Why working in Tenerife is not an MEPs “junket”

When you are an MEP you have to attend meeting throughout the European Union. And that includes Tenerife.

So today’s story front page “exclusive” splash in The Express, “Climate MEPs live it up in Tenerife” is way off the mark and misleading. My MEP Robert Sturdy is one of those who has travelled there. After all, Tenerife is part of Spain which is in the European Union; it’s simply another meeting place on their patch, as well as being a popular holiday destination.

MEPs will also be discussing the tricky banana trade and illegal immigration. In fact, far from being “a junket”, and many of them might prefer being home for the weekend. They are there because it’s their job. Travel goes with the job; I’ve known Robert to be in three countries on one day, and I’m sure it’s not by choice. We need to have an intelligent and realistic view about this.

The delegation is made up of 68 Euro-MPs from all 27 EU member states who will meet with 68 representatives from African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations.

An ACP-EU spokesman said that Tenerife had been chosen because the Canary Islands were Europe’s biggest banana producer and a prime gateway for ­illegal immigration.

I am glad to see that common sense prevailed with one Express reader who put it in perspective with this comment on the paper’s blog:

“Spain has the presidency at this time and therefore can chose the venue for this meeting. Tenerife is Spanish territory and would seem a logical choice,as they are also suffering from what could be “global warming” effects to their climate. The winter in Tenerife and mainland Spain has been the worst for many years, and as a secondary issue, Tenerife is the entry point for many African illegals to enter the EU, and with Spain having the highest unemployment figures in the EU at 20%, can ill afford more immigrants swelling its numbers. I´m sorry that the only thing that makes the headlines is the so called junket of the invited MEPs and not the meetings purpose.