Conservatives in the European Parliament
Who we are
The 28-strong Conservative MEP group is the largest British political force in the
European Parliament. We represent every part of Britain - from Shetland to the Scilly
Islands. MEPs are elected every five years on a regional basis, using proportional
representation. The last European elections were held in June 2004. The next elections
are scheduled for 11 June 2009.
Conservative MEPs sit as allied members of the EPP-ED parliamentary group, the largest
in the European Parliament. Together with an Ulster Unionist MEP and MEPs from the
governing Czech Civic Democratic party (ODS), we form the European Democrats (ED) element of our grouping.
The ED are committed to a Europe of Nation States, democracy, individual
liberty, the rule of law, national sovereignty, free enterprise, minimal regulation,
low taxation, private ownership, respect and security for every individual and a
strong transatlantic alliance - this is set out in our
Statements of Principles.
You can read more about the ED at www.european-democrats.org
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What we do
Conservative MEPs represent their constituents in the European Parliament by:
- Holding European officials to account.
- Scrutinising and amending draft European laws.
- Securing value for money for the taxpayer.
- Campaigning for causes that matter to the British people. (Click here for more).
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What we stand for
The Conservative European election manifesto of 2004 (Putting Britain First) committed Conservative MEPs to fight for:
- A Europe of nation states.
- A Europe that does less but better.
- A Europe that values the diversity of its Member States.
- A Europe that is more open, democratic and accountable.
- A Europe that gives national parliaments more say in running the EU.
- A Europe that welcomes new countries as members.
- A Europe that is open for business through the Single Market.
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What we are fighting for
David Cameron has outlined key priorities for the development of the EU. David Cameron speech to MER
- A Europe that focuses on the issues that matter to people - we call them the '3 Gs'
- Fighting Global poverty.
- Tackling Global warming
- Boosting Global competitiveness.
- A Europe that is modern, flexible and outward looking.
- A Europe that puts nation states and national parliaments at the heart of EU decision-making.
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Delivering for Britain
Conservative MEPs are working hard to deliver for the British people. Since the 2004 elections, we have campaigned for a reform agenda in Europe that makes the EU more relevant and accountable to the people.
- European Constitution Conservative MEPs are actively campaigning against the proposed European Constitution. We have launched a campaign to persuade the Government to give the British people a referendum. (Click here for more).
- The '3 Gs' Conservative MEPs are campaigning for the European Union to focus on three key priorities for the future:
- Globalisation - Action to make Europe more competitive to meet the challenges of the emerging economies of China and India.
- Global poverty - Action to fight poverty in the developing world - and campaigning for human rights across the globe.
- Global warming - Action to combat climate change.
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