Supporting issues in the European parliament that make direct improvements to the lives of my constituents has always been of utmost importance.

I campaigned passionately for legislation passed in 2002 that has protected pension rights and given part time workers paid holiday rights.

As more and more older people stay in work, or take up new work, we will need to look at employee rights and I am determined to ensure that they are treated fairly.

The right to Trade Union representation is one I am determined to see upheld. When Elstree employers T Mobile were taken over by Deutsche Telekom it looked as if their workers’ rights in this respect were under theeat. I met with Amicus shop stewards and lobbied management to try and secure protection for them.