Chloe Woodhead

I would like to introduce myself and tell you why I believe we should all cast our votes for Libertas in the European Elections on June 4th.

Turnout in Euro elections has plummeted over the last 30 years - from 63% in 1979 to 45% in 2004. That means 55% of us are not exercising our democratic rights. And why? – because voters in the UK do not think that their vote on Europe counts. Libertas wants to make your vote count and wants to make Europe more relevant and answerable to you – the voter.

I was born in central England but have always felt a European. My grandmother grew up in Italy and my grandfather was Irish. Britain is my homeland, but my political and cultural horizons have always been pan European. So I believe the UK needs to be a strong partner in a strong Europe but where the UK is not subordinate to an unaccountable administration and an impotent parliament. The obscure and undemocratic bureaucracy of Europe cuts voters off from any sense of influence on policy, legislation or expenditure and yet these laws and directives impact on all of our lives. We need to bring decision making back home to the people it affects while supporting a lean, answerable and efficient Europe operating in the areas where it can help us all. Supporting Libertas can help us achieve this.

While bringing up 4 children who are now all old enough to be voters, I developed an interest in education and, following many years as a school governor, I am now involved in HE through Britain’s only Independent University at Buckingham. Students from the UK, Europe and all over the world study here and they need recognized and transferrable qualifications to move in the global employment sector. Working for Libertas in Europe, I would like to support European cooperation on educational standards to help these young people to become the highly qualified workforce we need to lead us out of the current economic crisis.

Many people feel that if they support a national party – Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem - they must also vote for them in Euro elections. But these parties have sidelined discussion on Europe so your vote is wasted. Voting on June 4th is for what we want from Europe so use your vote and vote for Libertas, the pan European party where democratic reform of the European Union is the top priority. For the very first time we have the opportunity to create a Europe that directly reflects the wishes of the voters. We need a leaner and more representative Europe where the administration is accountable and transparent and where taxpayers money is used sparingly and efficiently to serve us all. This is why I am standing for Libertas.
Exercise your democratic right and I look forward to winning your vote for Libertas on June 4th.