Euro file

Euro file


Every single assertion about MEPs in your article on expenses (News, last week) is either factually inaccurate or grossly misleading.

Currently, MEPs are paid the same as national MPs and pay tax at national rates. There is a proposal to pay all MEPs the same salary, but any change must be agreed by the governments of the 15 EU countries. The expenses regime has already been tightened and further changes are planned. All claims for expenses are subject to checks. Full payment of MEPs' daily allowances is linked to attendance and votes in the Parliament.
Ed McVeigh
European Parliament UK Office

Pensioners' loss


I learned of the death of Barbara Castle with sadness (Comment, last week).

The news is especially bleak for state pensioners. They have now lost an ally who exercised a formidable influence on this Government over the matter of the pathetic level of state pensions and the consequent low standard of living of the elderly.

Now that this Government is no longer subject to the criticisms of Barbara Castle over its Gradgrind attitude we assume that Tony Blair et al will continue to trash and marginalise state pensioners to an even greater degree.
R.F. Sellen,
Horsham, West Sussex