Stockton Liberal Democrats

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

EuroFile 5 is now available on this website. See - http://tinyurl.com/2vqgh77 *********************************************************************************** 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

Brendan Donnelly of the European Movement has written the article below, which you might find of interest. It gives his own views which are not necessarily those of the European Movement or LDEG. ****************************************************************************************** The Coalition and its European Policy by Brendan Donnelly Commentators speculating about the likely course of the Coalition government's European policy fall from the point of view of the European Movement into two main categories, the optimists and the pessimists. The optimists point to the careful and moderate tone which until now has characterised the new government's utterances on European issues and hope that the Liberal Democrats will act as a brake on the more outlandish excesses of Conservative euroscepticism. The pessimists point to the negative and defensive tone of the Coalition agreement on European issues and wonder how effective the Liberal Democrats, as a junior coalition partner in a supposedly special relationship with the Conservative Party, will be in restraining over time the basic instincts of Mr Cameron and his colleagues, on European or on any other issues. Both sides in this argument have good points to make. Perhaps the truth of the matter is that the European policy of the Coalition will be less radically eurosceptic than it might have been under an exclusively Conservative administration. But that will not necessarily prevent it from being a British government which is more viscerally hostile to the European Union and to any deepening of Britain's role within it than any of its predecessors in the past 50 years. The text of the Coalition agreement on European policy repays detailed study. It begins in its summary paragraph with apparently positive words about Britain's 'leading role' in the European Union. But even this lip-service to pro-European feeling is succeeded in the same paragraph by the aggressive insistence that no further powers should be 'transferred to Brussels' without a referendum and by a revealing description of the Coalition's proposed European policy as a balance between 'constructive engagement with the EU' and 'protecting our national sovereignty'. 'Constructive engagement' is a phrase more appropriate to Britain's dealings with rogue states than with our closest partners; and the concept of 'protecting our national sovereignty' carries with it the clear and depressing implication that the Coalition regards 'our' national sovereignty as being under perpetual threat from the European Union, a threat which it behoves all patriotic Britons to join in repelling. The remaining paragraphs of the agreement on European policy maintain this sour and grudging initial approach. There is talk of working to 'limit the application of the Working Time Directive', of a 'referendum lock', of a 'Sovereignty Bill', of defending the 'UK's national interests in the forthcoming EU budget negotiations', of not joining in the establishment of a European Public Prosecutor. Above all, Britain will not join the euro in this parliament or make any preparations to do so, a prescription which ensures that it will be at least seven years and almost certainly longer before Britain can realistically consider again the question of membership of the European single currency. If the Coalition agreement is a fair guide to the next five years, the predominant tone of the Coalition's European policy will be one of negation, refusal and standing aside from the European Union. Those who have a more favourable view of the text of the Coalition agreement on European issues rightly point out that the purest milk of Conservative European policy would have demanded a commitment to the 'repatriation' of powers on social and employment issues from the European Union to the British government; that the agreement's text on the proposed 'Sovereignty Bill' foreshadowed in the Conservative manifesto is vague enough to be an excuse for jettisoning it; and that the agreement seems to go some way towards meeting the Liberal Democrat view that European legislation in the area of criminal justice can contribute to 'maximising our country's security'. Given the manifest impracticality of the first two of these proposals from the Conservative Party before the General Election, Mr Cameron can regard himself as being well shot of them. As to the third, it will be extremely interesting to see how far this limited but genuine concession to Liberal Democrat sensitivities will lead to greater British participation in this developing area of European integration. But even if the area of criminal justice does not prove to be quite the stumbling block some had expected, the significance of this possible positive development pales in comparison with the self-willed isolation of the Coalition from what is undoubtedly the most important current vector of European integration, namely the single European currency. Over the coming months and years, the institutional structures of the single European currency will be reformed in a way at least as important as was their original design. There is no reason, other than xenophobic prejudice, to believe that our partners will not make a success of these reforms. Already the worst moments of this year's crisis seem to have passed. If Britain had been a country unsure about whether and in what circumstances it would join the euro, as it was under successive New Labour governments, its influence on this process of reform would have been limited. Now that the Coalition government has declared its hand on this matter so clearly, with the Conservatives being against British membership in any circumstances and the Liberal Democrats prepared to accept a delay of at least seven years, British influence on this question has become non-existent. Nor is this marginalisation of Britain within the European Union likely to be confined to simply monetary matters. Whatever the arguments for or against Turkish membership of the European Union, Turkish membership of the Union will hardly have been brought closer by Mr Cameron's self-righteous advocacy of the Turkish case last week. A semi-detached member of the European club is hardly well placed to shape its future membership, particularly in as controversial a case as that of Turkey. Britain joined the European Community in 1973 not least to exert appropriate influence within its decision-making fora on matters likely to be of vital concern to the United Kingdom. The political culture of 'opt-outs', of 'red lines' and of special arrangements for the United Kingdom, pursued with increasing vigour by New Labour over the past 13 years, did much to reduce British influence within the European Union. The Coalition government seems set fair (or rather ill) to continue that baleful process. For many years, the European Movement could reasonably see itself as one voice among mainstream political and public opinion warning against the dangers of hostility to the European Union. Now the situation in which the European Movement finds itself is very different. The political and public debate seems to revolve only around the degree of suspicion or hostility towards the European Union which is most advisable for our national interest, essentially whether semi-detachment or final estrangement from the European Union is the best course for our country. The European Movement may well wish to participate in that debate, arguing that semi-detachment, perhaps temporary, is less damaging than withdrawal. But the European Movement should not forget that there is another approach to these questions, one which believes that Britain would be better served by a fuller participation in the European Union, rather than agonising about its favoured degree of self-marginalisation. Those who share that view are no doubt a minority within the United Kingdom at the moment. But a European Movement which vigorously made the case for whole-hearted (rather than merely 'constructive') engagement in (and not 'with') the European Union might well find it had more potential supporters than it expected. There are advantages to being comfortably in the political mainstream. There are advantages to being excitingly outside the mainstream. Those who stand in the middle of the road get hit by the traffic coming from both directions. See: http://euromove.blogactiv.eu/2010/08/05/the-coalition-and-its-european-policy/ ***************************************************************************************************** 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

We agree that the British Government will be a positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century: global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty. We agree that there should be no further transfer of sovereignty or powers over the course of the next Parliament. We will examine the balance of the EU's existing competences and will, in particular, work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom. We agree that we will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that any proposed future Treaty that transferred areas of power, or competences, would be subject to a referendum on that Treaty - a 'referendum lock'. We will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that the use of any passerelle would require primary legislation. We will examine the case for a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority remains with Parliament. We agree that Britain will not join or prepare to join the Euro in this Parliament. We agree that we will strongly defend the UK's national interests in the forthcoming EU budget negotiations and that the EU budget should only focus on those areas where the EU can add value. We agree that we will press for the European Parliament only to have one seat, in Brussels. We agree that we will approach forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice on a case by case basis, with a view to maximising our country's security, protecting Britain's civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system. Britain will not participate in the establishment of any European Public Prosecutor. ***************************************************************************************** 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 European Union will set up around half a trillion euros to protect weaker eurozone nations from market speculation. Finance Ministers agreed on the 'European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism' over the weekend. The European Central Bank has also said it will buy government bonds. Markets shot up on Monday in response to the news. See - http://euobserver.com/9/30040/?rk=1 ************************************************************************************************* 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

Two new articles have been added to our briefings page written by Kevin Hannon of LDEG and the European Movement. The first tells us why recent happenings mean that Nick Clegg represents democracy. The second tells us why UK Generals should be voting for the Lib Dems. ************************************************************************* 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

Previously Tory MEP, Edward McMillan-Scott, now a Liberal Democrat, writes in The Guardian of how David Cameron's controversial European alliance is set to unravel even further. He also talks of how William Hague had distanced himself from Cameron's desire to associate with extremists including anti-Semitics, and homophobics. Edward says that, "Most people, including many Tories in touch with me, think that Cameron's strategy is simply bad for Britain." See http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/may/04/cameron-euro-alliance-tories Meanwhile the EUObserver reports on how the European Parliament is afraid that the UK might end up with a Tory government, saying that Brussels fears that the eurosceptic Tories, should they be elected into power later this week, will obstruct the setting up of the new External Action Service (EAS). See http://euobserver.com/9/30004/?rk=1 CW ************************************************************************** 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