Blair must be held to reforms of European Union

2.39.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st Jul 2005

The British Presidency of the European Union, launched today, should bring in much-needed reforms of the way the EU works, according to London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford. She said:

"Tony Blair told MEPs last week that he is a passionate pro-European. He needs to keep his word by joining the LibDems in our long advocacy of reform."

"Reforms are necessary both to make Europe more effective and to gain the confidence of its citizens."

Sarah Ludford outlined 3 basic reforms that Tony Blair as President of the EU can implement - without any treaty change - to address the alienation of European public:

Transparency of decisions made by the Council of Ministers:

"Europe can no longer be built on secrecy and spin. If people do not understand what is happening we cannot reproach them for rejecting it." said Sarah Ludford.

Parliamentary accountability:

"National parliaments must get better at holding ministers to account when they return from meetings in Brussels. The European Parliament must be respected when it rejects draft laws that infringe civil liberties."

Wider public debate:

"The silver lining from the current constitutional crisis is the real debate that is now taking place on the future of Europe. This must be continuous and serious if we are to build a Europe based on the aspirations of its people."