Budget answers demanded by Labour MEPs - 2010-02-25

Labour's leader in the European Parliament has said she will continue to push the institution's authorities to answer crucial questions about its budget.

A vote in the parliament on Thursday (25 February) called for an increase in staffing levels, a move that was opposed by Labour's Euro-MPs and the UK government.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in Europe, has now written to the President of the parliament, Jerzy Buzek, to express her concerns.

Labour MEPs say that the parliamentary authorities have failed to explain where the additional funding needed for the posts will be found.

Speaking immediately after the vote Glenis Willmott said: "It's outrageous that the parliament has agreed to these changes without first securing the necessary guarantees on where the money will come from.

"We asked for evidence to back up the proposals for extra staff - but we didn't get it. We asked for a detailed breakdown of where the money to pay for these jobs will come from - but the answers weren't there.

"For the parliament to refocus its budget so it can work more effectively is one thing - but to agree to extra spending without first finding the money is quite another.

"Our campaign for the parliament to live up to its budgetary responsibilities won't end here. Our questions to the authorities still need answers."

The parliament has justified the increase in staffing by saying that additional resources are needed after a recent increase in the institution's powers.

The letter from Glenis to Mr Buzek expressed the belief of Labour MEPs that the European Parliament "must take its budgetary responsibilities seriously".

Glenis specifically called on the parliament's President to answer two key questions. These were:

What evidence is there to back up the projected need for and costing of these additional posts?
Where will the funding for these additional posts be found?

The letter concluded: "Today's vote does not change the need to respond to these questions. I know that my constituents will demand answers of me."

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