European networking

Stockton South Parliamentary Spokesperson, Jacquie Bell was a member of the UK delegation to the ELDR Congress in Stockholm. ELDR is the grouping of sister parties of the Liberal Democrats in Europe. Its membership includes the Prime Ministers of Finland, Latvia and Andorra as well as European Commissioners.

The main focus of the Congress was agreement on the manifesto for the 2009 European elections. However,there were opportunities for networking with people from across Europe. At fringe meetings Jacquie raised questions on Agriculture, including urban food production and waste disposal.

"Many people in the UK feel separated from Europe and the European parliament", noted Jacquie "and yet its decisions have a bearing on all our lives. It is important that local people cast their vote in June 2009. Fiona Hall and her Lib Dem colleagues have been working hard in Brussels and Strasbourg and it will be important to keep their voices in the Parliament.."