Clarity needed on Barroso's future - Duff, Hall

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Sep 2009

UK Liberal Democrat MEPs Andrew Duff (East of England) and Fiona Hall (North East of England) have called for a 'yes' in tomorrow's European Parliament vote on whether to approve Commission President Juan Manuel Barroso for a second term.

Speaking in this afternoon's debate following President-designate Barroso's speech to the European Parliament, Mr Duff said:

"The challenges facing our Union are immense and immediate.

"We need to ensure that the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by all member states, that the Commission takes action to tackle climate change, and that the EU works together to rebuild our economies in a way that is sustainable and creates jobs.

"Europe's people deserve a Commission President who is on the side of democracy, the taxpayer - the citizen on the street.

"In voting for you, we seek both stability and action at a crucial moment for Europe."

Leader of the UK Liberal Democrat MEPs Fiona Hall commented:

"Mr Barroso now looks to be on course for a second term, but that term should be guided by radical policies rather than tactical politics.

"That means putting Europe at the cutting edge of the fight against climate change.

"As part of his pitch, Mr Barroso has said that every Community policy must be assessed and adapted in the light of climate change.

"We are now looking to the Commission President to ensure that the EU negotiates strongly in the run-up to Copenhagen."

ENDS.