Parliamentarians Charged With Theft

The announcement today that two British Members of Parliament, Elliot Morley and David Chaytor, have been charged with theft is sending shock waves through Brussels. The charges involve expenses claims made by the two. Other politicians are known to be under investigation, and more charges may follow.

EU Reporter has learned that earlier this week an "in camera" meeting of the European Parliament's Budgets Committee took place. At this meeting a number of allegations of potential fraud were raised, and are known to date back to the 1999 - 2004 parliament, and involve several British MEPs. We are informed that OLAF are likely to present evidence to British police in connection with these allegations.

One question that is being widely asked is why it is only the UK that is bringing prosecutions against its politicians? Fraud and corruption are endemic, "it seems that some European nations are happy to turn a blind eye to abuse of public money", a senior official said.