GLOUCESTERSHIRE leaders held a public meeting to discuss Britain’s relationship with Europe.

MP for the Cotswolds, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, held a meeting in Tetbury on Friday, January 24 alongside Julie Girling, member of the European Parliament for the South West, who has specific responsibility for Gloucestershire.

It was well attended by people from all shades of political opinion, who were informed about the existing negotiations regarding the European Union, from an opt-out of the bailout mechanism to the promise of a referendum should the Conservatives win the next General Election.

After the event Mr Clifton-Brown, whose constituency covers Wotton-under-Edge, said: “I understand that people were impatient to know what issues the Prime Minister would re-negotiate in Europe. I am sure that some of these will become clear before the European election on the 22nd May.

“You can’t expect any negotiator to reveal their full hand before the negotiations take place”.

South West MEP Julie Girling said: “It is important for people to be able to ask questions about what is happening in Europe and this meeting provided the perfect opportunity.

“Too many people feel detached from the whole process and are relying on the media for their information which in the case of Europe is often misinformation. I have received some excellent feedback from the event and feel it was enjoyed by all who attended.”

Mr Clifton-Brown added: “All in all this was a constructive and good tempered debate and hopefully everybody will be a letter better informed on what Europe does.”