Openness and Transparency in connection with my MEP expenses

I am committed to the highest standards of propriety in relation to the expenses I claim to support my work as Member of the European Parliament.

In common with my fellow Labour Euro MPs, in addition to submitting all claims for the approval of the European Parliament Fees' Office who administer MEPs' expenses, I submit my annual accounts for a full, professional review by an independent, qualified auditor. This demonstrates that all money is spent in accordance with the European Parliament's rules, national legislation and our own guidelines.

To view the Auditor's Certificate approving my expenditure for 2007 click Here for 2008 click Here, and for 2009 click Here.

Please click here for my Transparency document.

In addition I employ three full-time members of staff: a Parliamentary and Communications Manager, a Press and Constituency Assistant and a Personal Assistant, who assist me in my offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Strasbourg. I also periodically give work experience to students or interns, contract for free-lance or professional services and employ a Service Provider responsible for payroll, personnel and accounts. I do not employ family members in any capacity. I make an annual declaration to demonstrate that my employer's tax and national insurance obligations are fully met, and each employee is required to declare any renumerated links in addition to his/her contract with the MEP.

Together with all European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) MEPs, I contribute to the salary of an additional staff member who is line managed by the EPLP Secretary General.

I record this information within my full Declaration of Interest to the European Parliament, which covers all external assistance I recieve in connection with professional duties as a Member of the European Parliament.

Click Here to view my Declaration of Interest.

Click Here to view the EPLP Stafffing Guidelines.

I have always sought and will continue to campaign for reform of the Parliamentary expenses system, in order to achieve the greatest possible transparency and accountability.