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Representatives in the European Parliament have returned from their summer holidays to find they have been treated to a brand new flatscreen TVs which retail at around £530.
British MEPs have expressed frustration at being included in the £800,000 upgrade, given they will be losing their jobs after Brexit in March 2019.
Speaking to The Sun, independent MEP James Carver said: “This is another startling example of the EU gravy train and why I voted myself out of a job.
“If Remainers think this is a good way of spending taxpayers’ money, then they really are out of touch with the man and woman on the street.”
The 43-inch screens have been placed in all 751 offices of MEPs and include 192 different channels, in 24 different languages.
With the cost being spent before the UK leaves the bureaucratic trade bloc, it is possible the UK could be told to help pay for the new TVs.
Furious at the upgrade, Mr Carver questioned why it is necessary for MEPs to have access to such high quality TVs while at work.
He said: “We weren’t consulted about this expenditure and have been given no rationale why it has been determined MEPs need to watch TV during the day.
“I for one prefer to catch up with my favourite programmes at weekends and
evenings, not while I’m being paid to do my job as an MEP.”
It is thought all politicians were emailed to inform them of the replacements before the summer recess.
The latest move from Brussels is likely to raise eyebrows as expenditure on MEPs is already under scrutiny.
EU politicians cause fury earlier this year after they vote down proposals to monitor how MEPs use their expenses.
A total of €4,416 per month are granted to representatives every month as a part of the General Expenditure Allowance (GEA) for spending on expenses.
However, there is currently no requirement for MEPs to make public how they spend the lump sum.
Modest plans to introduce more transparency into how the money is spent was rejected in March.
It is understood the upgrade of TVs in MEPs’ offices have not been paid for from the GEA.
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