THREE MPs declared they will refuse the £6,000 annual pay increase from 2015, proposed by Westminster’s pay review body yesterday.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) recommended a 9.3 per cent rise from the annual wage of £66,396 to £74,000.

It linked the increase to cutting perks such as meal allowances and taxis, a less generous pension scheme and slashing existing ‘golden goodbyes’ for retiring MPs. Their pay was frozen last year.

The increase plans are now out for consultation with a final decision due in the autumn. That proposal is due to be implemented without a vote in Parliament.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “I will not say whether I would take the rise if I am re-elected.

“I am not going to be drawn into this argument.

“Everybody, including the party leaders, said MPs’ pay should be set by an independent body.

“IPSA has tightened up on expenses and is tightening up on MPs’ pensions.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I will not take the pay rise if it goes through.

“I shall try and vote to stop it but, if it is given to us anyway, I shall give it to charity.”

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said: “I don’t want the pay rise to happen. If it forced on us, I will give any cash above a one per cent rise after tax to charity.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “This is a hypothetical question. It is a package of pay, pensions and other issues which is out to consultation.

“I would urge Lancashire Telegraph readers to take part in that consultation.”

Rossendale and Darwen Tory Jake Berry, Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle were not available for comment last night but all three have previously made their position clear to the Lancashire Telegraph.

Mr Berry has said: “This sort of rise would be ridiculous. If offered more than one per cent, I would either not take it or give it to charity.”

Mr Jones previously said: “MPs should not be setting their own pay. It should be done independently.

“We are among the highest paid people in the country but don’t earn as much as Premiership footballers.”

Mr Hoyle has said: “Quite rightly, MPs should never vote on their pay and I never want to vote on my pay.

“We have not seen the proposals and we have to take into account the economic circumstances before any decision is made.”