Stockton Liberal Democrats

by the European Movement and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Tuesday 28 February 2012, 18.00 The European Movement and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung are organising a Briefing ahead of the 1-2 March EU Summit. The purpose of the event is to inform journalists, policy experts and EU public affairs practitioners about what is on the Summit's agenda and debate the possible outcomes and policy initiatives to come out of another very crucial gathering of EU leaders. The panel discussion will feature: - Charles Grant, Director, Centre for European Reform - Olaf Cramme, Director, Policy Network (tbc) - Julian Callow, Managing Director and Chief European Economist, Barclays Capital If you would like to attend please send an e-mail to lena.donner@euromove.org.uk with your full name and organisation. Venue: Doubletree Hilton, 30 John Islip Street, London SW1P 4DD Date and Time: Tuesday 28 February 2012, 18.00 - 19.30 Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Commenting on the re-election of Edward McMillan-Scott, Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire & Humber, as Vice-President of the European Parliament with the portfolio for Democracy and Human Rights, as well a new responsibility for Transatlantic Relations, British Foreign Office Minister and Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton Deane, Jeremy Browne said: "I am delighted at Edward's re-election. He has proved a passionate, determined and highly effective campaigner for human rights and democracy. "As the British Foreign Minister responsible for human rights and a fellow Liberal Democrat, I am greatly looking forward to working with Edward to pursue this agenda, which is so central to the enlightened interests of the UK and Europe as a whole. "With the Arab Spring continuing and tentative steps towards political reforms in Burma, the presence of strong and credible voices, fighting for human rights and democracy at home and abroad, is absolutely essential. "I am convinced Edward is the right man to help ensure that we maximise the collective weight of the European Union in defending and promoting human rights and democracy." ENDS Notes to Editors: Edward McMillan-Scott is the only Briton on the European Parliament's governing Bureau. He was first elected as an MEP for Yorkshire & Humber in 1984 and first elected Vice-President in 2004. He was re-elected on 18 January 2012. On 27 January he once again received the portfolio for Democracy and Human Rights and gained responsibility for Transatlantic Relations. Edward McMillan-Scott was the first outside politician to get to Cairo the day after Hosni Mubarak's fall. He recently wrote about the Arab Spring in a Yorkshire Post article which can be read here: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/debate/columnists/edward_mcmillan_scott_spark_of_liberty_flickers_as_arab_spring_hopes_fade_1_4245920 Last week, Edward McMillan-Scott met activists who had travelled to Strasbourg from Homs to appeal for support. Angelika Schneider Press Officer ALDE Group European Parliament PHS 5.5 C 39 Rue Wiertz 50 BE 1047 Brussels Tel. +32 2 28 41019 BXL Tel. +33 3 881 72431 SXB Mobile +44 7950 184 194 Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

MEPs in Strasbourg have today voted to freeze their own allowances until mid-2014 and cap the travel budget at the present level in order to meet demands that all EU institutions cut their administrative spending. Senior Liberal Democrat MEP and Vice President of the Parliament's Budget Committee, George Lyon, who is pushing for the EU budget to be radically restructured and independently evaluated to find further savings, commented after the vote: "At a time when people across the country struggle to make ends meet, it is important that MEPs show some leadership in keeping the Parliament's costs under control. "Freezing allowances and travel expenses is a good start. But I believe that we can make many more savings. In order to ensure that taxpayers are getting maximum value for their money, we need to have an independent evaluation of the EU budget to get rid of any inefficiencies and waste. "I am very pleased that once again MEPs have also voted to push for a single seat of the European Parliament. It is an outrage that Member States still insist that the House travels between Brussels and Strasbourg each month. MEPs are quite right in calling for an urgent evaluation of this situation." Liberal Democrat MEPs have been on the forefront of the Single Seat Campaign which calls for the European Parliament to be permanently set up in Brussels. Liberal Democrat MEP and Vice President of the Parliament, Edward McMillan-Scott, who co-chairs the Single Seat Campaign and is launching an EU-wide public petition against its controversial 'travelling circus' added: "The pollution, cost, inefficiency and remoteness of this travelling circus are indefensible. The 1.27 million people who signed up to the OneSeat petition in 2007, calling for the EP to be located only in Brussels, have been ignored by the EU. But Europe's public today cannot be ignored against a backdrop of economic crisis and pressing environmental concerns." ENDS Note to editors: The full report on the guidelines for the 2013 budget can be found here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2012-0030&language=EN Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Guy Verhofstadt, President of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament, and the Leaders of the VVD and D66 delegations have tonight issued the following joint statement on the hotline launched last week by the PVV via a website where complaints about Central and Eastern Europeans can be posted. "We strongly condemn the website launched by the Dutch PVV for complaints about Poland and other Eastern Europeans and ask for its immediate closure. "The website, as stated by commissioner Reding, goes against all European values of dignity and liberty. Furthermore it risks destroying the very basis of the Union, which is non-discrimination and free movement ". "Wilders' response with the comment that 'Europe can get stuffed' is astonishing considering that the Netherlands is an integral part of the EU and one of the founding member states". Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE group leader Sophie In't Veld (D66) Hans van Baalen (VVD) Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Phil Bennion has been officially confirmed as the new Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands region at the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg this week. The Staffordshire farmer and economic policy expert takes over from Liz Lynne who stood down from Parliament earlier in February after more than 12 years due to the extensive travelling required in the job. He was elected to second place on the Lib Dem list of candidates at the last European elections in 2009. Phillip Bennion said of his new role, I am determined to fight for the vital interests of the whole of the West Midlands region in the European Union and for a more prosperous and democratic Europe. From the shire counties to the manufacturing heart of the nation in Birmingham, this region's economic and environmental future will be shaped by our relationship with the EU. Literally hundreds of thousands of local jobs depend on it, so I will do my best to make sure we punch our weight in the corridors of power, whether in Brussels or London. I have always been pro-European. I am a strong supporter of a more liberal and democratic EU that concentrates on what it should be doing as simply and efficiently as possible. We are stronger together and would be much poorer apart. In our inter-connected world, the financial crisis in all western nations shows that we cannot bury our heads in the sand. If we listen to the siren sceptic voices we will be sleepwalking to disaster. Every European country is vulnerable to economic and environmental challenges which individual governments cannot control. Britain cannot tackle these challenges alone but must forge strong alliances with our neighbours. We have to be a strong voice for reform with a seat at the top table. I will use my experience as a farmer and independent businessman to work for EU rules that enable European businesses to take on the competition from Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRICS) and other developing nations. Pointless red tape has to go and pro-active action taken to stimulate investment, trade and new jobs. I am committed to doing all that I can to further food, energy and material security in the long term in a way that conserves biodiversity and addresses climate change. Liz Lynne did a tremendous job as our MEP. Following her is a huge challenge but I am looking forward to getting to work. Fiona Hall MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat delegation in the European Parliament, said: Phillip Bennion has been a very active Lib Dem member and campaigner in the West Midlands over many years. He not only knows the region very well, but also has first hand experience of working at a European level through his involvement with the European Liberal Democrat Party (ELDR) and as chair of the Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG). With his background as a councillor, farmer and businessman, I am sure that he will be a valuable addition to the Liberal Democrat team in the European Parliament and we are looking forward to working with him. END Phil recently gave a short interview in which he talked about his new role. You can read it here Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Lib Dem Voice recently polled the members only forum to discover what Lib Dem members think of various political issues, the Coalition, and the performance of key party figures. Some 570 party members responded, and yesterday Co-Editor Stephen Tall published the following results on their website. Party members split over the future of Europe LDV asked: Which of the following options would be your ideal future for the UK and the European Union? 46% - The UK should remain a full member of the EU and work towards ever closer union, economically and politically. 40% - The UK should remain a full member of the EU but reject working towards ever closer union, economically and politically. 10% - The UK should secure substantial renegotiation of its existing relationship with the EU but remain a full member. 3% - The UK should leave the EU altogether and instead negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU. 2% - Don't know / No opinion Though the Lib Dems are generally identified in the public's minds as the most pro-European, it's clear from our survey that party members' views are more nuanced. Just under half, 46%, back ever closer political and economic union - but that leaves 53% arguing for a rejection of further integration between the UK and our European neighbours, including a minority who would like to see renegotiation or even the UK's exit from the EU. The results are broadly similar to when we last surveyed Lib Dem members in September, though with a small shift towards a more 'eurosceptic' position. Almost three-quarters back new Eurozone rules LDV asked: The Eurozone refers to the 17 of the 27 countries within the EU that use the Euro. The UK is not part of the Eurozone. In December, European leaders agreed new rules for the Eurozone which will mean that countries in the Eurozone will have to balance their budgets, there will be punishments for countries which run up deficits that are too large, and countries in the Eurozone will have their budgets monitored by the EU. Do you support or oppose these new rules? 73% - Support 15% - Oppose 12% - Don't know / No opinion Almost three-quarters of Lib Dem members we surveyed supported the new rule for the Eurozone countries, with just 15% opposed. Cameron's Euro 'veto' scores badly with Lib Dems… How well or badly do you think David Cameron handled the negotiations on behalf of the UK at the European summit in December? Very well - 2% Well - 6% Total well = 8% Neither well nor badly - 8% Badly 33% Very badly 51% Total badly = 84% Don't know / No opinion - 1% Well the Prime Minister's so-called 'veto' may have wowed the right-wing media in December, but it didn't win him plaudits among Lib Dem members - a net 76% of those we surveyed felt Mr Cameron had handled the negotiations badly. … And Nick Clegg's handling of the 'veto' gets a mixed response How well or badly do you think Nick Clegg handled the Liberal Democrat response to the European summit in December? Very well - 9% Well - 36% Total well = 45% Neither well nor badly - 23% Badly - 21% Very badly - 9% Total badly = 30% Don't know / No opinion 2% A bit of a mixed result for Nick Clegg, with fewer than half of the members in our survey believing he handled the Lib Dem response well. Here's a sample of your comments: Hard position. Difficult to see how he could improve. Not worth destroying the coalition over He took too long to make his stance clear, and there was some ambiguity as to what his stance actually was. Eventually, he was clear and right His rhetoric was very anti-Tory but the substance was more measured. Nick took two incompatible positions within the course of about 48 hours - he should be careful to avoid repeating this feat again in future. Although the initial inconsistency was wrong, he took the right line. Response could have been better, subtle reading may indicate that Nick Clegg behaviour was consistent throughout but that's not what it looked like. Started off badly but then improved significantly Nick managed to claw back some respectability and influence. I wish he'd been negotiating for us. Over 1,200 Lib Dem paid-up party members are registered with LibDemVoice.org. Some 570 responded to the latest survey, which was conducted between 31st January and 4th February. Please note: we make no claims that the survey is fully representative of the Lib Dem membership as a whole. However, LibDemVoice.org's surveys are the largest independent samples of the views of Lib Dem members across the country, and have in the past accurately predicted the winners of the contest for Party President, and the result of the conference decision to approve the Coalition agreement. The full archive of our members' surveys can be viewed at www.libdemvoice.org/category/ldv-members-poll Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Minister for Europe David Lidington has made a written statement to Parliament on Croatia's EU accession. In the written Statement, the Minister for Europe said: "A Parliamentary statement has been laid before the House today, 2 February. This has been made pursuant to section 5 of the European Union Act 2011 as to whether the Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union falls within section 4 of the EU Act." "Copies of the Parliamentary statement are available from the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office. Copies of the Treaty have been deposited in the Library of the House." You can read the Statement here: the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. Please click on the link to view the article: here Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Rebecca Taylor announced as new MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber The Liberal Democrats can confirm the new MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber will be Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca takes up the post following the resignation of Diana Wallis. Rebecca is from Yorkshire, born and brought up in Todmorden, West Yorkshire. She went to university in Sheffield and Leeds, and Rebecca's immediate family all live in Yorkshire. Rebecca has worked in the health sector for more than 10 years including working with patients to help improve NHS services, doing health policy research and helping health sector organisations with their communications. She is currently in the process of completing a master's degree in public health. Commenting, Rebecca Taylor said: "It is a great privilege and honour to serve the people of Yorkshire and the Humber in Europe as a Liberal Democrat MEP. It is why I stood for selection in 2007 and my commitment to the region has not changed. "It has been quite a shock to find myself in this position. Above all I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity and determined to do everything in my power to promote jobs, growth and prosperity in the region, and help to improve health services. "I know lots families in Yorkshire and the Humber are really feeling the pinch at the moment and I look forward to doing my bit to help as an MEP committed to fighting for the region." ENDS Notes to Editors: 1. Interviews Rebecca is available for some media interviews today, Monday. To arrange an interview, please contact the Liberal Democrat press office as soon as possible - 02073404949. 2. Email to members In an email to Liberal Democrat members in Yorkshire and the Humber, the regional party chair Jeanette Sunderland said: I am writing to inform you that today Rebecca Taylor has today been confirmed as the new Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire and Humber. Rebecca steps up to the role following the resignation of Diana Wallis. Diana has decided to move onto other challenges after dedicating more than 12 years to the region and furthering Liberal Democrat values in Europe. According to the election rules, a post left vacant by a resignation is filled by a candidate on the party list. The Liberal Democrat list is democratically elected by the region. In this case, Stewart Arnold has felt unable to take the role, and therefore it became open to the third candidate, Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca has strong roots in Yorkshire and will make an excellent Yorkshire and the Humber representative in the European Parliament, joining Edward McMillan-Scott. I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Rebecca to the team. We must now work together with a clear focus on building a strong Liberal Democrat team across region, and I am confident that Rebecca will do everything in her power to do that and help deliver an excellent campaign in May. 3. Biography Yorkshire roots. Rebecca Taylor was born and raised in Todmorden, West Yorkshire and went to university in Sheffield and Leeds. Rebecca's immediate family all live in Yorkshire. Lib Dem background. Rebecca is a third generation Liberal Democrat activist whose grandparents joined the party in the 1950s. Rebecca's parents are active Liberal Democrats in Yorkshire for more than 30 years. Rebecca has been a party member since 2002 and has been campaigning in local and general elections on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Yorkshire and Humber region since 2005. Professional experience. Rebecca has worked in the health sector for more than 10 years including working with patients to help improve NHS services, doing health policy research and helping health sector organisations with their communications. Rebecca's areas of interest in health are malnutrition, childhood obesity, older people's health, vaccination, and health inequalities. Rebecca is currently finishing a master's degree in public health at King's College London. Plans for the region. Rebecca thinks that investment and employment are key issues for the region, especially helping young people begin their working life. Rebecca is very passionate about public health and hope to use her knowledge of health and the NHS to improve public health and tackle the health inequalities that exist in Yorkshire and the Humber. EU experience Rebecca has worked in Brussels for a number of years and therefore understands how the EU works. Rebecca hopes to put this knowledge to good use to represent the people of Yorkshire and Humber in Europe. Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

On 19th January 2012, Diana Wallis announced her resignation from the European Parliament. Diana has issued the following statement: "I have been in the European Parliament twelve years and I think that is time enough. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and it was truly a huge privilege; especially to serve as a Vice President of Parliament for the last five years. However, I think all of us, whatever our professions, need to turn a new page from time to time." "At the mid-term of parliament many members come and go, so accordingly this moment following upon my unsuccessful bid for the Presidency is a good time to take stock. I undertook that bid for reasons that I deeply believe in but such a course of action is bound to lead to reflection. I want to take a break from politics and to take time and assess what next." "I have been at the service of the people of Yorkshire and the Humber for twelve and a half years. I will always be grateful for the trust that was placed in me to carry out this role, but now is the time for someone with fresh eyes to take over." "I remain a committed pro-European Liberal Democrat." Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for North East England and leader of the Liberal Democrat MEPs said: "Diana has been a high profile Member of the Liberal Democrat delegation in the European Parliament, which she led from December 2001 until June 2004 and again from June 2006 to January 2007. She was an outstanding and hard working Member and ALDE coordinator of the Legal Affairs Committee. In her 5 years as a Vice President of the European Parliament she made a name for herself as a champion of transparency. In this role, she negotiated the new joint lobby register of the European Parliament and Commission and the new Code of Conduct for MEPs and was a driving force behind greater access to parliamentary documents. A great believer in participatory democracy, Diana was also very much committed to engaging people with the EU legislative process. Her work on the new European citizens initiative ensured that the admissibility criteria and checks were as open, unbureaucratic and citizen-friendly as possible." "This resignation is an entirely personal decision by Diana. Being an MEP is a very demanding and time-consuming job and after 12 years and having achieved so much, I can understand that she might want to turn the page." "On a personal note, I am very grateful to Diana for all the help and support she offered to me personally even before I was elected as an MEP" Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

On 5 November 2011, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands Liz Lynne announced that she would be stepping down from her position in February 2012. Fiona Hall, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, wrote to LDEG to Thank Liz for her great work and to explain the situation: "Liz Lynne will be hugely missed by the LDEPP team of MEPs when she stands down in February - for the past 12 years she has been working tirelessly to represent the West Midlands in the EP, with her contribution spanning a huge range of issues from anti-discrimination, supporting cancer patients and detailed technical work on employment and social affairs legislation." "But as with every cloud, there is a silver lining and we are delighted to be welcoming Phil Bennion to the team as a very worthy successor. Phil has been a very active and hard headed Lib Dem campaigner in the West Midlands for 20 years and of course a keen Europhile, being involved with ELDR, a member of the IRC, chair of LDEG and editor of the much enjoyed Eurofile. With half of the EP mandate behind us and another half to go, this is the ideal time for Phil to step in, take over the reins and immediately hit the ground running - and I have no doubt that that is exactly what he will do!" Fiona Hall As our new man in Brussels prepares for his new role, Phil kindly agreed to a short interview with LDEG. Here's what he had to say... LDEG: What triggered your interest in politics and the Liberal Democrats? PB: I was Head Dissident at my grammar school and a fan of Jo Grimond. The combination made me realise that I was a Liberal by the age of 16. This represented a considerable maturing of my political stance, as at 14 I had professed to be an anarchist. ..and how about European politics? PB: I've always been a Europhile. In the early days I saw a need for a third force between the US and USSR. The EU is a necessity to achieve a balance of non-military power, and particularly to ensure the furtherance of European interests. This is now more important than ever, as globalisation brings new economic and environmental challenges. You have a great deal of experience as an independent farmer, and in political and community work. Which of these roles has best prepared you for life as an MEP? PB: After running my own business for 26 years I know how difficult it can be to stay afloat. This will no doubt affect the way I do the job. EU politics is about developing consensus, negotiating and identifying potential allies. I've been doing this for the Lib Dems in ELDR and Liberal International for the past 6 years. This is my most valuable political experience. Who's going to run the farm when you're in Brussels? PB: All of the operations will be contracted out, but I'll still have to do the paperwork. More importantly, who will write Eurofile?? PB: This will be a decision for the LDEG Executive Committee. You are joining the Lib Dem MEP team during something of a European crisis. Assuming the EU and the single currency survive, what priorities would like the EU to focus on in the future? PB: Ensuring European businesses can take on the competition from the BRICS and other developing nations and achieving a global deal on climate change. If you had to write yourself a three line mission statement, what would it say? PB: I am committed to doing all that I can to further food, energy and material security in the long term in a manner that conserves biodiversity and addresses climate change. If you could ask one thing of the Liberal Democrats and its members, what would it be? PB: Embrace the need to eradicate our structural deficit but champion capital investment. In 5 years we could be Italy and 5 years beyond that Greece f we do nothing. Is there anything else you would like to say? PB: Don't apologise for being pro European. You don't have to defend all of its decisions, but always make the case for the necessity of the EU. The UK is a small to medium-sized nation and lacks the power to defend its interests alone. Europe has to work together to make itself heard in a globalised world. Phillip Bennion CV Highlights Born 07/10/1954,Tamworth, Staffordshire Education Aberdeen. BSc Agricultural Biology Class 2, Div 1 (1977) Newcastle upon Tyne. PhD entitled "Improving the yield of late sown Winter Oilseed Rape" awarded 1986. Birmingham. BA in History + Economic and Social History, Class 1 (1994). Career Lecturer in Crop Production, Shuttleworth College, 1983-4. Arable farmer, self-employed, 1985 to present. Small arable farm of 106 hectares lying 6 miles north ofTamworth, including mixed soil types, but mainly silty clay loam. The farm is run as a one-man operation using a contractor for combining. The farm is owner-occupied and has been occupied by the family since 1934. Farming related Committee Work NFU representative on Staffordshire Rural Forum and formerly on Environment Agency area group. Currently Chair of the MIN-NO project, a £5m DEFRA LINK research project aimed at reducing Nitrous Oxide emissions from arable farming. Rural Economy Staffordshire Rural Forum; Vice Chairman 2003-09 Staffordshire Rural Hub, Founding Chairman 2004-09. Domestic Politics Liberal Democrat Councillor on Lichfield District Council, 1999 - 2011. Parliamentary candidate for Lichfield Constituency, 1997 & 2001, for the Tamworth Constituency in 2005 andTelfordin 2010. European Parliamentary Candidate for West Midlands in 1999, 2004 and 2009 being No2 on the Liberal Democrats' regional list in 2009. Currently a member of the Liberal Democrats Federal Policy Committee, which takes responsibility for developing policy and drafting manifestos Phillip has sat on many Policy Working Groups including Climate Change,Europeand Natural Environment and has drafted current Liberal Democrat policy on the CAP International Politics Member of the Liberal Democrats International Relations Committee 2007 to present. Currently a member of the governing Council of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Group (ELDR). Liberal International; Currently a member of Liberal International British Group Executive Committee and a delegate at every LI Congress since 2005. Phillip also attends full LI Executive meetings mirroring his negotiating role on ELDR Council. Chair of Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG) 2008 to present. Phillip launched Eurofile, a new magazine on European liberal politics in 2009. Phillip is a member of the National Council of the European Movement (EM) and is also a regular roving speaker in schools and colleges for Europe Direct (now part of EM). Other Interests include cricket (formerly as a Derbyshire County League player, now on the umpire's list.) The Arts including theatre (RSC full member), music (CBSO member;) and opera, (Friends of Opera North) and Art History (an option subject taken whilst at theUniversityofBirmingham). World Travel as an independent traveller. Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Andrew Duff: 'EU2' is a new start for the euro Following the outcome of the euro-summit last night, Andrew Duff MEP (UK, Lib Dem) ALDE spokesperson on constitutional affairs, believes that the formation of 'EU 2' and the prospect of a new treaty should start the process of stabilising the markets and saving the euro. He deplores, however, the decision of the UK government not to participate. In a statement this morning (Friday), Duff says: "The euro-summit appears to have laid the foundations for a new start for the euro. Agreement on the fiscal compact, on introducing reverse QMV for the excessive deficit procedure, on building stronger economic governance for common economic policy and on improving and accelerating the European Stability Mechanism are precisely what are needed to help stabilise the markets and to begin to restore democratic confidence. "The new treaty will give birth to what we might call 'EU 2' - a federal economic government of a fiscal union. But the gearing between the new Union and the old will be a very delicate matter. It is vital that the role of the European Commission and Court of Justice are equivalent in both EU 1 and EU 2, and that the integrity of the corpus of EU law is preserved. "There must be no question that EU 2 can be cast in a neo-Gaullist mould in which the Commission would be sub-contracted to do secretarial services for the euro-summits. The Commission must remain the motor of government." Deploring the decision of the UK government not to partake in this qualitative step in European integration, Duff added: "Mr Cameron has reached the logical conclusion of Tory policy which is to retire Britain to a second class membership of Europe. This will be hugely damaging to the British national interest, including the interests of the City of London which the prime minister purports to wish to advance. It is perverse to blame other countries for not wishing to cooperate with the UK, when it is the UK which has opted out of the euro and so many other aspects of life in the European Union." "One is reminded of the Messina Conference in 1956 which the British left in a huff but which led eventually to the foundation of the European Economic Community. When the UK eventually joined up, more than 15 years later, it found the EEC was not perfectly designed to suit British interests." "The European Parliament will need somehow to be involved in the new Intergovernmental Conference which will now draft the EU 2 treaty. I will be consulting with colleagues in the next days to see how this might best be done. EU 2 must be born with full democratic legitimacy." For more information please contact: Corlett Neil - Tel:+32 2 284 20 77 Mob:+32 478 78 22 84 Web: http://www.adle.eu Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Diana Wallis MEP Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber, Diana Wallis, has expressed her regret and deep concern at the outcome of last night's Europe's leaders crucial summit in Brussels. Diana Wallis, a Vice President of the European Parliament, expressed her 'regret and deep concern' after the results of the meeting became known, adding: "As a country we have left ourselves on the outside looking in and it is far from clear whose interest this serves if our Government is not to be at the decision-making table. "More importantly some governments felt it right to express their agreement to the plan from last night subject to consent by their home parliament; why could Mr Cameron not have done this, especially in the context of a coalition government? "Likewise the method adopted by the heads of government is excessively intergovernmental, by-passing Europe's elected parliament; the final text gives one nodding recognition to the European Parliament in respect of 'secondary' legislation. If we are not careful we are watching democratic accountability at a European level fly out the window at a time when it was never more needed. "In short, this is a sad day for Britain, a sad day for Europe and a sad day for democracy." Chris Davies MEP Britain betrayed by Cameron David Cameron was this morning accused of relegating Britain to the second division of Europe. Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies claimed that by wrecking agreement between EU countries in Brussels the Prime Minister had ensured that a two speed Europe would develop. He said: "Far from keeping Britain strong, Cameron has ensured that we will lose our influence at the top table. "By seeking to protect bankers from regulation, he has betrayed Britain's real interests and done nothing in practice to help the City of London. "The fear now must be that we will increasingly lose the opportunity to affect decisions being taken that are bound to affect us. "The consequence of the xenophobic attitudes towards our European neighbours that have been allowed to develop has been to leave Britain weak. We have shot ourselves in the foot." Sir Graham Watson MEP Commenting on the outcome of the European Council meeting, ELDR President and South West Liberal Democrat MEP Sir Graham Watson said: "The agreement by EU heads of state and government is a decisive step forward in the management of Europe's economy and the Euro." "It is regrettable that the United Kingdom has chosen not to join this initiative. It remains in the UK's medium to long term interest to be a part of the main axis of European advance and I hope the UK's position will be reviewed." Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Liz Lynne to stand down as Euro MP November 5, 2011 9:47 PM Signing off ... Liz Lynne has announced she will stand down as MEP at the beginning of February Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has announced she plans to stand down as Euro MP for the West Midlands Region in three months time. Liz Lynne said she had thought about the decision carefully but 'the time is right' to move on after 12 and a half years representing the region in the European Parliament. The Euro MP revealed her decision in her speech to the regional Lib Dem party conference at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce on Saturday afternoon. She said: "I have decided to stand down as MEP at the beginning of February. I have thought about this carefully and believe that the time is right. Although I still find the work stimulating and worthwhile, the relentless travelling particularly to and from Strasbourg is onerous to say the least. "Stepping down now will also give my successor, Phil Bennion, enough time to bed down and make an effective contribution in the remaining two and and half years of this Parliament. "The ongoing financial crisis across Europe means that the Liberal Democrat voice for reform and democracy will continue to be needed loud and clear. "The third reason why it is the right time is that positions on the Parliament's committees change midway through the mandate. "I am proud to have served as First Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee. Giving up now however would give one of my Lib Dem MEP colleagues an opportunity to take a similar position for the rest of the mandate. "I feel I have been able to achieve a lot over the last 12 and a half years as Euro MP for the West Midlands , fighting for equality and reform in the EU. "Looking back, ensuring the Employment Directive outlawed workplace discrimination against disabled people or on grounds of age is particularly important to me. "After Parliament backed my own initiative report on equal access to goods and services, the Commission agreed to bring in an Equal Treatment Directive to stop discrimination on all grounds including disability and age. It is still being held up by some countries but I hope it will go ahead. "I am proud of my work in the healthcare field. I lobbied for many years to toughen safety laws to stop medical staff suffering a million needlestick injuries every year. "Recently I won a long campaign to stop MRI scanners in hospitals from in effect being banned by the Electro Magnetic Fields Directive, completely unnecessarily. The Commission is now proposing to exempt MRI technology from the exposure limits. "This year I was also delighted to win backing from both the Parliament and the Lib Dem conference for an EU wide code of conduct to stop the abuse of older people in long term care." "I am not retiring but want to focus my politics in ways which do not involve quite so much travelling. I will continue to support the Liberal Democrat party in any way I can, I remain a strong supporter of Nick Clegg's leadership and his work in the coalition government." ENDS Note: As the European Parliament is elected by a regional party list system, when an MEP stands down, the position is taken automatically by the second candidate on the party's list at the election in 2009. Liz Lynne has been Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands since June 1999. Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Writing on the Guardian website, Nick Clegg has warned that changing our relationship with the EU is a 'dangerous distraction' when our urgent priorities are restoring stability and jumpstarting growth. "Change in Europe presents opportunities, not just threats. The coalition will be strategic and long-sighted and we will not give up the influence that benefits the British people. Nor will we sit on our hands and allow others to take it from us. We will strain every sinew to promote British interests, and it is in an open, united and liberal Europe that those interests are best served." The full text is available online here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/oct/29/eurozone-europe-british-economy Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

A new book is now available from Ashgate Publishing entitled "The Black Sea Region and EU Policy: the challenge of divergent agendas" edited by Karen Henderson and Carol Weaver of the University of Leicester. Several LDEG members contributed to the original workshop "A Clash of Agendas?" from which the book developed, including Jonathan Fryer, Ed Maxfield and Carol Weaver. For more information see: http://www.ldeg.org/resources/sites/82.165.40.25-436cfeee1ec489.65617500/BlackSeabook.pdf Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for the South West of England and Gibraltar, will be launching his new book on Monday 25 October 2010 - 18:30 at the London Offices of the European Parliament, Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU. If you wish to attend you will need to RSVP to casework2@grahamwatsonmep.org by Wednesday 20th October. Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Here is the text of an important speech given by the President of the European Council in September 2010. It has attracted much attention. http://tinyurl.com/245pjhh ********************************************************************************************************** Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

LDEG president Andrew Duff MEP is amongst other speakers on this important topic to be held on 8th October 2010 at 2pm. The event takes place on Jewry Street EC3N and is held jointly by the Global Policy Institute and the Federal Trust for Education and Research. Read on for more information. Speakers: Andrew Duff MEP, LibDem member of the European Parliament for the East of England Anthony Teasdale, Deputy Chief of Staff to President of European Parliament; former Special Adviser, FCO and HMT Maurice Fraser, London School of Economics, former special adviser to Douglas Hurd Chaired by: Brendan Donnelly, Director, Federal Trust If any LDEG members would like to attend please contact alison.sutherland@fedtrust.co.uk ********************************************************************************************** Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

LDEG is delighted to announce two important fringe events to be held at the Liverpool conference as well as the AGM. The Sunday evening event is on "Europe and the Coalition" with keynote speaker Dick Roche as well as LDEG president Andrew Duff MEP and Sarah Ludford MEP. Our lunchtime Sunday event is "Will the new CAP fit?" with keynote speaker George Lyon MEP. Read on for full details: "Will the new CAP fit?" ACC Hall 4A 13.00 - 14.00 Sunday 19th September George Lyon explains what the new CAP will look like after 2013. George has drafted the EP's view on the reforms. The NFU has also been invited. ****************************************************************************************** "Europe and the Coalition" ACC Hall 1B 18.15 - 19.30 Sunday 19th September Please note that this event is now different from the one previously advertised. Andrew Duff will introduce Dick Roche, the Irish government's Minister of State for European Affairs. Sarah Ludford will discuss coalition tensions on justice and home affairs. Phil Bennion will be in the chair. Federal Union has kindly helped to sponsor this event. **************************************************************************************************** LDEG AGM 09.00 Monday 20th September Holiday Inn All members welcome. ***************************************************************************************************** Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

The keynote address at the AGM of the European Movement on Saturday 11 September will be given by European Movement president, and former Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy. Full details (including for non-members) are below. AGM Saturday 11 September 2010 JZ Young Lecture Theatre, Medical Sciences and Anatomy Building, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT Programme 10.30 am Coffee and registration 11 am Opening of AGM - Welcome by Peter Luff, Chairman of the European Movement 11.15 am The European policies of the coalition government What are the policies of the new coalition government after the general election? How far can the European Movement support them? What else should pro-Europeans be calling for? Speakers to be announced. 12.30 pm Address by the president of the European Movement, Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP 1 pm Lunch 2 pm The strategy and action of the European Movement AGM business session, including reports from European Movement chairman Peter Luff and secretary-general of the European Movement International, Diogo Pinto. 4 pm Close of AGM See: http://bit.ly/bI5q8C for more details Attendance at the AGM is free of charge. However, they are asking for donations towards the costs of staging the event, including conference papers, lunch and refreshments. To book places at the AGM, please print and send the form below to European Movement, Southbank House, Black Prince Road, London SE1 7SJ or send an e-mail to emoffice@euromove.org.uk Please make cheques payable to 'European Movement'. Non-members are welcome to attend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I would like to book places at the AGM for ____ members (£20 each) and _____YEM members (£10 each). (Includes conference papers, lunch and refreshments.) Name: ___________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Published and promoted by Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG), Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton, Tamworth Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY