EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN STRASBOURG

Early day motion 2274, tabled 25 May 2006 by Keith Vaz (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House believes the continuation of the European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg is a gross waste of EU funds, energy and time; notes that other large political entities such as the United States and China manage to function well with a single national legislative capital; further notes that the European Parliament estimates it could save 209 million euros (£143 million) a year by meeting only in Brussels and ending its 560-mile round-trip monthly commute; further believes that the image of the European legislature transporting itself on such a basis damages the image of the European Union in the eyes of its citizens and the wider world; considers that Strasbourg, as a city of great culture and charm located in a historic crossroads of Europe, does not require the symbolic presence of the Parliament in order to maintain prestige; hopes that a sensible resolution can be agreed between governments at the Europe Council; and calls on members of the European Parliament to consider what action they would be able to take in the absence of such agreement.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 5, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.