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Please vote - whoever it's for
May 28, 2004 12:00 AM
By Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP in High & I
By Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP in High & I
This is my last High & I column before knowing whether I'm re-elected as one of London's MEPs. Liberal Democrats are campaigning hard and I believe we're well-placed to secure at least 2 of the London seats in the European Parliament this time.
Liberal Democrats' commitment to a greater and united London speaking up more strongly in a reformed and effective EU justifies support from Londoners. We want a Europe able to promote human rights and stand up to the US when necessary - like now.
I hope in the future other London bodies could involve Euro-MPs more as ambassadors for London in advancing our European concerns. If invited, we could also help support the Olympic bid.
I'm delighted the way at least the LibDem team for London comes together: Simon Hughes as our Mayoral candidate, Terry Stacey our local London Assembly candidate, Lynne Featherstone and Meral Ece on the London list. Not to forget our London MPs like ex-Islington Sarah Teather and our Islington MPs-to-be Bridget Fox and Laura Willoughby. (And of course Council leader Steve Hitchins!)
When Simon is Mayor, I'm sure he'll invite us to discuss London's interests. Livingstone has never done so, too concerned with self-promotion to bother with teamwork. And there is rumoured to be something called a 'London European Forum' to which you would think it was obvious to invite MEPs. Other major cities work at every level to put their city first in Europe; London should do that too.
MEPs' input can be crucial in voting on EU legislation that affects London. We were able to help Transport for London over European rules on tendering of transport contracts, to ensure Tube safety was protected, and also over technical standards on road tolling (congestion charge).
Speaking of TfL, why on earth are they and Blair's Mayor introducing long low 'bendy busses' which will block junctions with their length? I do agree with Adam Kelleher who wrote to the High & I last week complaining about them.
Even if we can't keep the wonderful Routemaster, of which - along with a postbox, telephone box and black cab - I have a tourist model in my Brussels office, why can't we have a 21st century double-decker bus tailor-made for London's crowded roads?
One of the joys of London is riding on the top deck of a red bus. People complain about Brussels destroying our way of life. Believe me, the vandalism is entirely home-grown!
I'm delighted that new Mayor Joan Coupland's first act was to sign the European Road Safety Charter. I hope to go on the European Parliament Transport Committee if re-elected. Whether it is rail, road or aviation, issues of safety and environmental soundness are vital to London. It is EU air pollution limits which are stopping major expansion of Heathrow; remember how aircraft noise plagued Islington 2 summers ago?
I was also delighted to be at the Arsenal civic celebrations. As I said to Arsene, Thierry and Patrick - in French! - they've done more for European feelings in North London than any politician ever could!
Please vote on June 10th. Naturally, I would like it to be for me and my LibDem colleagues. But even if not, please remember how hard other countries fight for democracy before you decide to sit at home.
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