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Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg chasing votes at Kingsgate Community Centre in Kilburn |
Because they’re worth it? Clegg on the election trail
LIB DEM leader Nick Clegg insisted MEPs were value for money as his party’s candidate defended her membership of the European Parliament’s controversial “second pension” ahead of today’s election.
Kingsgate Community Centre in Kingsgate Road, Kilburn, played host to Mr Clegg and Lib Dem London MEP and former Islington councillor Baroness Sarah Ludford on Tuesday.
MEPs get the same pension as MPs, worth £14,000 a year, but until recently could sign up to a second, with two-thirds paid by UK taxpayers – a scheme since scrapped by the European Parliament after public outcry.
An MEP like Baroness Ludford, who has 10 years’ service, could expect to receive a pension of £35,000 for life.
“In my declaration of interests I have made it clear I am a member of that scheme, but it is coming to an end after a campaign led by the Liberal Democrats,” said Baroness Ludford. “The terms have been tightened up, quite rightly.”
Mr Clegg said MEPs were essential for Britain’s security, adding: “All Lib Dem MEPs already publish all their accounts on their website. They account for every euro, penny and pound.
“Anyone who thinks MEPs don’t do an important job should think about it for a moment. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from international crime, from global warming, from the credit crunch, MEPs are standing tall.”
Baroness Ludford, whose place in the House of Lords will become void under new laws if she wins a further term in Brussels, is one of London’s MEPs under a proportional representation scheme. |
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