Sharon regrets news that the European Parliament will return to Strasbourg.

12.24.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2008

Sharon was disappointed today by the news that after holding its previous two plenary sessions in Brussels, due to the collapse of the ceiling of the chamber in Strasbourg, the European Parliament would be returning to its regular seat for its October session.

"I am sad that we are continuing with the Brussels-Strasbourg yo-yo. Firstly, the £130 million spent annually on moving to Strasbourg once a month could be spent on something productive. The last two sessions have shown that holding sessions in Brussels has been more efficient, and actually increased the numbers of MEPs attending votes.

"Secondly, it's been proving very difficult for us MEPs to find out the full facts and get our voices heard. An expert report on the incident that has been circulated is currently available only in French and German. Even if we knew what was going on, we have no power to change the current set-up, as we remain at the mercy of the French veto.

"Finally, along with other MEPs, I'm not convinced that enough time has been spent on ensuring that the repairs are adequate. The French government has a strong interest in getting it done quickly so that the Parliament does not get too used to the idea of holding plenary sessions in Brussels. Only today it emerged that low levels of asbestos are present in the Strasbourg building's ventilation system.

"This is a building that is only a few years old, and there will now be legal wrangling about who is to blame. It is a huge embarrassment to France, and I believe that they should foot the bill. This week a written declaration in support of a one seat Parliament has been launched, and I will be campaigning to get more than half of all MEPs to sign."