“Gloucestershire together with the rest of the South West, the UK and indeed the rest of Europe, will once again go to the polls in the European elections on 22 May: we vote to choose our MEPs and inevitably we debate if we are better off in or out of the EU.

It is becoming clear that British businesses need Britain to stay in Europe. Liberal Democrats are fighting to defend millions of British jobs. We want Britain to stay in the EU to protect the 360,000 jobs across the South West that depend on our trade with Europe. An incredible 59% of the West’s exports go to Europe which is far higher than the national average, including many employers in the Gloucestershire area who export to the EU and could really suffer if we left. Those who call for a British exit of the worlds’ largest trading market risk thousands of local jobs.

But of course it’s not just about local jobs. The Liberal Democrats are fighting to keep Britain IN to be able to tackle cross-border crime and to work with other countries to protect our environment.

No one can forget the terrible flooding in 2007 and the storms this winter. I’ve seen at first hand the devastation and distress this caused individuals, families, businesses and our community. This was why I was at the forefront of calls to get European money to help rebuild communities. I am now working with local authorities to get a European Investment Bank low interest loan to tackle action against flooding for the long term.

Being in the EU also makes our streets safer. Unlike the Tories, Liberal Democrats want our police and judicial forces working together to tackle criminal gangs, terrorists and paedophiles across borders. Because criminals don’t recognise borders our police forces shouldn’t either.

Being in Europe is also about working together to tackle climate change and other environmental threats. You cannot do this when carping from the sidelines. We will solve them together, or not at all.

I have been extremely proud to have the privilege of representing Gloucestershire in the European parliament, and I hope that on 22nd May you will vote Liberal Democrat; our message is clear, only voting Liberal Democrat is sure to keep us in Europe.”