MEP’s role
Robert Sturdy in the EP
I view my job as an MEP in 3 parts:
* First and foremost my job is to represent my constituents
I do this through following local issues closely; I love meeting as many people as possible from our region and listening and discussing their concerns; where appropriate I investigate their grievances through writing to the European Commission, or bringing them up with colleagues; hosting visitor’s groups in the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, and reading and responding to letters and emails.
* Secondly I am a communicating link between the EU and East Anglia
Things happen in Brussels that affect everyone in Britain. Sometimes these issues are boring and complicated but often they are very important. Being interviewed on local radio, writing articles for local press and speaking at and attending events in the region provides opportunities to discuss these issues.
* Thirdly I aim to bring a regional, and British, perspective to international discussions
As C0-chair of the inter-parliamentary WTO Committee, and EPP-ED Co-ordinator for International Trade, I work on areas that have a profound influence on our everyday lives. From development, to the environment, to the sorts of jobs we do, to where our clothes and food comes from and the standards to which they are produced, International Trade has a huge affect on our lives. My job is to make sure that during crucial negotiations, we do not lose sight of what the effects of these measures will be on people, both in the UK and developing countries.
MEPs divide their time between Brussels, Strasbourg and their constituencies. In Brussels they attend meetings of the parliamentary committees and political groups, and additional plenary sittings. In Strasbourg they attend 12 plenary sittings. In parallel with these activities they must also, of course, devote time to their constituencies.
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