Our Euro-MPs seem to be almost unknown; they give their views

Dec 30 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE European Parliament hit the headlines when it voted to end Britain’s opt-out of the 48-hour maximum working week. Euro- MPs influence our lives in many ways, from ensuring consumer rights to protecting the environment. Yet few people in Britain could name their representative. BARRY GIBSON asked Yorkshire’s Euro-MPs why the parliament struggles to get noticed.

THE European Parliament is certainly an impressive building in the heart of Brussels.

But for decades it has struggled to throw off the impression that it is little more than a talking shop, albeit a talking shop in many languages.

Fewer than 40% of British voters turned out for the last European election in 2004. With the next poll due in June next year what can be done to encourage more people to vote?

Conservative Euro-MP Timothy Kirkhope has seen things from both sides of the English Channel. His Brussels office is decorated with photos of his time as a House of Commons whip in the 1990s.

He said: “I’m concerned at all levels that people are unaware of the importance of voting.

“Turnout has been dropping in all elections in the last few years. We used to get 90% voting in general elections, but we don’t get anything like that now.

“When I was MP for North-East Leeds I had 62,000 constituents. Now, as Euro-MP for Yorkshire, I have 5.2m.”