Conservative MEPs successfully cut Brussels to Strasbourg treks.
Strasbourg, 9th March 2011 — Earlier today, Conservative MEPs successfully pushed through the European Parliament a proposal that would cut down on the number of trips between Brussels and Strasbourg each year. It is estimated that this will save EU taxpayers some 15 Million Euros and save the environment from 1600 tonnes of needless carbon dioxide.
An amendment was tabled by Conservative MEPs to change the parliament’s calendars of 2012 and 2013 by merging the two sessions in October into one week, thus meaning that MEPs will fulfil their treaty obligations to hold 12 sessions in Strasbourg, whilst only having to make 11 trips backwards and forwards.
Although similar proposals had failed twice, on this occasion a secret ballot was held, thus freeing MEPs from the whipping operations of the largest groups in the parliament.
Speaking after the vote, Robert Sturdy, Conservative MEP for the East of England, said:
‘The EU keeps on asking for a bigger budget yet it is unwilling to save significant amounts of money by abolishing the monthly trip to Strasbourg.’
‘This vote is a step in the right direction but there is still a long way to go. Only a treaty change can prevent this absurd practice.’
For futher details please contact:
Robert Sturdy MEP – robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu
Tel: 0032 22837294
