MEPs in £200,000 trip to Barbados

The Sunday Times has learnt that Glenys Kinnock is to lead a group of 70 MEPs (accompanied by 84 officials) to a Barbados resort for a conference on ‘development and deprivation’ where they will meet leaders from some of the world’s poorest nations.

The five-day trip will cost taxpayers £200,000 and includes a four-hour chartered cruise on a 100ft ship billed as “the longest floating bar in the Caribbean”. Meanwhile politicians’ spouses can enjoy water sports and a trip to the “eighth wonder of the world”, Harrison’s Cave. MEPs are also entitled to a further £90 a day in expenses.

7 British MEPs are expected to attend, and one explained they had “no choice” about the location. “Everybody laughs when they hear it’s in Barbados,” said Fiona Hall, a Lib Dem MEP. “But why shouldn’t they organise the meeting in the Caribbean just because of European sensitivities?”