Liberal Democrat MEPs have always led the way on transparency and personal accountability. They have set a high bar, which others have repeatedly failed to match.
Chris Davies in particular led the way on reforms and changes in the Parliament that eliminated some abuses.
There is a specific commitment to make available any claim over £25 on the General Expenditure Allowance (the main sum of money that MEPs receive as expenses):
Liberal Democrat MEPs make receipts for items spent under the General Expenditure Allowance (GEA) in excess of £25 available either on their websites or on request in their constituency offices.
You can just write in and ask.
The commitment was made in the last Parliament under Fiona Hall’s leadership and may have been made before that that (any ex-MEPs or assistants who know should feel free to say).
Will Conservative, Labour, UKIP, Green, SNP, or Plaid MEPs make the same commitment to accountability? If not, why not?
Having a European Parliament is important. Assuming the UK remains in Europe, we need the relationship between citizens and their MEPs to be stronger. Accountability for public funds is non-negotiable.
* Antony Hook was a Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England (2019) and has practised as a barrister since 2003. He is currently Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Kent County Council.
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