AS MY opinion, for some reason, has been sought by a number of journalists on MEPs’ expenses may I re-state my view in full so there can be no misunderstanding?

EU rules should be significantly tightened and there should be an independent audit under international accounting standards for every MEP at the end of the five-year term.

I go further. All governments should present their accounts annually under international accounting standards. This would protect politicians from ‘no smoke without fire’ smear campaigns and present the truth to the electorate.

Godfrey Bloom, MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Main Street, Wressle, Selby.