A reshuffle in the European Parliamentary Labour Party has led to Richard's appointment as Labour's European Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights. This involves representing Labour Euro MPs in the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as liaising with the Government here at home on foreign affairs, human rights and defence issues. Richard will continue to sit on the Labour Party's "Britain in the World Policy Commission" in his new role, but will stand down after nine years from the Parliament's Development Committee.
Richard says: "The immediate issues for action include Europe's role in the Middle East Peace Process, the aftermath of the Iraq conflict and completing the final stages towards the accession of Eastern European countries into the EU next year.
"There is difficult but hugely important work to be done to build common understanding in the EU, sufficient so we can match the United States in global affairs.
"And that includes continuing to campaign for priority for development, fair trade and the fight against world poverty."
One of Richard's first tasks was to help draw up parliamentary resolutions on Turkey's future entry to the EU, the Annual Report on Human Rights, and the proposed European Constitution. He will be speaking on Europe-post Iraq at a regional conference organised by the Fabian Society to be held in Colchester on 14 September.
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Berkhamsted - Richard visited the Household Waste Site, to unveil a set of new recycling information signs. His visit was timed to coincide with a proposed new European Dir

ective to raise the target for recycling packaging waste to 60 per cent.

Cambridge - A bid for European funding to support the opening of a new visitor and information centre for the University was unveiled by Richard, with Vice-Chancellor of the university, Sir Alec Broers.

Chelmsford - Richard joined local Oxfam volunteers as they paraded a giant milk carton around the town centre to campaign for an end to European farming subsidies and subsequent dumping on poor countries.

Cromer - Richard was invited to inspect the new wider pavements, dropped kerbs, improved shop access and plan for a cliff lift for easier access to the seafront in the multimillion-pound EU-funded refurbishment of the town.

Dunstable - Richard visited the Disability Resource Centre, Dunstable to unveil a full-scale indoor street complete with a real bus, real car, road crossing, bank, supermarket and café to aid the rehabilitation of local disabled people.

East of England Show - Richard, a Board member of the East of England Britain in Europe group, visited the East of England Show to launch 'Farmers for Europe', which aims to campaign for early entry into the Euro.

Great Yarmouth, Luton, Southend, Waveney and North Norfolk - Richard, with support from local Labour parties, councillors, MPs and fellow MEPs, launched a new bid to defend priority European status in the five areas which could extend around £65 million of EU regional aid due to end in 2006.

Harlow - Richard announced a new grant of £127,774 from European funds to staff and students on the 'Pathways to Work' course at Harlow College that has been awarded to help local disabled people into work.

Ipswich - Visually impaired people in Suffolk learned from Richard that Ipswich Museum Service's audio guide has been selected as an "exemplary project" to appear before the special Disabled People's European Parliament in Brussels, to be held in November to mark 2003 as European Year of Disabled People.

Norwich - Richard unveiled details of the groundbreaking new European rules to make companies fully liable for the repair costs of the environmental damage they cause at an inspection of the Postwick, licensed landfill site with the Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, Dr John Packman.

Peterborough - Early entry to the Euro is critical for Peterborough's economic future, Richard told a breakfast meeting of leading local business people.

Sheringham - Richard unveiled a new EU funded brake coach with full wheelchair access on the North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham.

Southend - The 38 disabled staff at the factory of Remploy were presented by Richard with a special national safety award for achieving an unprecedented three years with no reportable accidents.

St Albans - A bid for European funds to support an exchange of archaeological volunteers and experts to compare the local 'treasure trove' of Roman and Anglo Saxon artefacts with those of its twin cities in Germany, Hungary and Italy in 2004 was launched by Richard on a visit to the Verulamium Museum, St Albans.

St Neots - Richard visited the Household Waste Recycling Centre, in a further visit to learn about recycling first hand, this time in Cambridgeshire.

Stevenage - Richard visited Ridgemond Training to meet staff from local businesses and unveil a plaque in the foyer to celebrate the success of the European-funded courses, 2002-2003.

Richard visits Ridgemond Training
Stowmarket - Richard opened the new Jobcentre Plus service in a special ceremony attended by local employers, voluntary organisations and training providers drawn from across Suffolk.

Titchwell Marsh, North Norfolk - Richard unveiled improved pathways and new ramps to bird-viewing hides during a visit to the RSPB nature reserve.

Wickford - A new award of money from the European Social Fund that will guarantee the continuance of vital services for local people with mental health problems was announced to clients and staff at Rethink, by Richard.

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In this issue:
New responsibilities | Euro election campaign latest | Constituency activities