In the European Parliament MEPs sit in pan-European political groups comprising like-minded parliamentarians sharing similar political agendas. Conservative MEPs are members of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group and we work with our colleagues from across the EU to build a better future for all our citizens.
The UK is leaving the EU in 2019 but, as the Prime Minister has said, we want to remain good neighbours in a comprehensive new relationship. Similarly, British Conservatives intend to maintain our party's links with political allies at the heart of the EU.
Our shared vision is a new, free trading global Britain partnering a vibrant, successful EU. We need an EU neighbour that is in touch with its citizens, less bureaucratic and committed to free trade, not a centralised federalist superstate whose answer to every question is "more Europe".
The ECR Group was created to campaign for that changed EU. It was formed at the initiative of David Cameron in June 2009. Its message of reform, greater democracy and transparency has resonated across the EU and seen it become the third largest group in the European Parliament, with MEPs from 18 Member States. It is leading the call for constructive change and it is in everyone's interests that the ECR continues to thrive post-Brexit.
We are forming the Conservative Friends of the ECR (CF-ECR) to better connect British activists and parliamentarians to the ECR Group in the European Parliament. CF-ECR will organise events, be a forum for debate and keep members in touch with the latest policy developments. It is our pleasure to invite you to the launch reception on the 7th December at 6.30pm, details can be found here.
We look forward to meeting you.
Leader of the Conservative MEPs, Ashley Fox MEP
ECR Co-Chairman, Syed Kamall MEP