DAVID Cameron suffered a humiliating Halloween-night defeat at the hands of his Eurosceptic backbenchers tonight (Wednesday, October 31), who ordered him to fight for a cut in the Brussels budget.

Up to 50 Conservative backbenchers, including Stockton South’s James Wharton, joined forces with Labour to pass - by just 13 votes - an amendment demanding a “real terms” reduction in spending for the 2014-20 period.

The rebels ignored pleas from Mr Cameron, who - while insisting he wanted a cut - argued Britain had no choice but to push for a real-terms budget freeze, the best outcome achievable in looming negotiations.

The European Commission has proposed a five per cent hike compared with 2007-13, to £826bn. Crucially, if no deal is reached, the budget is automatically “rolled over” to next year - with a two per cent increase.

Although the result is not binding, it creates a major headache for the prime minister who must decide whether to ignore the will of the Commons at next month's EU summit.

And it was immediately seen as further evidence of growing rebellion on the Tory benches over the flashpoint issue of Europe, forcing Mr Cameron to toughen his stance.

Last October, 82 Conservative backbenchers defied the prime minister by voting in favour of a referendum to decide whether Britain should quit the EU altogether.

At prime minister’s question’s, Mr Cameron said: “This government are taking the toughest line in these budget negotiations of any government since we joined the European Union.

“But, let us be clear that it is in our interests to try to get a deal, because a seven-year freeze would keep our bills down compared with annual budgets.”

Britain’s veto would be used, if necessary.

However, the plea fell on deaf ears, with Mr Wharton telling The Northern Echo it was time for the Coalition government to send out “a strong message that enough is enough”.

The Conservative backbencher said: “At a time when so many countries are facing tough national budget decisions, it should be out of the question for the EU to look to spend ever more of our money.

“Labour agreed to give more and more of our money away every year. It is important that parliament now gives David Cameron a strong message that enough is enough - and the backdrop he needs to take a tough stance in the coming negotiations.”

Earlier, Mr Cameron had turned on Labour for its “complete opportunism” in voting for a budget cut, alongside the Tory rebels.

He reminded Ed Miliband of his party’s record, saying: “They gave away half the rebate, they sent the budget through the roof and now they want to posture rather than get a good deal for Britain.”

There were signs of unease on the Labour benches. One senior MP Margaret Hodge was overheard telling colleagues: “I hate this vote. I do not want to do it. It’s hateful.”

But Mr Miliband taunted the prime minister, accusing him of “throwing in the towel” and saying: “He is weak abroad, he is weak at home - it's John Major all over again.”