MEP Signs Parliamentary Reform Pledge

South East of England MEP Nirj Deva, who is standing for re-election at the European Elections on June 10th has joined more than seventy five Euro MPs from across Europe in signing a pledge to fight for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in the European Parliament if he is re-elected in June.

The Campaign for European Parliament Reform (http://www.ep-reform.net), spearheaded by Dutch MEP Michiel van Hulten is comprised of members from each European Union member state all dedicated to routing out corrupt and inefficient practices at the heart of the European Parliament.

Speaking from his constituency, the MEP said:

“During the last five years in which I have represented the people of the South East of England, I have become increasingly alarmed at the inefficiencies which lie at the heart of the European Parliament, particularly with regards to the expenses system.

“It is ridiculous that Members of the European Parliament are entitled to claim the top possible fare for the route in which they have traveled into Brussels. It is no secret that flights to Brussels are available for less than £40 return, yet MEPs, if they choose to take these low-cost flights are fully entitled to claim in excess of £400 for the journey, pocketing the difference!

“Another shocking example of European Parliament inefficiencies is the ridiculous Strasbourg-sitting which costs the people of the South East of England millions of pounds each year. For one week every month MEPs are forced to uproot computer equipment, staff and documents and travel to a separate Parliament building in Strasbourg despite the fact we have a perfectly adequate chamber in Brussels! It is time this costly practice is ended.

“If I am re-elected in June, I pledge to continue the fight I have begun to bring about change at the heart of the European Parliament, routing out bureaucracy and exposing corruption.