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Tory EU pledge to promote Wales Tory EU pledge to promote Wales
(about 2 hours later)
The Welsh Conservatives have promised a "fresh approach" at their European elections manifesto launch.The Welsh Conservatives have promised a "fresh approach" at their European elections manifesto launch.
The manifesto, unveiled in Flintshire, includes commitments to clean up EU politics and provide more opportunities for firms and workers. The manifesto, unveiled in Greenfield community centre in Flintshire, pledges to clean up EU politics and improve opportunities for firms and workers.
It also pledges a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. It also renews its commitment to a referendum on the Lisbon treaty.
Lead candidate Kay Swinburne said: "Wales needs MEPs who will promote Welsh interests in Europe, not Europe's interests in Wales."Lead candidate Kay Swinburne said: "Wales needs MEPs who will promote Welsh interests in Europe, not Europe's interests in Wales."
"Many aspects of life in Wales have a European dimension which is why it is so important Welsh interests are represented in Brussels," she added, ahead of the 4 June poll."Many aspects of life in Wales have a European dimension which is why it is so important Welsh interests are represented in Brussels," she added, ahead of the 4 June poll.
The manifesto also examine proposals for joint committees between Westminster, the devolved assemblies and Parliament, and MEPs to guard against 'gold-plating' of EU legislation in the UK. 'Broken promises'
In a joint statement in the manifesto Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan MP and assembly leader Nick Bourne AM added: "For over a decade Labour has controlled the Welsh Assembly and the Government in Westminster as well as holding two of the four seats representing our country in the European Parliament. The manifesto examines proposals for joint committees between Westminster, the devolved assemblies and Parliament, and MEPs to guard against 'gold-plating' of EU legislation in the UK.
In the manifesto, Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan MP and assembly leader Nick Bourne AM said: "For over a decade Labour has controlled the Welsh Assembly and the Government in Westminster as well as holding two of the four seats representing our country in the European Parliament.
MANIFESTO SUMMARY Cap the EU budgetKeep the UK out of the euroVote against EU accounts until cleared by auditorsOverhaul the Common Fisheries PolicyChampion enlargement of the EUVote on scrapping meetings in StrasbourgResist extension of EU power over the UK's criminal justice systemRestore British control of social and employment lawsSource: Conservative European Election Manifesto
"But in Cardiff Bay, in Westminster, and in Europe, Labour's incompetence and broken promises have let Wales down."But in Cardiff Bay, in Westminster, and in Europe, Labour's incompetence and broken promises have let Wales down.
"Our candidates offer the fresh approach Wales needs to make its mark in Europe. They will ensure Wales gets the best deal from Europe.""Our candidates offer the fresh approach Wales needs to make its mark in Europe. They will ensure Wales gets the best deal from Europe."
Conservative MEPs in Europe would fight against protectionism and further tax harmonisation in Europe, states the manifesto.
They will also work to give British people more opportunities in the European jobs market.
Among its plans for economic recovery is a pledge to cut the administrative costs of EU legislation by 25% by 2012.
Achievements
The manifesto also draws attention to the party's achievements, highlighting its consistent vote for greater transparency on the auditing and reform of MEPs' expenses.
It has refused to approve the EU accounts each year since 1998.
And the manifesto claims the party has introduced the "most far-reaching rules on transparency" of MEPs' expenses by publishing details on how they are used on its website twice a year.