Policy Positions

The South East Region has an economy larger than many European countries. It is essential that the region has a strong voice in Europe, standing up both for British interests and for the interest of the region.

Regulation

The Institute of Directors has estimated that European regulations cost British business £6 billion a year. These costs fall disproportionately on the smaller businesses that are so important to our region. Having run both small and large companies in Europe, I can speak with authority on the impact of over-regulation on our wealth-producing businesses.

Agriculture

Nearly half of the EU’s budget is still spent on agriculture. The Common Agricultural Policy discriminates against British farmers and costs an average British family £1,000 a year in higher food prices. One of the major issues of the next European Parliament will be the reform of the CAP. This has been fudged too often and I will stand up for Britain, for both our farmers and consumers.

Fraud and Waste

For 13 consecutive years the European Court of Auditors has refused to give a Positive Statement of Assurance on the EU’s accounts. Although some progress has been made in improving financial control, the situation is still completely unacceptable. I have experience designing and implementing budgeting and financial control systems in companies and will use this experience to demand that the EU’s accounts meet at least the minimum acceptable standard.

Local Government

The Local Government Association estimates that more than half of the policies implemented by local councils in England originate in Directives from Brussels. Our MEPs must consult with our local councils and seek to represent them when these decisions are being taken. European funds are an additional source of finance for local government and I will work with local councils and South East Local Partners to ensure that our region, which contributes so much in taxes, benefits from these funds.

Decision making must be returned to elected MPs and councillors in Britain. Since 1992, the European Treaties have asserted the principal of subsidiarity: that decisions should be taken as closely as possible to the citizen. On every vote, on every issue, this will be the test that I apply: could this be better decided locally in Britain.