In representing the people of Yorkshire and the Humber, I see the following as my priorities:
Responding quickly to requests and queries from individual constituents, community groups and other organisations.
Promoting the image of Yorkshire and Humber throughout Europe.
Representing the interests of the people of Yorkshire and Humber in the European Parliament, notably when voting on proposals for EU legislation.
Fighting to retain European Structural Funding for Yorkshire & the Humber. The current package of regional and social funding for less prosperous regions comes to an end in 2006. Negotiations on its renewal are underway. This funding must not come to a shuddering halt. Funding must also be re-focused with a better definition of which areas and communities are most in need.
Supporting reform of the EU to make it more effective, open and democratically accountable, as provided for in the proposed new EU constitution.
Preserving and strengthening the "European Social Model" in the face of globalisation. The measures that we take in Europe to attenuate market forces, notably in the environmental, consumer protection and social fields, must be maintained and strengthened.
Fighting racism and the far right which has reared its head in different forms across Europe, including UKIP and the BNP in Britain.
Reforming of EU policies. The two most negative aspects of the EU remain the Common Agricultural Policy, which is only half-reformed, and the Common Fishing Policy. I shall continue to fight for reforms to both.
The euro. This issue cannot be ducked and is crucial for our economic future. There is no doubt that, in the long run, staying out means losing out. Once the right conditions are met, we should join, but we cannot win a referendum on this without far more active explaining and persuading.
Using the EU to amplify our voice in world affairs. It is unwise to leave the USA with a monopoly on the Middle East, Kashmir, and other world issues.
