Neil visits Brussels

Written by Cllr Neil Bradbury on Wed 4th Jun 2008

I have been on a visit to Brussels for four days to see the work of Fiona Hall and other Lib Dem MEPs in the European Parliament. I have never been to Brussels before and was impressed with the scale of work being undertaken by the parliament in working to provide scrutiny of European decisions and in providing common standards for consumers. I was also very impressed with the work being undertaken to combat climate change.

In particular, Fiona talked to me about the role she is playing in attempting to get more European funds and resources focused on energy efficiency measures. Energy efficiency is a proven way to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions and is relatively cheap to implement. The UK government is dragging its heels on this matter. Fiona is pushing for all homes in the North East to be properly insulated, a bold but achievable target. On this and many other issues it is Lib Dem MEPs that are leading the way on achieving real positive change and in stopping excessive red tape.