NEWS RELEASE
From the office of the Green MEPs


25 March, 2003

EUROPE PLAYS KEY ROLE IN SHAPING UK LAW, SAYS GREEN MEP

EUROPE is the key to influencing social and environmental legislation, London MEP Jean Lambert will tell members of women's political group the Fawcett Society at its annual meeting in Leeds on Saturday (March 29).

Mrs Lambert, Green Party Euro-MP for the London region, will urge more women to get involved in European politics, following her own example and that of the UK's only other Green Party MEP, Caroline Lucas.

"At the European Parliament we work on directives that can take as long as four years to become domestic law here in the UK," said Mrs Lambert.

"That means it's crucial that citizens wanting to shape UK law on a large and increasing range of issues get more involved in European politics, either by lobbying their MEPs, standing as candidates in European elections or becoming active in an organisation like the Fawcett Society
that seeks to influence decision-making as it happens."

Mrs Lambert will make her comments during her keynote speech at the Fawcett Society's annual meeting in Leeds Town Hall, the Headrow, Leeds on Saturday. Other speakers will include Mary Honeyball MEP, who will explain 'Why the EU Matters for Women', and Leeds University's Sylvia Walby on 'How Europe Works '.

ENDS

For more information please contact Ben Duncan on 020 7407 6280 or Gemma Stunden on 020 7407 6269

Notes

The Fawcett Society wants to see women and men equal partners at home, at work and in public life. They demand a fair deal for women. Visit their website at www.fawcettsociety.org.uk