LIB DEM EUROPE PAPER: A NECESSARY REFURBISHMENT OF PRO EUROPEAN VALUES

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Sep 2008

Commenting on the adoption of a new policy paper on Europe at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth this afternoon, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said:

"Whilst scurrilous press reports have attempted to distort basic Liberal Democrat values on the European project, today's overwhelming backing of the motion proves otherwise. We move forward to next year's European election campaign with renewed vigour and a reaffirmation of our position as Britain's European party. The true British interest lies in building a strong Europe."

Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, added:

"It is high time we campaigned in European elections on European issues that are of fundamental importance to British citizens. Climate change and combating cross border crime are areas where Liberal Democrats have led the way in the European Parliament and we should not be afraid to tell the British public that we are proud of our achievements in

Europe."