MEPs 'gravy train' finally rolls into the buffers

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Dec 2003

After many years of acrimonious debate about a reform to their salary and expenses regime Members of the European Parliament have finally agreed a proposal which will be taken to the Council for approval. The resolution, agreed today, proposes a single system for the working conditions, pay and expenses of MEPs.

"After years of debate and disagreement, Members of the European Parliament have at last achieved a breakthrough on the single statute for MEPs. We now have a real chance to deliver a success story for reform in Europe before the end of this mandate", said Diana Wallis MEP, European Liberal Democrat spokesperson on legal affairs.

Speaking in the European Parliament today, Diana Wallis said, "We have been debating this issue for years without success, while the reputation of this House is dragged through the mud by an expenses system which is opaque and open to abuse. At last we have an opportunity to put this behind us and move to a system which is transparent and equitable. This success may seem small, but the implications for the good name of European parliamentary democracy are huge."

"When we face Europe's citizens in elections next June we could either have a Parliament with its own house in order ad its members treated and respected equally, or we can continue with the current disgraceful mix and muddle which leaves us all open to ridicule. Parliament has today shown its willing to move on this issue in order to reach agreement with governments- now it is up to the Council to show willing and indicate by January that it can accept these revised proposals."

Ms. Wallis also recalled the long-standing commitment of the European Liberal Democrat Group to achieving a single statute for MEPs and a reformed expenses system, saying, "The European Liberal Democrats have led the campaign for a single statute for MEPs, even in the dark days when reform seemed impossible and we were in a minority. The compromises proposed today were those that we advocated back in July, and we are delighted that we succeeded in forcing this issue to a vote on the floor of the house. There is a temptation to say "we told you so", but instead we say "better late than never."