Britain’s contribution to EU has increased fourfold since 2009

Britain’s net contributions to the European Union soared by £2.7bn last year, to £11.3bn.

The figure had quadrupled over the past five years, and will undoubtedly increase pressure on the UK government to increase their contributions to the EU.

The newly released figures are likely to support the prime minister David Cameron in his refusal to pay an extra £1.7bn requested from the EU. The prime minister reportedly stated that he would not pay "anything like" the further £1.7bn demanded. However, Cameron has not ruled out the potential for compromise, according to The Guardian.

Britain's contributions have increased over recent years due to the country's gradually improving economy, along with decreased rebate rates which followed the election of the Tory government in 2010.

The gradually rising figures will also feed criticism from eurosceptic parties such as Ukip in the run up to the general elections later this year. Net contribution figures – which take into account the UK’s rebate – show the UK’s contribution to the EU was £2.7bn in 2008, increasing annually to £3.8bn in 2009, £7.2bn in 2010, £7.5bn in 2011, £8.5bn in 2012 and £11.3bn in 2013.