Need reminding why Fatcat pay rises give

MILLIONS of Brexit-backers got a reminder yesterday of why Britain needs to leave the EU – as its biggest cheerleaders bagged huge pay rises.

While Eurocrats gathered to gloat that the UK could remain tied to the bloc indefinitely, it emerged that vastly improved pay and perks for top civil servants will cost taxpayers £124million this year.

The main beneficiaries are EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, who spent yesterday holed up in Brussels celebrating Theresa May’s Commons defeat, and EU Council president Donald Tusk.

The pair responsible for the stubbornness that has led to the current Brexit impasse will each pocket more than £350,000 this year, dwarfing Mrs May’s £150,000 salary as PM.

Their bloated remuneration was revealed as patronising Euro chiefs ordered Britain back to the drawing board following MPs’ rejection of Mrs May’s withdrawal agreement.

In a dig at Britain, where 17.4 million voted to leave, Mr Juncker, 64, said: “I urge the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up.”

Meanwhile Mr Tusk, 61, said: “If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?”

Posturing in Brussels and mockery at the European Parliament in Strasbourg angered MPs back home, with Tory backbencher David Davies saying: “If ever there was an example of the EU gravy train this is it.

“It’s high time Britain ended its contribution to this undemocratic institution and demanded its money is spent where it is needed most – on schools, hospitals and other public services. Juncker and his cronies are arrogant beyond belief.”

Before becoming President of the EC in 2014 Mr Juncker was leader of tiny Luxembourg, where he developed a taste for the high life.

On top of his huge salary he pockets a residential allowance of £36,844 and a generous expense account, details of which are kept secret.

And next year he will be entitled to a pension of £52,500 for life.

The gold-plated entitlements are partly paid for by UK taxpayers who funnel £250million a week to Brussels

with little to show in return. Edgar Miller, of Economists for Free Trade, said: “It is outrageous that hardworking taxpayers have to fund the unnecessarily lavish lifestyle of unelected Eurocrats.

“The costs were already eye-wateringly high – this increase is unforgivable. Don’t forget these same people are awarded gold-plated final salary pension schemes, which bind them

to never say anything negative about the EU.

“It is little wonder the British people voted to leave the wasteful EU. When we leave we will no longer have to pay a net £10billion a year to Brussels to keep the champagne flowing for Juncker and his cronies.”

Chloe Westley of the TaxPayers’ Alliance added: “British taxpayers have been footing the bill for this extravagance for far too long. The EU has no money of its own and relies heavily on Britain’s contribution fees, so families who work hard and pay their taxes will be furious that these bureaucrats are showering themselves with pay rises and bonuses. Instead of patting