Important that Euro Campaign connects with voters says Euro- MP

4.50.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th May 2004

Following today's launch of the Liberal Democrats European Election Campaign, West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has said that the party will use this opportunity to prove to the electorate that the European Parliament is relevant.

Speaking today the Liberal Democrat MEP said:

"At this election it is very important to persuade the electorate that the European Parliament does make a difference to their lives. We must reconnect with the voters and it is our chance to challenge the Euro-Myths that appear regularly in the Murdoch Press.

"Although we are Pro-European that does not mean we will not highlight the failings of the European Institutions just as we point out the failings of the Westminster Parliament. Indeed it has been the Liberal Democrats who have been at the forefront of trying to reform the Institutions to make better legislation. All the Liberal Democrat MEPs have signed up to the Campaign for reform which wants to end the travelling circus when we move once a month to Strasbourg.

"We also want the European Union only to deal with legislation where it is necessary, decisions should be taken at a local or national level where possible.

"One area where the Parliament has had a major impact is on the environment. Even the most severe critic of the European Union knows that pollution does not stop at national borders. Tackling air and water pollution requires tough action at the European level - action which has been strongly supported by the Liberal Democrats - and we are right to be very proud of our record in the European Parliament on environmental issues.

"As well as featuring the environment, our campaign will also focus on trade and jobs, and justice and security both highlighting what we have achieved over the last 5 years and what we want to do in the next Parliament."