BRUSSELS VISIT WITH MEP FOR LOCAL DIVERSITY GROUP.

On Tuesday 6^th September 2011, a group of people from the Hertfordshire based Kaleidoscope Culture Club (KCC), a hub for ethnic minority communities, visited the European Parliament building in Brussels, and met with Vicky Ford, MEP for the Eastern Region.  The group was made up of 29 delegates ranging in age and cultural backgrounds, and the meeting with Mrs Ford formed part of a two day trip to the European Parliament arranged by the East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne CVS and Kaleidoscope Enterprise.

Mrs Ford spoke to the group about what it means to her to be an MEP, and discussed her personal specialisms which include the economy and industry.  She also discussed specific issues across Hertfordshire in which she has become involved, and how she is working hard to communicate with her constituents from all backgrounds across the county.

Michal Siewniak from the East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne CVS said:  “The main purpose of the trip was to increase awareness of the EU, its history and its purpose amongst our members; but in fact it also enabled us to work on cross cultural dialogue amongst those who took part.  We had a real mix of cultural backgrounds in the group, from Bangladeshi to Polish, and the trip was a great success, and a real celebration of diversity.  Vicky explained in clear terms what the European Parliament does and what her role is within that, and we were amazed to discover the scope of her work.”

Speaking after the event, Vicky Ford said:  “It is always a pleasure to welcome those I represent and to give them the chance to see first-hand what goes on here in Brussels.  There is a lot of confusion surrounding the role of an MEP, let alone the often bizarre workings of the European Parliament, and that is something I try to address where possible.”

For further information please contact Sarah Stamp, on behalf of Vicky Ford, on 07584 028671 or at sarah@sarahstamp.co.uk.