Labour MEPs vote for more transparent European Parliament

Labour MEPs have voted for more transparency during votes at all stages in the European Parliament.

The proposals, which were approved yesterday (26 February) by a majority of MEPs, will introduce roll-call votes for all final votes at both the committee and plenary level in the European Parliament.

David Martin, Labour's European spokesperson on constitutional affairs, said: "It is vital we continue to consider ways in which we can improve transparency in EU decision making. These new rules will mean MEPs vote electronically in all final votes in committees, and all final votes at plenary. This will mean European citizens can easily look up how their MEPs voted on reports going through Parliament.

"These new proposals build on an already strong culture of transparency in the European Parliament. Currently roll-call votes are possible on all votes, but they have to be requested by one quarter of MEPs present during a vote, so not all are subject to this practice.

"Legislation at the European level is scrutinized by different institutions and it is important constituents can easily follow who voted for what at all the different stages of the process."

Martin added: "We welcome today's outcome, which shows Labour MEPs - unlike some others - are proud to stand up for the polices they are pursuing to make Europe work for its citizens."

Share this article: