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We have more than one MEP
• MUCH as I enjoy Skip Murphy’s frequent comments on Camden issues, he is rather out of touch on elections for the European Parliament (Health of democracy, May 7).
He asks “Just who is the present MEP? Why should anyone vote for him/her?” and comments “Sadly some vote on a party ticket without knowing anything about the candidate.”
I have news for you Skip. For the last five years Londoners have been represented by not one but nine MEPs (three Conservative, three Labour, one Liberal Democrat, one Green, one UKIP).
And these nine MEPs were a fair representation of the actual proportion of Londoners who voted for each party in 2004. Of course, you “vote on a party ticket,” that’s the whole point of proportional representation, so that nearly everyone can have their views represented by at least one MEP.
As for what MEPs do, Skip should read the “end-of-term report 2004-2009” by the Green Party’s Jean Lambert and her fellow Green, Caroline Lucas.* He can see there how much two diligent MEPs have been able to achieve, working with Green colleagues from other member states to improve European measures affecting not just our lives in Britain, but the lives of all who live in the 27 nations of the EU.
So, Skip, when you go to the polls on June 4, pick whichever party comes closest to your own views on what’s best for our European corner of Planet Earth.
John Collins
St Albans Road, NW5
June 4 voting
• IF Skip Murphy’s letter is anything to go by (May 7) the European Parliament remains a distant unknown to many people.
First of all, Skip, you have nine MEPs at present, and I’m one of them.
London is one constituency and all nine members represent the whole of the capital. On June 4, Londoners will vote again to elect their representatives, but there will only be eight seats this time as the number is falling to reflect EU enlargement.
Skip Murphy wonders how much the twice-yearly transfer between the two seats of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and Brussels costs. It’s a question that also concerns me.
I absolutely agree that this shuttle between the two seats is a waste of time and energy, and with my fellow Green MEP, Caroline Lucas, I commissioned a study into the cost of the split-seat system in 2007. We called for an end to this travelling circus, which generates at least an extra 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. However, the decision is made by the EU’s 27 governments, not us as the MEPs.
But whatever criticisms one might make of the EU, the fact of the matter is it exists, and if you choose not to vote you miss out on your chance to decide who represents you.
The European Parliament shapes legislation that affects your rights at work, decides which pesticides are used on your food, and enables you to work, study and access medical assistance while you’re abroad.
Last year the European Parliament set crucial legislation on both air quality and water quality, introducing measures specifically designed to protect human health.
This is particularly important for London, where poor air quality affects the lives of thousands of people with breathing problems.
I encourage all Londoners to vote in these crucial elections. You need make sure you’re registered by Tuesday May 19.
Jean Lambert MEP
Green Party, London
The only hope
• IN the European elections on June 4 the decision in London seems likely to be between electing one more Liberal Democrat MEP (a small increase in the Lib Dem vote will achieve that), or one from the British National Party.
Those who have any sense of pride in their nation’s history will surely support the Liberal Democrats, and shun the BNP.
Recently Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats have led the long battle for justice for Gurkha veterans. The BNP think indigenous whites have the right to everything, whether they give service to the community or not.
Liberal Democrats recognise the sacrifices those like the Gurkhas and Commonwealth volunteers have made for this country, both in peacetime and in war. They are the party of international co-operation, and that is our only hope for a better world.
Sharif Ahmed
Ariel Road, NW6
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YOUR COMMENTS:
I am convinced by the Green Party's arguments. I would hate to see the BNP get in, but I think a vote for the Greens would be a better way to keep them out, while increasing the strength of a vibrant, honest party (and there aren't many of them!)
Will Duckworth |
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