Those phantom MEPs

As we know, there are going to be 18 phantom MEPs in the next European Parliament. They’ll get all of the money and do none of the work. As Nigel has said:

“Welcome to virtual politics,” he said. “This has to be the political expenses scandal to end all expenses scandals.”

“The perfect politician for today’s elite is one that takes wages and does no work at all,” Farage added.

But wait, who is it that has brokered this deal? Who is it that thought that paying out million of our money for nothing was a good idea? Step forward Richard Corbett:

The Nice Treaty provides for 736 MEPs, while the Lisbon Treaty foresees 754 MEPs until 2014 and 751 thereafter. A report by Socialist MEP Richard Corbett (UK, Labour) adopted in plenary, provides for granting the outstanding 18 MEPs observer status until the Lisbon Treaty becomes effective.

And what does he say about it?

“This is straightforward and there is no need to make a fuss,” he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper. “They can do all the work of an MEP except taking part in votes. This is a way of making a smooth transition and has been done before.”

No need to make a fuss? This has all been done before, it’s all entirely normal?

Well, perhaps by the standards of the EU….spending those millions of our money on a few more professional politicians to do absolutely damn all.

That’s the European Union wrapped up in a nutshell for you really, isn’t it?