Sajjad To Chair MEP's Code of Conduct Committee

Former opponents in the race to be the European Parliament President for 2014-2019 came together this week to bury the past behind them and focus on the future of the Parliament, particular on improving transparency.

European Parliament President, Martin Schulz, appointed British Pakistani MEP Dr Sajjad Karim for a second time to chair his Advisory Committee on the Code of Conduct for MEPs.

The committee, established in 2012, sees dual national Dr Karim continue his chairmanship from last term.

During the meeting in the President's private office the two men had a fruitful exchange and the atmosphere was relaxed.

After the meeting Dr Karim said:"It is an honour to be re-appointed by the European Parliament President to Chair the President's committee which oversees the ethics and transparency.

"The committee has made great strides in giving citizens more access to declarations of financial interest of MEPs. All declarations are published online and MEPs have to know give more information such as declare any third party payments they receive."

The Advisory Committee is composed of five MEPs, with two reserve MEPs. Dr Karim is the only dual national MEP to serve on the committee. The Code of Conduct came into force on 1 January 2012 and has worked to publish more information of MEPs expenses and outside interests online.

Citizens now have greater access to see what their MEPs are doing outside the Parliament.

- See more at: http://www.theasians.co.uk/story/20140924_sajjad_chair_committe#sthash.iC5PrCrj.Dg6mMK4w.dpuf