Liz Lynne opposes "insufficient" MEP pay and conditions reforms

4.57.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jun 2003

Liz wants to see radical reform of the pay and conditions of MEPs to make them more transparent.

Liz Lynne has voted against a proposed reform of the working conditions, pay and expenses of MEPs because, following the rejection of key amendments, it was insufficient to achieve the real reform demanded by citizens.

The European Liberal Democrats (ELDR) had tabled with other political groups 23 amendments to the proposal for a single statute for MEPs with the aim of achieving a transparent and equitable system which would enter into force after next year's European Parliament elections. However, these amendments were rejected and so, despite supporting a single statute in principle, felt she had no option but to oppose the substantive proposal.

There remain hopes that Parliament's negotiations with the European Council can lead to improvements which would make it acceptable to those calling for radical reform.

Commenting after the vote, the West Midlands MEP said:

"It is with a heavy heart that I decided to vote against in the final vote, as the Liberal Democrat group have campaigned long and hard for a transparent and fair set of rules. "

"But the statute as adopted today is woefully insufficient. We wanted reform now, as of the 2004 elections, not later. We wanted equality for our colleagues from the 10 acceding States. And we wanted a clear message on expenses that they should be transparent.

"I regret to say it, but I hope that the Council can make a better fist of reform than us."