In search of European reform

He is part of a convention, formed last month, which is debating EU reform ahead of its enlargement in 2004, when several Eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic are set to join.

Mr Kirkhope said: "This convention is of vital importance to the citizens of Europe and, in particular, the British people. There is continuing uncertainty about the appropriate powers to be handled by the EU as opposed to the member states. We must make sure we get the balance right."

He believes the European Commission and the Council of Ministers - the two unelected bodies in the EU - have too much power and should be more transparent. Of the latest EU summit in Barcelona, he said: "We have Tony Blair telling us that progress was made, whereas other ministers are telling their countries that no progress was made. We should know the truth about what goes on in these meetings."

Regarding the commission, he wants to see it come under more scrutiny, see more power given to the European ombudsman, and see some form of democracy introduced to its make-up. He believes the European Parliament - the one elected body in the EU - or national governments should be given more power.

Mr Kirkhope, a former Home Office minister under John Major, is the only UK Conservative MEP appointed as a full member of the 105-strong convention. In keeping with the EU's intention to become less remote, the forum is particularly inclusive. As well as national MPs, members of national governments and members of the European Parliament, dialogue with non-governmental organisations, trade unions and industry is also part of the convention.

While Mr Kirkhope accepts there is scepticism in this country (and specifically in this region) regarding the EU, he is keen to emphasize the positive impact it can have on people's everyday lives.

One example he gives, particularly relevant to many people in Ryedale, is funding for flood defences. He said money is available through the EU but schemes are dependent on the Government matching this funding - something they appear reluctant to do, he added.

Mr Kirkhope said another way in which the European Parliament is seeking to impact everyday lives is in agriculture. The Government has declined to launch a public inquiry into the foot and mouth epidemic. Instead, the European Parliament has initiated its own enquiry.

The familiar phrase, "in Europe but not ruled by Europe" is used by Mr Kirkhope on his website. He insists he is no Europhile and does not wish to see any kind of European superstate. It has been said that at the end of the convention, some form of a written constitution for the EU will be drafted. But the former MP from Leeds said: "I am not in favour of a constitution. It has the trappings of a state in its own right."

He believes some issues should remain strictly within the national preserve, such as law and order, and immigration and asylum.

However, he does want to see greater integration in certain areas. A licensed pilot himself, Mr Kirkhope advocates closer links between EU countries where air traffic control is concerned. He believes a more integrated approach to developing road and rail networks across Europe is advantageous. Police forces in EU states could work more closely to catch criminals, he says.

Europe can also benefit from increased co-operation regarding the development of technology. Mr Kirkhope cited a piece of legislation he had put through the European Parliament recently, enabling member states to work more closely in stamping out child pornography on the internet.

The EU is seen by some as an unnecessary, bureaucratic and undemocratic institution, which passes obscure laws, such as how we should weigh bananas.

Mr Kirkhope hopes the convention will go some way to changing this image and wants to hear about the views of his constituents in Yorkshire on Europe and on Britain's relationship with Europe. You can contact him by e-mail at tkirkhope@europarl.eu.int or timothy@kirkhope.org.uk.

Updated: 10:11 Thursday, March 21, 2002