rules - a new 'fiscal compact' - that policymakers hope will insulate the 17-country currency zone against a repeat of the two-year debt crisis.
Treasury sources said Britain had made it clear on the call it would not participate in the plan to increase IMF resources by up to 200 billion euros, with 150 billion of coming from euro zone central banks.
"We were clear that we would not be making a contribution," one treasury source said, while another added that there was "no agreement on the 200 billion" euro funding boost.A Treasury official says? Well, then it must be true.
ADDENDUM: Rowena Mason and Tim Ross in the Telegraph tell us that Britain is not the only country that is gibbing at the thought of more money being sunk into the euro:
However, many members of the IMF, including Britain and the US, are refusing to put in extra contributions to save the currency.And, as one reads on, one finds the following ominous words:
Officials last night admitted Britain could still give up to £10 billion to the IMF for a new global bail-out fund, just not one specifically aimed at saving the euro.Not everything is as it is first reported. In fact, nothing is.
Any theories at what they're playing at?
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that Cameron is playing at handing over money without appearing to do so. But that is merely a guess. I am not in his confidence. Or George Osborne's, or the Treasury officials'.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the official communique "The United Kingdom has indicated that it will define its contribution early in the new year in the framework of the G20."
ReplyDeleteIn other words, at a conveniently later date when (they hope) everyone has forgotten about Cameron's "veto" and the caravan of fashion is more interested in Strictly, or The Archers, or The Six Nations, etc, THEN they will roll over and surrender. It's up to us in the Blogosphere to keep the searchlight on them.
(Apologies in advance for the fact that the crappy commenting system will probably post this three times. It wisnae me!)
According to the official communique "The United Kingdom has indicated that it will define its contribution early in the new year in the framework of the G20."
ReplyDeleteIn other words, at a conveniently later date when (they hope) everyone has forgotten about Cameron's "veto" and the caravan of fashion is more interested in Strictly, or The Archers, or The Six Nations, etc, THEN they will roll over and surrender. It's up to us in the Blogosphere to keep the searchlight on them.
(Apologies in advance for the fact that the crappy commenting system will probably post this three times. It wisnae me!)
According to the official communique "The United Kingdom has indicated that it will define its contribution early in the new year in the framework of the G20."
ReplyDeleteIn other words, at a conveniently later date when (they hope) everyone has forgotten about Cameron's "veto" and the caravan of fashion is more interested in Strictly, or The Archers, or The Six Nations, etc, THEN they will roll over and surrender. It's up to us in the Blogosphere to keep the searchlight on them.
(Apologies in advance for the fact that the crappy commenting system will probably post this three times. It wisnae me!)
Andrew, you are right.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I have asked about this strange phenomenon and was told that there might be some glitch with the server and it does not show that it has posted, so there are multiple attempts to do so. I can't think that is the answer in your case as it is always three times that your comment appears. The problem will have to be dealt with, if possible.