LOCAL EURO MP SHORTLISTED FOR MEP OF THE YEAR AWARD

2.48.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 15th Sep 2007

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has been short listed for the prestigious MEP of the Year award.

The MEP awards are an annual competition allowing Euro MPs to vote for their colleagues across ten different categories and Ms Lynne was nominated in the employment section for her work. Liz Lynne was recently elected Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs committee.

Speaking today from Brussels, Liz said:

"Being an active member of Employment and Social Affairs for the past few years has given me the chance to make a real difference to those issues I care about. I have improved rights for disabled and older people, cut unnecessary 'red tape' for businesses and worked to ensure better protection for employees within the health sector."

"I have also worked on numerous health and safety issues to make sure they are only addressed at European level if the scientific and medical evidence proves the need and that it can't be better done at member state level. This nomination will give me the enthusiasm to pursue all of these interests with an even greater vigour."

"I will continue to work on those key issues on which I have been campaigning recently, such as safeguarding the future use of MRI scanners to protect patients, and those who manufacture them alike. Again, I thank my colleagues and look forward to all of the challenges and tasks ahead."

Alan Tyrrell, the Federation of Small Business' Employment Chairman said;

"In the crucial areas of employment law and health and safety, Liz Lynne consistently listens to the concerns of business and of the small business community."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

MEPs can nominate each other in ten categories including health, justice, environment, culture and employment. The three MEPs with the most nominations in each category are then shortlisted. MEPs then vote again for the winners during September, with the award ceremony taking place in Brussels on the 9th of October.

Liz faces competition in the employment category from Mary Lou McDonald MEP (Ireland) and Evelyne Gebhardt MEP (Germany).