Liz Lynne MEP addresses Black Country Fibromyalgia Support Group

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st May 2009

Liz Lynne, the Liberal Democrat MEP for the Black Country and the West Midlands, last week addressed a meeting of the Black Country Fibromyalgia Support Group. Liz spoke to the group about her work as an MEP and to discuss what more could be done to raise awareness of Fibromyalgia following the adoption of a written declaration on this issue by the European Parliament earlier this year.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. The condition affects the muscles, tendons and ligaments (bands of tissue that connect bone to bone), resulting in widespread pain, fatigue and extreme sensitivity to pain.

Commenting after the meeting Liz said:

"Fibromyalgia is a devastating condition which affects thousands of people across our region and yet it remains relatively unheard of, both in the UK and across the European Union.

"Earlier this year I strongly backed a written declaration on Fibromyalgia in the European Parliament which called for more EU funding for research and a better sharing of information between countries.

"In the European Parliament I have also been leading calls for a definition of disability at EU level, which includes chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia, to ensure that all people can exercise the rights that they are entitled to under EU laws banning discrimination on the grounds of disability in the workplace.

"Following a report that I wrote last year I am delighted that we now have proposed new comprehensive legislation from the European Commission to extend the ban on discrimination to also cover access to goods and services in all EU Member States.

"The Black Country Fibromyalgia Support Group is providing a vital way for people to share their experiences of living with this condition as well as providing practical support and assistance. It is a great example of what can be achieved and I congratulate them for that.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 01789 262785 or 07764 452725