Each year I am able to sponsor 100 constituents on subsidised group visits of 30 persons or more. In December 2009, 44 constituents from across the South-East visited me in the European Parliament at Brussels.

During the first evening in Brussels visitors were able to visit the Grande Place area and the Christmas market.

The second morning saw the visit to the European Parliament itself, a briefing from the visits unit, followed by a discussion with me and a number of my fellow MEPs (pictured). We discussed in particular the talks taking place that week in Copenhagen to reduce climate change. Some of the delegates then went on that afternoon to an evidently very interesting talk and discussion given by a speaker from the European Commission about the history of the European Union.

Feedback indicates that people found the visit both educational and enjoyable:

“ an excellently organised and most interesting and enjoyable trip” Paul and Ann from Brighton

“History lecture was particularly good (The Commission)” Fran and Derek from Waterlooville

“ a very useful and educational experience to be able to visit the parliament and the commission. It was good to be able to hear from you, your colleagues and staff as well as the officials” Brian and Tomiko from Reading

A visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg will be advertised later this year. Please let me know if you are interested in coming on a future sponsored visit on email southeast {at} peterskinnermep(.)eu or ring me on 01322 270345.