Britain finds allies as it calls for EU targets on cutting red tape

European Union and the British Union flags are seen flying outside of Europe House in London, November 10, 2015. REUTERS/Toby Melville

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain called on the European Union to set targets for cutting red tape and rallied 18 other member states behind its proposal on Friday, a demonstration that its ideas for reforming the bloc have wide backing.

The proposal came in a letter to the European Commission's deputy head, Frans Timmermans, that was drafted by London and signed by countries, including Germany and France. It came as the 28-nation bloc starts talks on Britain's future in the EU.