Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the North West of England

I'm really pleased that so many of you have given me your addresses so that I can send this newsletter to you direct. I'm very grateful indeed for all your support and helpful comments and hope you enjoy hearing about events in the European Parliament.

The North West in Brussels

I recently attended a conference held in Brussels by the North West Regional Assembly to discuss developments in Europe which affect our region. I'm not a fan of this new body created by the Labour Government - another unnecessary level of bureaucracy - but the meeting brought together key figures in local government and business with European Commission officials and parliamentarians. So it was a useful gathering to promote the North West with European institutions and it was nice to see some of our Conservative representatives who fight so hard for our cause.

Keeping our Pound

Our Conservative campaign to keep the pound has struck a real chord with our North West electorate. Many of you have been holding a series of open days in towns and cities throughout our regions and I recently went to one in Bolton. The response was amazing with people " many of them Labour voters - queuing to sign our petition.

Climbing the Political Ladder

The madness of Brussels never ceases to amaze me. Take the recent new law proposed by the European Commission setting new rules for climbing ladders. Now no one could possibly object to a campaign to emphasise safety when climbing up a ladder but the Commission is solemnly demanding a new directive regulating the surface on which ladders must stand, the number of people who may go up a ladder at the same time and forbidding anyone to climb a ladder without prior training. Some of the advice is very sensible but does it really need the full panoply of the EU to legislate in such fine detail on every aspect of our working and waking lives? I think not.

Blowing the whistle on Soccer transfer fees

I had a plea recently on behalf of Bury Football Club, from Terry Robinson who I got to know from my time as MP for Bury South. Terry is understandably anxious that European proposals to end the football transfer market will ensure the loss of many small clubs. It would be a tragedy if our great national sport is ruined by Brussels and that's why I'm working with fellow Tory MEPs to persuade the Commission to think again.

Come up and see me sometime!

Heaven forbid I should sound like Mae West but I'm always delighted to see friends from the North West visiting the Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg. It gives me the chance to hear what party members are thinking and to show them some of the nooks and crannies of Brussels life. I've recently met loyal supporters from Macclesfield, Altrincham & Sale and the North West Regional Women's Committee, so I hope many of you will follow in their footsteps - it would be really good to see you.

Still alright Jacques

I'm a member of tlie Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament battling to keep Britain's foreign and defence policies out of the hands of Brussels. One of niv fellow members is Jacques Santer. Remember him? He was the President of the European Commission who was forced to resign two years ago. Well he's now an MEP and I recently had a brief chat with him. "How are you enjoying it here?" I asked, "Very relaxing" was his reply.

Hmm. Well I suppose compared with being the first President of the Commission to be hounded out of office that's a fair comment. But as it was the Parliament which proved his undoing it's strange that he should want to spend time with his former tormentors!

Just invite me!

One of the ways I like to keep in touch with grass roots opinion is by speaking and attending events and functions throughout our region. Among recent invitations, I've enjoyed hearing comedian Jim Davidson. and our party -leader William Hague at Manchester United FC, talking to business leaders at the Oldham Chamber of Commerce dinner, speaking at the Warrington Patrons Club and renewing old friendships at the Bury North Annual Dinner and at a Bury South Ward lunch. I also find it invaluable to meet with local councils and have recently been to Rochdale to do so, and am planning get togethers with Conservative Councillors in Lancashire and with the Association of Greater Manchester Metropolitan Authorities. So please do get in touch if you would like me to come and speak at one of your Association functions - it would be a real pleasure for me to do so.