The Commons has spoken for the nation on the EU Last night's Commons vote demanding a cut in the EU budget could mark a pivotal moment in this country's 40-year membership of the institution. While the Government might contend that the decision is non-binding, it is surely politically inconceivable that David Cameron can now agree even to a real-terms freeze in spending when negotiations are held in Brussels this month. Mr Cameron believes that, with the support of other member states, he can secure a seven-year deal pegging annual cash increases in the EU's funding to the level of inflation. But that would still mean giving the EU more money; and MPs are clearly weary of being fobbed off with promises of reform tomorrow. At a time when Whitehall departments, councils, hospitals, police forces and the like are all having to make deep cuts, it is unacceptable for the EU not to do the same. Indeed, this should not be a matter for negotiation. The Commons has spoken for a nation that is being required to make sacrifices that the bloated bureaucracy in Brussels refuses to contemplate. It is, of course, true that the Opposition's support for the amendment tabled by the Tory MP Mark Reckless calling for a spending cut was utterly cynical. In each of Labour's 13 years in office, EU spending rose by more than inflation, and a substantial tranche of the country's hard-won rebate was given away in exchange for reforms to farm subsidies that never materialised. By the time the party left office, Britain's net contribution had risen by 47 per cent. For Labour now to argue that the EU should reduce its spending in real terms is grotesque opportunism. None the less, the die is cast. Mr Cameron may rue last night's defeat, but the time has come for Britain to take a stand against the profligacy and fiscal incontinence of the European Commission. Greg Clark, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, told MPs that the Commission had ignored a British request to examine a range of possible cuts in its administrative spending, claiming its overpaid staff were too busy. At a time when national governments are slashing their own costs, and some member states are effectively insolvent, such effrontery should no longer be tolerated. Last night's defeat is not just about money. It needs to be seen in the wider context of Britain's future within - and increasing estrangement from - the EU. With ministers such as Michael Gove openly questioning the merits of our continued membership, there is a palpable sense that, after four decades in the European Union, we stand at a crossroads. The Government now needs to take the right path.