Lib Dems launch Euro campaign

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th May 2004

East of England Liberal Democrats today launched their campaign for the European Parliamentary elections on 10 June.

Andrew Duff, Member of the European Parliament, presented the Lib Dem manifesto Making Europe Work For You.

"The Liberal Democrats believe that a stronger and more democratic Europe is in Britain's interests. For the last five years I have been in the vanguard of the reform movement in Europe", he said.

Duff added: "Four Tory MEPs is a costly luxury that this region can no longer afford. The Conservative Party is in chaos about all things European. Tories are contributing to the development of neither the European Parliament nor the East of England."

Euro-hopeful Chris White, who is second on the regional list, said:

"It is increasingly clear that Labour is in serious trouble over both its domestic and international policies. Over the past five years our opinion poll rating has improved by 50 per cent. This is now enough to ensure that the Lib Dems are set to have two MEPs after 10 June. I will be campaigning with the team right across the region to ensure that that happens. I look forward to meeting as many people as possible."

Third on the list Kathy Pollard added:

"Labour is in third place across the region in terms of votes cast and seats won on local councils. Liberal Democrats are winning support from disaffected Labour and Tory voters. We are known as being hard-working representatives at all levels. We are fighting a well-integrated and forthright campaign."