letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

17th March 2008

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Dear Editor,

I saw Robert Goodwill (Expenses 'bragging' returns to haunt MP, March 11th) saw fit to respond to criticism of his expenses when he was an MEP by criticising Labour MEPs for not wanting to reform the system.

Yet Labour MEPs have not only spoken about reform - they have acted. All Labour MEPs have their accounts reviewed annually by an independent professional accountant to certify that their staff and office allowances have been used properly within the rules and in compliance with tax and social security legislation. Conservatives and Lib Dem MEPs don't do this. Why not?

Yours,

Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds