24th March 2009 - The Prime Minister addresses the European Parliament

Local Euro-MP Linda McAvan has given her response after the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, spoke to MEPs in the European Parliament today.

Mr Brown’s speech comes just ten weeks before voters in Yorkshire & Humber go to the polls in the European elections.

Speaking after Mr Brown’s speech, Linda McAvan said;

"Gordon Brown set out this afternoon that Britain should be at the centre of Europe, setting the agenda and leading the debate, and we need to be at the heart of that debate not sitting on the margins. The Tory way of withdrawing from the European mainstream means no say for our region in Europe and no say for Britain in the world.

“He is right to say that with the election of Barack Obama, Europe has the opportunity to lead in world on key issues like reforming the international financial system, climate change and global security.

“As we move towards the G20 summit it is vital that we work together in Europe to rise to those challenges, to embrace an open Europe that helps to create new jobs and opportunities through trade and that we reject the threat of protectionism.”

Mr Brown's speech can be read in full on the 10 Downing Street website: here.