A Euro-Election Vote for the Lib Dems is a Vote for the Environment

The European Election on the 22^nd of May is to elect the MEPs who will provide influence over EU policy for the next five years.

Why it matters to you who is an MEP!

1. 1) Biggest Influence: Liberal Democrat MEPs are members of the influential ALDE Group, the third largest of the eight Groups in the European Parliament. In contrast to the completely inactive UKIP MEPs or the Conservative MEPs buried in their fringe Group and the Labour MEPs who keep a low profile; the Lib Dem MEPs are fully involved. Our pro EU stance and our campaign for EU reform, give Lib Dem MEPs real credibility in the Parliament. It means a vote for them is a vote for action.
2. 2) Decision Makers: The weather doesn't stop at country borders. In the EU Council of Ministers, where UK parliament signs off decisions made by the EU, Lib Dem UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, is leading on greenhouse gas reduction measures. EU wide action on extreme Climate Change and many other environmental matters is more effective than action by individual nations.
3. 3) UK Jobs and Trade relations: The ALDE President is UK MEP Graham Watson and several other Lib Dems have important roles, including Andrew Duff, the Constitutional Affairs spokesman, who is playing a major part in the negotiations on a trade agreement between the EU and the USA. It is vital that this agreement ensures a levelling up, not down, of environmental protection; and that EU and member state environmental policies and regulations are not rendered challengeable by the US or by international corporations. Our own Honorary President is Catherine Bearder MEP - a constant and prominent friend to the environment on the Parliament's committee on International Trade.

How this could improve your life.

1. 1) Cut your energy bills: Looking after the environment and slowing Climate Change are central to all ALDE policies. The Group including Liberal Democrats is committed to a sustainable future through investment in energy efficiency in buildings and transport; and in the low carbon technologies and intelligent energy grids that will provide the energy resources of the future and help keep costs down.
2. 2) Clean air, water and quality food: The EU ALDES group supports the protection of biodiversity, pollution reduction, and sustainable fisheries and agriculture.
3. 3) Want to reform the EU? So do we! Whether the UK is In or Out of the EU, is a matter for the UK Parliament and the 2015 election. While the Lib Dems are the Party of In, we are also the party working hardest to improve efficiency and democracy in the EU. We are the party working hardest in the fight to cut carbon, promote green jobs, reduce pollution and protect biodiversity.

Why vote Liberal Democrat!

1. 1) Lib Dem MEPs are working hard for you. They are worthy of the vote of those who want action now on the environment and reform of the EU, whether you believe our future should be In or Out.
2. 2) We can only reform by being involved: It is vital that we return a good number of Lib Dem MEPs, to maintain the ALDC position as a major Group working to mitigate or adapt to extreme climate change and to ensure UK involvement in its policy making.
3. 3) Vote Lib Dem for change: Whether or not you think the UK's future should be in the EU, in the interest of your environment - please vote Lib Dem in the European Elections.