Edward Davey MP, Chair of the Liberal Democrats’ Campaigns and Candidates Committee is writing to UKIP Leader Nigel Farage challenging him to publish his MEPs’ expense claims and to account for their shameful record of voting for perks and secrecy in the European Parliament.

When Nigel Farage first went to Brussels, he promised to publish his accounts annually ‘so the public can inspect them’, but since then neither he nor his UKIP colleagues have done so.

In addition, two of the 12 UKIP MEPs elected in 2004 have since faced criminal charges for falsely claiming benefits, false accounting and money laundering. UKIP has also voted against a cap on MEPs’ earnings, reforms to make travel expenses more transparent, and have backed laws aimed at keeping their expenses secret.

Commenting, Edward Davey said:

“UKIP MEPs have attacked others over their expenses while living the high life in Brussels, charging the taxpayer, and hiding the true cost from voters.

“One in six UKIP MEPs elected in 2004 has since faced criminal charges over their creative accounting. Meanwhile, UKIP turned up in the European Parliament to vote against a cap on MEPs’ earnings, against reforms to make travel more transparent, and in favour of laws aimed at keeping their expenses secret.

“It’s one thing to complain about MPs’ expenses. But it is quite another to point the finger while hiding the truth about yourself.

“UKIP’s absent accounting, elusive expenses, and secretive attitude add up to bare-faced cheek. Nigel Farage must explain to the public where the money has gone and why they have voted against change.

“UKIP must end the hypocrisy and show us the money now.”

Notes:

1. Nigel Farage promised to publish his accounts annually ‘so the public can inspect them’ on Seven Days, Meridian TV, 25 July 1999.

2. One in six UKIP MEPs elected in 2004 has since faced criminal charges over their creative accounting: Ashley Mote MEP was convicted on 17 August 2007 on twenty one charges of deception for falsely claiming £65,506 in benefits; Tom Wise MEP was charged in April 2009 with false accounting and money laundering.

3. On 23 June 2005 UKIP MEPs voted against the Gargani Report on a new Members’ Statute that standardised MEPs’ pay and ensured that MEP travel is reimbursed on the basis of receipts rather than a lump-sum equivalent of a business class ticket.

4. In March 2009, UKIP MEPs voted to exempt freedom of access to MEPs’ personal files and accounts (amendment 114 to the Cashman Report).