Two Conservative MEPs have each pocketed over £1million in taxpayer salary and expenses payments in just five years, it has emerged.

Richard Ashworth and Sajjad Karim both claimed over £150,000 in travel expenses and the same again for subsistence, among other entitlements, prompting concern about the amount of money available to EU politicians.

It came as reports show Nigel Farage claimed over £15,000 in expenses to pay for his bodyguards.

The Ukip leader employs a team of former military personnel to protect him as he gives Brexit speeches around the UK and documents show the EU has been billed for their services, which include arranging food and drink.