MEP Vicky Ford visits Newton Green

Vicky Ford

Yesterday the South Suffolk Conservative Women's Committee held its AGM at Newton Green Golf Club and the Guest Speaker was one of our Conservative MEP's. for the East of England, Vicky Ford.

As usual Vicky gave some fascinating insights into life in Brussels, explaining how difficult negotiations between different countries can be behind the scenes.  She illustrated for example the problems that arise when individual countries try to solve their domestic problems by introducing legislation in Brussels that would be better enacted locally.

Inevitably a number of lunch guests asked Vicky questions that expressed their disatisfaction with our membership of the EU.

It is clear that, like many Conservatives, Vicky sees her job as working within a system that she does not very much like.  She obviously believes that David Cameron's stance on Europe, moving towards a renegotiated position and then holding a referendum, is the right one. 

I think that, if possible,  she would prefer to see an 'In/Out' referendum before the next election, but this would simply not be tolerated by the Liberal Democrats.  In any event, it will take some time to untangle and redefine our relationship with the EU.  This is now an easier task, since members of the Eurozone have already moved closer together in the face of financial pressures, leaving other countries needing to clarify their position.

Vicky commented that she was disappointed at the absence of UKIP from many of the sessions of the European Parliament, and also from important committees.  Instead of standing up for Britain's interests like other UK MEP's, it seems that they would rather be propping up one of the many bars around the Grand Place!

All in all it was a very interesting session and one that encouraged me to think that the EU's influence in the UK may well be on the wane, which is encouraging.