How will you vote in the EU referendum? (Thread 2)

That hasn't answered my question.

Who knows? Farage has refused to publish his tax returns.

The point I'm really making is that if MEPs really do yield the kind of power people claim, they should at least turn up and make the case for the UK.

Many people have voted for UKIP MEPs because they see it as some kind of protest vote, when it's nothing of the sort, because they just don't turn up. They seem to see their non-attendance as some kind of sabotage, but the reality is that the UK isn't adequately represented and then people claim that they don't have a say. Meanwhile, the MEPs continue to draw their salaries, expenses and pensions.

Who's the mug?

If people want something done/changed, they need a voice. That just won't happen if you're an outsider.

Myths and legends Ana the stuff of sagas told over the campfire.

Hmm...I meant, obviously, the stories about MEP's etc. Are they myths or not?

Sorry, got that wrong then!

Perhaps the myths about MEPs risking losing their pensions are wrong too? Would be interested to know.

...or his salary and expenses

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/poor-nigel-farage-finds-it-hard-to-get-by-on-109000-a-year-plus-expenses-9901390.html

Farage will have been an MEP for 20 years. I wouldn't mind having his pension when he finally goes.

www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/27/meps-final-payoff-157000

I doubt he's been an MEP for long enough to qualify for that much, it's the long-standing MEPs who are at risk of losing the most. Nigel's not likely to change his views on the EU of course - my original post was a general comment, and applies to quite a few of the gravy-train passengers.

Is there a clause that you actually have to turn up for work to qualify for a pension?
Or does it not apply to politicians?

daphne I didn't forget the British Empire.
I omitted it - as it is now transformed into the Commonwealth with more and more countries clamouring to join

Nigel Farage might struggle to justify his pension...

Of course they have. They're probably trying to avoid being questioned too closely about their referendum views!

Well only time will tell, but they have certainly been happy to take their expenses....

I'm not sure what point you're making Mamie. What I stated is the truth - if any UKIP MEPs (or those of any other party) are publicly anti-EU they risk forfeiting their EU pensions.

Here?
"And let's not forget that all MEPs or former MEPs have to publicly support the EU or they would forfeit their obscene pension pay-outs."

Where did I say that?

And Peter Mandelson was a European Commissioner for Trade.

Ana, POGS you are saying that UKIP MEPs support the EU? Seriously?

Corbyn

Corbin -and Keynsian economics, well who'd have thought? It shows what a grip the reactionary press have on public thought when they believe otherwise.

Correct Anna, such as Mandleson and the Kinnock's.

And let's not forget that all MEPs or former MEPs have to publicly support the EU or they would forfeit their obscene pension pay-outs.

I doubt it, POGs. It depends on your perspective. His economics are mainstream Keynesianism with a modern twist.

I've met one of my MEPs - a sensible, Tory, shire lady. I don't agree with everything she says, but she knows her stuff and argues coherently. I would trust her. The three UKIP ones are lucky to be on such a lucrative gravy boat. They hardly ever attend parliamentary sessions or working group meetings. Goodness knows what they'll do if they lose their jobs.

Corbyn isn't hard left/far left.

Good grief that would be news to even him.