Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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EU funding, the Common Agricultural policy, and auditing of the accounts
I believe that the EU has been instrumental in promoting peace, stability, democracy and human rights across Europe and is central to the UK's economic prosperity. There is no doubt, however, that the Common Agricultural Policy is in need of far-reaching reform, and I recently published proposals on behalf of the party in my capacity as the Lib Dem Shadow Agriculture Secretary, to show how this should be taken forward. My party has also expressed regret that the Government has reached a budget settlement without delivering on its promise to achieve further reform.
We do deplore the lack of properly audited accounts in the EU but recognise that most of the problems arise inside member states, who are responsible for 80% of EU spending, rather than with the Commission. This situation is actually less unique than you might imagine. For example, the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions have not been given a clean bill of health by auditors for the past 16 years.