Liberal Democrats are the real force for change in Europe

10.05.33am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Jun 2004

Packing for the monthly trip to Strasbourg, Liberal Democrats are a leading force to end this waste of taxpayers' money

Liberal Democrat MEPs have come top of a chart of votes to reform the European Parliament, according to a study by the London School of Economics and the cross-party Campaign for Parliament Reform.

The study looks at the record of all MEPs on crucial votes to reform the workings of the European Parliament, such as stopping the monthly move from Brussels to Strasbourg and providing a more open and transparent system of pay and expenses for MEPs.

London's LibDem Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford commented:

"The Liberal Democrats are enthusiastic about Europe, but this means we are also the keenest to make it work properly. We believe in the need for a modernised, efficient and effective Europe which offers value for money."

"This study proves that we are the party that is truly committed to reforming Europe. Liberal Democrats are the real force for change in Europe"

"The Tories often talk about reform but when it comes to voting they prove that they're all hot air and no action. Their record is the worst of all the main British parties."

Note:

The study ranks the three main British political parties as follows:

Liberal Democrats 89

Labour 86

Conservatives 69

The study is based on 40 roll call votes in the European Parliament between 1999 and 2004.

Related Links:

Visit the Campaign for Parliament Reform website.

Search this site for more on reforming the European Parliament.