The West Midlands is under-represented in Europe, Business Voice
WM has warned.
Now it has written to new Justice Secretary Ken Clarke asking
that he rectify the discrepancy.
The UK was recently allocated an additional place in the
European Parliament and BVWM has been lobbying "in the interests of
fairness and transparency" that it should go to the West
Midlands.
Business Voice WM Board member and National Farmers Union
regional director, David Collier, said: "The West Midlands has a
population of 5.3 million - approximately ten per cent of the UK
population - yet it currently only has six MEPs representing it
which does not seem to be equitable when, for instance, Scotland,
has the same despite an electorate of just 3.8 million while London
has eight for 5.2 million.
"There is no doubt in our judgement that the West Midlands - in
terms of the ratio between the number of MEPs and population size -
is under-represented."
BVWM says the matter is "an aggravating factor" at a time when
difficult economic times persist.
Expanding on his letter Mr Collier argued: "Europe is a vital
influence for many sectors of the West Midlands economy - from
manufacturing to farming.
"That is why it is vital that the region's voice be heard loud
and clear in the corridors of power."