Some time ago Ilford South Labour Party invited me to speak to them about my work as an MEP. As I have said before on this blog, I am always happy to talk to local Labour parties about what is going on in Europe and what I, as their MEP, am doing. Life in Brussels and Strasbourg can be remote from what goes on in London, so it is always good to have the opportunity to discuss what is happening with Party members. My thanks to Ilford South CLP for the invite, particularly the Secretary Chris Stone.
We had an interesting discussion about the role of the new President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy and also talked about our very own Catherine Ashton. My view that Cathy is a huge asset for Britain and the fact that we hold the High Representative post will increase the UK’s influence in Europe was agreed by everyone present. I also spoke about the new Commission, notably the power the European Parliament has to reject Commissioners-Designate. This was demonstrated again this year when the first nomination put forward by Bulgaria was not approved.
Turing to more general matters, I gave an overview of my own work, concentrating on the Culture and Education Committee. The meeting was interested to hear that education will be one of the four priorities in the Lisbon EU 2020 programme. I also talked about recent work on the future of higher education and our attempts to standardise vocational qualifications.
It was a good evening – at least while I was in the warm and dry. The climate outside was not so inviting as I had to make my way hoe in pouring rain. The only thing to be said further on the weather is that Brussels is usually just as wet as London. “Tant pis” as they would say.
