Cameron: Deal unlikely on "ludicrous" EU budget

AMMAN (REUTERS) - British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday branded the EU's proposed budget increase "ludicrous" in one of his strongest attacks yet, and said hopes were low for an EU spending deal at a summit this month.

The tough rhetoric indicates Mr Cameron is likely to use his veto, and comes ahead of talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Wednesday amid signs that EU leaders are growing increasinlgy annoyed by what they see as Britain's isolationism.

The prime minister has repeatedly threatened to veto the upcoming budget talks unless spending is frozen in real terms, and in December last year he vetoed a package of fiscal measures designed to help deal with the euro zone debt crisis.

Some European officials believe Britain is on a path to an acrimonious exit from the 27-member bloc.