SNP MEPs to refuse pay rise

SNP MEPs Ian Hudghton and Alyn Smith have pledged to turn down a bumper pay rise for MEPs that political rivals are planning to accept.

The SNP candidates are promising to stick with their current level of pay, which is pegged to the same as that for Westminster MPs, when MEPs' salaries are hiked this year by around £10,000.

They believe the combination of ordinary families struggling with the economic downturn, allied to current public disgust with rewards for politicians, make it inappropriate to accept an increase is salary to £73,000.

Mr Hudghton said: "As families across Scotland struggle to make ends meet, a pay rise for MEPs seems inappropriate. If re-elected both SNP MEPs will opt out of new salary arrangements. As we fight to protect Scotland's jobs and our communities through the recession it is inappropriate for MEPs to pocket a big pay rise."

The SNP duo also pledged to forego other practices and benefits too, such as using European Parliament allowances to buy property or boost their pension fund contributions.