Osborne takes a stand on £1.7 billion EU budget bill

George Osborne has told ITV News it is "not acceptable" for the EU to spring a £1.7 billion bill on Britain without any warning.

Speaking to ITV News Business Editor Joel Hills, the Chancellor said, "We want to get to the bottom of how these figures have been arrived at."

"We're making it clear that we are not paying this big sum of money on December 1," Osborne said, reiterating David Cameron's comments to MPs earlier this week.

Asked if he thought the Government could ensure the £1.7 billion bill is reduced, Osborne said, "I am confident that we can get this changed, but it's the beginning of the conversation."

"A week ago we were just expected to pay up - people now understand there's a proper conversation to be had," he continued.

"It is precisely because we are taking a stand ... that these discussions are taking place," Osborne added.