Labour’s Euro MP for the East Midlands has said she will continue to push the European Parliament’s authorities to answer crucial questions about its budget.

Glenis Willmott, Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, has today written to the President of the Parliament to express her concerns after a vote which approved additional staffing for the institution.

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

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."

Today's vote agreed to increase the level of staffing in the parliament to take account of increased powers.   Both Labour MEPs and the UK government opposed the changes.

25 February 2010