South West First

In 2004 I was re-elected as Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar.  I was elected in 1999 as MEP for the South West Region.  From 1994-1999, I was the MEP for the Devon and East Plymouth constituency.  We serve 5 year fixed terms. 

Political Alliance and Responsibility

As a Conservative MEP I am an allied member of the largest political group in the Parliament - the EPP-ED (European People’s Party - European Democrats). At home, as one of the three Conservative MEPs in the South West, I look after Devon and Cornwall under our arrangement for providing constituency cover on a geographical county by county basis.  

Trains and Boats and Planes

For eleven months of the year, I must travel almost every week to Brussels or Strasbourg, attending Committee Meetings and European Parliamentary Sessions.  At the end of the week back at home, I travel within the South West Region to meet individuals or visit businesses and organisations who seek my help and advice. 

Meetings and Casework

In Brussels and Strasbourg, I mostly attend meetings of Parliamentary Committees, Interparliamentary Delegations, Conservative MEPs, our Political Group and special interest forums.  I also see a wide range of business and individual visitors. I spend a considerable amount of time on the telephone or in meetings, working to solve the problems of my constituents. 

Committee Scope

My main Parliamentary Committee is Industry, Research and Energy. We deal with matters such as the Telecoms package of regulation, the EU Framework Programme of Research, including a focus on innovation, and Energy issues such as liberalisation of markets, security of supply and renewable sources of energy, now with a strong emphasis on looking into sustainable energy for the future.  In my capacity as Committee Chairman (2004-2007) I played a key role in bringing about the regulation on capping mobile roaming charges. 

Temporary Committees

I am a full member of the Temporary Committee for Climate Change, which began work in  May 2007.  The main task of the committee will be to formulate proposals on the EU's future integrated policy on climate change and to coordinate the European Parliament's position with a view to negotiating the international framework for climate policy post-Kyoto.  After 12 months we will present a report to Parliament with recommendations for actions to be taken by the European Community, with regard to climate change.  I have also served on the Temporary Committees on Maritime Safety (2003) and the Financial Perspectives for 2007-2013 (2005-6). 

Positions of Influence

In July 2004 I was elected Chairman of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, a post which I held until January 2007.  Now my special responsibility within the Industry, Research and Energy Committee is Co-ordinator for all EPP-ED group members of the Committee. A Co-ordinator combines the roles of whip, leader and spokesman. As I represent the largest group, I exert considerable influence on the work of the committee.  I was twice elected to this position by EPP-ED MEPs from all Member States during the 1999-2004 Parliament.   

Listening for Britain

My position as Committee Co-ordinator includes meeting the representatives of British companies, and trade associations, particularly when new EU legislation affecting their business is being considered. 

Legislating for Success

I have been personally responsible for four important Reports within the ITRE Committee since 1999. The Directive on Units of Measurement extended the period for allowing dual marking in imperial and metric until end 2009. Getting the proposal adopted at first reading, was a legislative first after the 1997 Amsterdam Treaty. Next was the Green Paper on Security of Supply of Energy in Europe, of great importance for our future energy needs. Then the Measuring Instruments Directive replaced ten previous directives establishing common standards. Finally, I secured the adoption of the Directive on Security of Electricity Supply and Infrastructure Investment in Europe, also at first reading. 

Intergroups and Forums

I am involved in a number of intergroups or interest groups covering specific issues on a cross-party basis. I have been President of the European Energy Forum since 2004 (Vice-President 1995-2004) and was First Vice-President of the Ciel & Espace Intergroup (aerospace) from 2001-2004.  I was an MEP member of the Board and Managing Council of EURIM 2000-2004 - The European Information Society Group, based in London.  

Never Forget Old Friends

I am keen to strengthen ties between the Commonwealth and the European Union. As Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand, I meet regularly with visiting parliamentarians from both countries to discuss important international, social, political and economic issues of mutual interest. Also, I participate in visits of the delegation to Canberra and Wellington. 

Conservative Dialogue with Business

I was Chairman of Conservative Enterprise Europe (1999-2004) which co-ordinates those colleagues on committees that deal with commercial, industrial and business issues and I was founding Chairman of Enterprise First Europe 2000-2004, the vehicle for maintaining a dialogue between British business, industry and trade organisations’ representatives in Brussels and Conservative MEPs.  I was Industry and Parliament Trust Fellow with Unilever 1994-96.  

Keeping on line

It is important that I keep my South West Constituents informed about my efforts on their behalf in the European Parliament. In addition to responding to correspondence and e-mails from individual constituents, I communicate with South West business, social and political groups through a regular newsletter. I also use my website, in addition to letters and statements to the press and media, to inform the electorate of my activities and views on European and national issues. 

Working for Constituents

In addition to dealing with correspondence about issues and individual cases, meeting everyone who wishes to see me in person and doing the on-line communication mentioned above I organise group visits to Brussels for Conservative members and interest groups such as the WI (Women’s Institute), schools and colleges or chambers of commerce.  From time to time I offer work experience in my Brussels office to young people from the South West. 

Publications

I have produced pamphlets for young people (European Youth Experience – EYE), small businesses (SESAME – Supporting English Small And Medium-sized Enterprises – or opening doors for small business by providing information and sources of advice) and on climate change and energy (Sustainable Energy).   

Miscellaneous

I was on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) with the Royal Navy 2004-2006.  I am a Trustee of the Sir Francis Chichester Trust for giving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Devon a bursary to go on Outward Bound courses.  I participate in the Royal Society pairing scientists with MEPs scheme.  I played a key supporting role in the project to renew Gipsy Moth IV and her sail round the world 2005-2007 to give young people a life changing experience and commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of my father completing his solo circumnavigation in May 1967.  I participated in the 2007 South West coastal walk fundraising for the RNLI, Macmillan Cancer Support and Wooden Spoon promoted by the Western Morning News.   Sep 07

Sketches by Peter M J Lightfoot