letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

17 January 2008

Newcastle Journal

Dear Editor,

Hume Hargreave (features, 12th January) takes an unnecessarily pessimistic view of the effects of increasing the power of the European Parliament in framing the Common Agricultural Policy.

Part of the reason why the CAP remains only partially reformed is that it has always been agreed by Ministers behind closed doors. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the approval of both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers will be required for all legislation, including CAP spending which is currently decided solely by the Council. Opening this up to the European Parliament will make the legislative process more transparent and provide an extra layer of democratic scrutiny and accountability. This will help drive reform and is another reason why the Lisbon Treaty will benefit Britain and British farmers.

Yours,

Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds