As a prominent figure in North east Conservatism, and as a past member of the National European Forum, Richard has been interested in European affairs for some time.

 

"William Hague's position of 'In Europe, not run by Europe' is a good starting point" Richard says.

 

"Back in 1972 we joined the European Economic Community -or Common Market- and were told it was all about trade.  That has changed to become first the European Community, then the European Union, with more and more emphasis being placed on political union.  We need to get back to the focus on free trade, and get a level playing field for British business".

 

Richard opposes the new European constitution (Treaty of Lisbon), and continues to call for the referendum that we were promised.  He wants to repatriate transferred powers back to British Government Control.

 

He opposes further European political integration.  But he believes in working within the system to ensure that the North East gets the best deal it can from the EU.

 

 "I'm passionate about getting British taxpayers' money back from the EU, and spending it the North east".