A Liberal Democrat MEP has called for urgent action to reform the pay and expenses of members of the European parliament.

Andrew Duff said he was committed to continuing to press for internal reforms that could rid the body of its reputation for waste and extravagance.

Speaking in Strasbourg on Wednesday, the MEP said a new system of pay and expenses and a code of conduct was needed.

He also called for an end to the parliament's monthly trips between its two buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Pledge

Duff said he was signing a three point pledge that would commit him to backing reform.

"The urgent need to reform MEPs' pay and expenses has been a running sore for far too long," he added.

"It is worth remembering that the parliament recently put forward a workable members statute which included a common salary and a fully transparent expenses system based on actually incurred costs.

"Unfortunately this deal was rejected by national governments in the council of ministers.

"That is why I am signing this pledge. I call on all other candidates in the East of England to sign up before the June elections."

The pledge backs greater efficiency by giving the European parliament a single working location, enhanced transparency through reform of the expenses system and improved accountability via the introduction of a strengthened code of conduct.