AS A newly elected MEP, I believe we should begin our new term by delivering on our election promises.

The Conservative Party has already delivered a key commitment.

Before the European elections, David Cameron said he would create a new grouping in the European Parliament which breaks with the concensus that the EU should become a federal superstate.

Instead our group would be a powerful force for change and reform in the European Union, so the EU focuses on matters of importance such as competitiveness, the environment and global poverty.

The new group we have just formed with MEPs from seven other countries has already met with the candidates for President of the European Parliament, the Prime Minister of Sweden (who is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the EU) and we will shortly meet with the European Commission President, Mr Barroso.

Our group has already defied the critics and proved it is possible to form an influential mainstream group in Brussels which wants a freer and more flexible EU.

And most importantly, we have shown that unlike Mr Brown, we can trust David Cameron to deliver his promises on Europe.


Marina Yannakoudakis
MEP