Liberal Democrats will hold Blair to his commitments over Europe

10.36.39am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st Jul 2005

Liberal Democrat MEPs will urge Tony Blair to stick to his word and make the UK presidency of the EU a reforming one.

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne says that the UK takes over the Presidency at a critical time for the EU and that the Prime Minister needs to win back the trust of the people of Europe .

"Following the No votes in the Constitution referenda it is important to reconnect with the people of Europe. Only a reformed EU can do this. We need greater transparency, accountability and devolution."

"We have long argued for the kind of reforms that Tony Blair is now advocating. Britain also now needs to show that it is fully part of Europe and helping to shape it as a community of values that has a modern, strong economy matched with social justice.

Liberal Democrats have outlined 3 basic reforms that the Prime Minister and incoming President of the EU can implement to address the alienation of European public:

1. Transparency of decisions made by the Council of Ministers. "Europe can no longer be built on secrecy and spin. If people do not understand what is happening we cannot reproach them for rejecting it" said Liz Lynne. "I welcome Mr Blair's commitment in his replies that he would give serious consideration to this during his Presidency. We may at last be making progress in democratising Europe by opening up its most closed institution."

2. Parliamentary scrutiny. "National parliaments need to be involved more closely in scrutinising ministers when they return from meetings in Brussels and holding them to account. The European Parliament must also be respected when it comprehensively rejects draft laws that infringe citizens' civil liberties."

3. Wider public debate. "One good thing from the current constitutional crisis is the real debate that is now taking place on the future of Europe. This must be continuous and serious if we are to build a Europe based on the aspirations of its people and not ignoring them."

ENDS