Here you can find a list of spokespeople from some of the wide range of industry group, trade associations, and civil society organisations which now liaise with the European Parliament and MEPs as a matter of course.
They are experts in their own spheres who understand how the Parliament affects the way the UK operates. Contact details are also provided and those mentioned are happy to speak to the media.
Alisdair Gray, Director British Retail Consortium, Brussels, says: "As far as we’re concerned, the European Parliament is the most powerful organisation in Europe today. But that body needs to be close to its electorate and in my experience, MEPs want to understand and act upon their constituents’ concerns. So we would urge people to get to know the issues and the candidates in your region and exercise your democratic right".
Contact person: Alisdair Gray, +32 (0)2401 6824
What they say in their election manifesto: "We look forward to working with the new Parliament, recognising its importance as a pillar of a successful and credible European Union. Business can help get Europe growing and working again but it must be backed up by governments and politicians who understand the problems and are determined to solve them."
Contact person: Sam Turvey, +44 (0)20 7654 5813
Stuart Fraser, Chairman of Policy, City of London Corporation, says: "I would encourage people to use their vote on 4 June in the European Elections. Many EU economic, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments have an impact on the City of London and its competitive position as a world class financial centre, so this is an important opportunity to elect representation to ensure the framework of that legislation reflects our best interests."
Contact person: Kristina Blissett, Press Office, +44 (0)20 7332 3451
Michael D M Izza, Chief Executive, says: "The ICAEW believes that Members of the European Parliament have a key role to play in helping to restore confidence in financial markets and encourage sustainable growth in Europe. As a public interest body, the ICAEW is committed to working with the European Parliament and other EU Institutions to help put Europe on track for long-term and low-carbon economic growth."
Contact person: Dr Susanna Di Feliciantonio, +32 (0)2230 3272
What they say: "Compared to other professions, RICS and its members are involved at so many more stages of the property life cycle and are therefore much more affected by decisions made at EU level. However, they are equally well placed to deliver practical solutions for the implementation of the economic stimulus packages and the green carbon agenda. It is therefore important that RICS members seize the opportunity to give the future European Parliament a strong mandate by voting in the European Parliament elections on June the 4th."
Contact person: Ursula Hartenberger, Head of Public Affairs Europe, +32 (0)2739 4221
What they say in their election manifesto: "The BMA believes that the European Parliament has a crucial role to play in safeguarding patients’ interests and guaranteeing quality standards of care. MEPs are able to make decisions that can improve their constituents’ health. Their health is your business."
Contact person: Nicola While, EU Liaison Officer BMA, +32 (0)2502 8501
What they say on their website: "The European Parliament is shaping our future. Recent changes initiated by Brussels include Braille labelling on pharmaceuticals and mandatory assistance to disabled air travellers. More: the EU could soon make it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in many areas. RNIB is campaigning to ensure that EU legislation takes into account the needs of blind and partially sighted people, but as a citizen you have a vital role to play: vote on 4 June to elect your Member of European Parliament."
Contact person: Dan Pescot, Campaigns Manager RNIB, +44 (0)20 7391 2087
What they say in their manifesto: "The challenges faced by a growing world population and the impact of climate change will place new demands on our industry and will require that European farming continues to produce sustainably and increases productivity. This way we will ensure that UK and European agriculture delivers on all fronts in the future. The European Parliament has a vital role to play in helping us to make this happen. European policies and legislation play a major part in shaping the framework in which farming operates."
Contact person: Meurig Raymond, Deputy President, +44 (0)24 7685 8506
What they say on their website: "The RSPB and BirdLife International believe it is paramount for the 2009–2014 European Parliament to craft an ambitious environmental vision for Europe. That vision must embrace the need for renewed action on biodiversity and climate change, and for reform of the current approach to the rural and marine environments."
Contact person: Sacha Cleminson
What they say on their website: "The European Union has a vital part to play in influencing these talks. For many years, the EU played a leading role in pressing for co-ordinated international action on climate change, but more recently, this leadership role has been called into question. Recent measures agreed by the EU are just not strong enough and lack the leadership needed if we are to secure a strong global climate deal. The European elections on 4 June give you a chance to make it clear to those seeking your vote that you want the EU to play a lead role on climate change."
Contact person: Penny Evans, Senior Public Affairs officer, +44 (0)1483 412376
What they say in their manifesto: "The European Parliament elections in June 2009 will build on major changes over recent years. Membership of the EU has expanded to include 27 states with a population of over 400 million and a combined GDP greater than the USA. Given the challenging global economic situation, there is now a real opportunity for international partnerships to deliver for the citizens of Europe."
Contact person: Oli Henman, UK & International Campaigns Manager NCVO, +44 (0)20 7520 2550
What they say in their manifesto: "In June 2009, residents of the 27 European Union (EU) member states will elect their representatives to the European Parliament for the 2009-2014 term. UK civil society is using this opportunity to call upon European institutions to work together with European civil society towards a more sustainable model of development."
Contact person: Romina Vegro, EU Policy Officer BOND, +44 (0)20 7520 0257
What they say in their 'AGE toolkit': "The 2009 European Parliament elections are going to be very important, as the European Parliament has become a crucial actor in EU policy development... The European Parliament can play a very useful and crucial role to advance citizens interests at European level because the MEPs are the only directly elected representatives. They are traditionally open to engage in a dialogue with citizens and to take account of the concerns of their voters. NGOs, such as AGE, work closely with MEPs to inform them about their members concerns."
Contact person: Ken Bluestone, International Political and Policy Advisor, Age Concern England
David Orr, Chief Executive NHF and President of CECODHAS, says: "European decisions affect our life in every possible way. It makes sense to ensure that our views and needs are taken into account and that we have good representation in Brussels."
Contact person: Corine Meier, +44 (0)20 7067 1034
David Smith, Chief Executive of ENA, says: "Every area of activity in the EU is underpinned by the use of energy. The secure, reliable and sustainable transmission and distribution of gas and electricity is central to the EU's ability to deliver across a raft of key policy issues - from economic stability to climate change."
Contact person: Jane May, Europe Co-ordinator, Energy Networks Association, +44 20 7706 5131
What they say in their manifesto: "The last five years have witnessed a growing level of profile for, and attention on, higher education issues within the European Parliament. The European Students’ Union (ESU) welcomes the increasing importance given to this subject and in particular we congratulate the Parliament on the increases in grants for ERASMUS students that it secured in 2005, its continued support for the Lifelong Learning Programme and its commitment to the Bologna Process. The next parliamentary term (2009-2014) provides the opportunity for the Parliament to go further in exercising its legislative rights and its non-legislative powers in relation to higher education so as to put us fully on track to achieve a high quality, equitable European Higher Education Area by 2020."
Contact person: Frances Aldson, Information and Communication officer, +32 (0)473 669 894
Tony Coleman says: "So far we are finding that the level of awareness that the European elections are taking place in June is very low. By spreading the word about when they are happening and that all EU citizens across the Continent in the 27 Member States can take part, we aim to show that along with our fellow Europeans we can make a difference to how our lives are governed."
Contact: +44 (0)20 8359 4111, elections@barnet.gov.uk
Ian Thomson, President EIA, says: "From my experience I am not so convinced that there is any basic or fundamental divide between the United Kingdom and other EU Member States in terms of attitudes to the EU. There are differences, of course, based upon history and culture. However, I come across acceptance, resignation and even enthusiasm for the EU in all Member States, while also coming across indifference, concerns, and hostility in many Member States as well. Knowledge in detail of the EU is generally pretty poor."
Contact person: Lynette Falconer, Information Development Manager