News from Peter Skinner MEP

Peter In the European Parliament

Press Release

9 February 2010

For Immediate Release

“EU Commission must deliver for ordinary people in the South East” says Labour MEP

Speaking after the European Parliament’s approval of the new European Commission today (Tuesday 9 Feb), Peter Skinner, Labour MEP for the South East of England said:

“Last year we had a chance to hear from South East voters on the EU during the European election and now we have had a chance to hear from the Commissioners. It’s time for the Commission to get on with their work on issues that really matter to people and no excuses”.

“We need the President of the EU Commission, Barroso, to show us that he will deliver on critical issues of relevance here in the South East, such as protecting workers rights and climate change. He must now provide the leadership needed to deliver jobs and sustainable economic growth in areas such as ours and across the EU, particularly in our coastal towns and cities such as Brighton which can often feel the economic pinch more than most.

“The last few weeks have shown that the Parliament can put the Commission under pressure to assure the people that they will act in all our interests. The S.E. needs still more investment and better assistance from the EU particularly with some of the financial programmes and projects that the E.U. has to offer.

In the past the S.E. has received Hundreds of millions of Pounds of assistance as part of programmes for issues such as Economic regeneration through to University Partnership programmes.

“We will continue to hold the Commission, which is a civil service the size of only a metropolitan City Council, to account. They need to answer the charge that they are merely a faceless bureaucracy and therefore work with the Parliament to deliver for all our citizens.”

In addition to addressing local concerns Mr Skinner also welcomed the appointment of Britain’s Commissioner, Catherine Ashton. Peter added:

“Baroness Ashton is a superb appointment. It is good for Britain and good for Europe to have her in such an important role as Higher Representative for the EU, after the President of the Commission this is single most important role.”

ENDS

 For more information please call Peter Skinner on 01322 270345.

99 Kent Road Dartford Kent