The European Parliament has returned to work after the summer recess and as readers may know, the Parliament currently sits in both Brussels and the French city of Strasbourg.

What they may not be aware of is the extraordinary cost of doing so.

A recent study from the European Court of Auditors has found that if all sittings of the parliament took place in Brussels, there would be a saving of £90million a year, enough to build as many as 14 new primary schools. In addition there would be a one off windfall of £490million from selling the unnecessary buildings in Strasbourg – enough for a further 75 primary schools.

Most of the parliament’s work is conducted in Brussels, but once a month, more than 750 MEPs and an army of 4,000 staff all up sticks and head for France.

This travelling circus requires 25 trucks carrying documents and equipment to drive 267 miles from Brussels to Strasbourg.

The environmental cost is also high, as this wholly unnecessary move generates 15,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, for just three days of meetings.

Most Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) would prefer to stop the monthly trek to Strasbourg, but the French government refuses to allow a treaty change.

The Prime Minister has promised that the next Conservative government will give the British people a referendum on whether or not they wish to remain a member of the European Union. If the EU wishes to appear to be financially responsible in the eyes of the British electorate, they should address the scandal of Strasbourg as a matter of urgency.

Syed Kamall, MEP for London.