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UKIP MEP attacks expenses 'abuse'

Tuesday, 22nd April 2008

Jeffrey Titford MEP

The system for controlling MEPs’ expenses has been described as “wholly inadequate” by the UK Independence Party MEP for the Eastern Counties, Jeffrey Titford, in a speech to the European Parliament.

Mr Titford used his speech on the discharge of the EU General Budget for 2006 as an opportunity to point out the failings of the controversial Parliamentary Assistance Allowance, pointing out that it is “subject to gross, serial abuse” by many members of the European Parliament.

He also decried the report on the budget, which authorises up to 85% funding of European political parties out of EU funds, so long as such parties are careful to support the EU.  He described it as “Big Brother writ large” and “even more evidence of the disastrous decline of democracy in Europe”.

Here is the full text of Mr Titford’s speech:

“In the limited time I am allowed to comment on this lengthy report, I would make two observations.

“Firstly, it contains a great many empty platitudes about the supporting paperwork MEPs should provide to support claims from their Parliamentary Assistance Allowance.  In light of recent events, it is painfully clear that the arrangements currently in place are wholly inadequate as they are subject to gross, serial abuse by many members.

“Furthermore, it is equally clear that there is no serious intention to do anything about these abuses, as I understand the system will not be changed before the new Parliament convenes in the Autumn of 2009.  Therefore, I cannot take the report’s censorious tone at all seriously.

“Secondly, I would draw members’ attention to the rather sinister clause 55 of the report, which reveals that as of 2008, European political parties may be financed up to 85% from the European Parliamentary budget.  It then goes on to point out that this high level of subsidy ‘entails an additional degree of responsibility’ in regard to their activities.

“In other words the EU finances political parties and also controls their activities.  This is Big Brother writ large and provides even more evidence of the disastrous decline of democracy in Europe, generated by this increasingly totalitarian European Union.  As a democrat, I abhor it and to those who support it, I say: Shame on you.”

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