WEB surfers would be able to submit their ideas on the future shape of Europe under a scheme proposed by Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope. Using search engines like Lycos, Yahoo and Google, internet users would find a link on the main page for the 'Future of Europe Convention', asking for submissions, ideas and comments.

Mr Kirkhope, speaking ahead of the inaugural meeting of the convention last week, said: "In some quarters, before we even get started, we are being criticised for meeting behind closed doors. The convention is not a seminar, we should be reaching out, getting as broad and varied viewpoints as possible, giving the public an opportunity to voice their vision for Europe."

Mr Kirkhope would be pleased to receive your views. You can e-mail him at tkirkhope@europarl.eu.int.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, March 07, 2002