Both the News of the World and the Independent on Sunday spotlight MEPs today - particularly Tory MEPs - and the benefits they receive for being parliamentarians.
The top target for the News of the World is Sir Robert Atkins:
"Tory toff North West MEP Sir Robert Atkins, pictured above, has admitted paying his pensioner wife Lady Dulcie Mary Atkins, also pictured above, over £30,000 a year as his secretary. She squeezes this role in alongside her work as a busy member of Wyre Borough Council, and Garstang Town Council, as well as holding down a string of community and charitable commitments. But Sir Robert is generous with public funds—our records show that back in 2002 HIS SON James was also on the payroll at £2,513.23 a month."
Asked to explain these payments, Sir Robert Atkins told the News of the World: "It's very complicated and I don't suppose any of your readers would understand it." We're happy to give this page to Sir Robert to provide an explanation of this use of taxpayers' money. We'll print what he sends us in full, unedited.
Also under scrutiny from the NotW is Giles Chichester MEP, leader of the party's delegation:
"South West MEP Giles Chichester, has now admitted paying his wife Virginia up to £30,000 as a PART-TIME assistant. He is also paying up to £30,000 of taxpayers' cash to his family firm Francis Chichester Ltd which publishes maps and guide books. He claims that the company provides him with secretarial help."
The Sunday Times had spotlighted Mr Chichester and Den Dover MEP in March.
Today's Independent on Sunday also questions the integrity of Tory and other MEPs. Reporter Andy Rowell lists a number of cases of MEPs taking gifts from industries they are paid to regulate. Giles Chichester, again, and Malcolm Harbour MEP are questioned by the newspaper:
- "[Malcolm Harbour] is a leading figure in the debate on carbon dioxide and fuel efficiency in Brussels. Since 2004, Mr Harbour has been loaned 18 cars by the industry. Also courtesy of the car industry, he has attended Grand Prix races and received cross-country driving instruction. Provided they declare any interest, MEPs are not breaking any regulations. Mr Harbour says he drives cars because he needs "to understand what is going on, and I declare it as I feel that I have nothing to hide"."
- "Giles Chichester, Tory leader in the parliament, is also president of the European Energy Forum, which promotes the interests of the oil, gas and nuclear industries. In May 2007, he was the guest of nuclear company Areva at the America's Cup race off Valencia. Mr Chichester says the trip had no bearing on his long-held pro-nuclear views."
David Cameron recently won a battle with MEPs to force them to disclose more about their pay and expenses. But, given today's revelations, a commitment to transparency may not be enough. Certain practices may need to be outlawed.
