Liberal Democrats Launch European Parliamentary Campaign: 'We're Stronger Together In Europe' Says Andrew Duff

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th May 2009

East of England Liberal Democrats are fighting to increase their representation in the European Parliament on 4 June. Andrew Duff, Lib Dem Euro MP for the region since 1999 and Leader of the Lib Dems in the European Parliament, will launch the campaign this week with Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the party, in London on Tuesday. Andrew and Nick will be campaigning together in the region on Thursday.

Andrew Duff challenges his opponents to spell out clearly their vision for Britain's future in Europe. He says:

"Liberal Democrats are straightforward in their message to the electors. Britain is best off inside a stronger European Union. The enormous challenges we face - the economy, climate change and international security - can only be faced if the UK becomes a fuller and more effective player in a reformed European Union.

"The record of Blair and Brown has disappointed everyone - including the Labour party. Cameron and the Tories would take us back to old-fashioned nationalism, leaving Britain isolated. The Conservatives have to explain why they want to stick with the present, unreformed, clumsy and inefficient European Union.

'Take your pick'

"There are twelve anti-European parties in this East of England election, including the Conservatives and the Greens. Take your pick.

"Lib Dem MEPs have a brilliant track-record of European engagement and reform. In the East of England I work closely with our MPs and councillors to deliver sustainable development at all levels of government. With our county council candidates well placed to make gains on 4 June, I am looking forward to welcoming my colleague Linda Jack as a fellow MEP.

"A vote for the Lib Dems is a vote for a vibrant democracy, economic recovery and a better environment."

END

Editors' Note:

Andrew Duff is leader of the Liberal Democrat European parliamentary Party and spokesman on constitutional affairs for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. His new book, Saving the European Union: the logic of the Lisbon treaty, is published by Shoehorn Books.

Linda Jack, second on the Lib Dem list of candidates, lives in Luton and works for the Financial Services Authority.

The other Liberal Democrat candidates in this election are: Ian Mack (Norfolk), Peter Welch (Southend), Earnshaw Palmer (Thurrock), Andrew Housely (Suffolk) and Qurban Hussain (Luton).