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| <office@sarahludfordmep.org.uk> | Sarah Ludford MEP | 12th March 2010 |
Blair must be held to reforms of European Union2.39.11pm 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."
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Related News Stories:Tue 2nd Sep 2008: First ever European Parliament plenary session held in Brussels. Wed 20th Dec 2006: Sarah Ludford meets European Trade Union Confederation secretary-general . Thu 29th Apr 2004: Common Asylum System for an Enlarged European Union. Related Speeches:Thu 12th Oct 2006: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights . Tue 14th Jun 2005: Published and promoted by Ashley Lumsden on behalf of Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP and the Liberal Democrats, all at 4 Cowley Street, London SW1P 3NB. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |