Liz Lynne speaks at Droitwich Dinner

11.29.00am GMT Thu 13th Nov 2008

Local Euro- MP Liz Lynne addressed a fundraising dinner in Droitwich Spa on Friday evening at the start of her European Election campaign in Mid-Worcestershire.

Guests at the dinner, which was hosted by the local Liberal Democrat Party, were treated to a slap-up meal before hearing from Liz, who is the Vice- President on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament.

Liz spoke about her work in the Parliament and the need to bring the message that the EU can be a force for good to the public.

"All too often we only hear negative stories about the EU, not about the real, positive steps that can only be taken when the countries in Europe work together.

"The EU is the only forum in which we can make an impact on issues such as the Environment, human rights or trade. Even if we are to create a totally carbon free UK, this would be of little benefit if other countries did not strive for the same.

"In the past few weeks and months I have been fighting to keep the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive, so that UK workers can continue to choose how many hours they work, providing that it is a truly free choice. I have also been working on an anti- discrimination directive that seeks to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age in access to goods and services which I believe will have a positive effect on millions of people's lives. These are the European stories we need to be highlighting and these are the things which make the EU such an important institution".

Margaret Rowley, the LibDem Parliamentary Spokesperson for the Mid- Worcestershire area who helped organise the event added:

"It was fantastic to hear from Liz about her work and about the way the EU helps not only those in the UK but throughout the rest of Europe as well. We need to ensure that we continue to work to pursue the many advantages the EU brings.

"I very much hope to see Liz returned to the European Parliament at the elections in June so that she can continue to work for the people of Mid- Worcestershire."