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Euro elections: Vote for the environment on 22 May

In the UK, voting for the European elections takes place on Thursday 22nd May. But given all the negative press about Europe, why bother?

This wonderful #HappyVoting video doesn’t really answer that question. But it makes me happy. And it makes me want to vote. And dance.

If you need more convincing try these reasons:

If you care about climate change, European Union (EU) laws are vital for ensuring that we invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. They are also helping make our products more energy efficient, saving money, reducing emissions and driving innovation around the world.

If you care about waste, it’s the European Parliament that pushed through a 50% recycling target. And the next parliament is likely to be voting on changing recycling targets.

If you care about nature, it’s EU laws that protect many of our best nature reserves. EU laws also control which pesticides can be used, and EU funding pays farmers for both good and – unfortunately – bad practice.

Turnout at European elections is normally very low. So if everyone who cares about the environment gets out and votes – we could make a big difference. The environment is too precious to leave it to those with wacky and dangerous views.

Please take this opportunity to have your say and vote on 22 May. It’s our democratic right and duty to do so.

If you’re feeling a little bamboozled by the issues and who to vote for, fear not. Help is at hand. You can use votematch.eu to find candidates who share your views on a range of subjects (this website is intended to inform not guide your choice). For a record of how well your current MEP has delivered on the environment you might find votetracker.eu helpful.  Friends of the Earth Europe has also worked with a number of other organisations to create the “Score your MEPs! How has your MEP voted on interests you care about?” website. Why not check out your MEP’s voting record on several key environmental issues.

More information: If you want to find out more try the Friends of the Earth 2-page briefing The European Parliament – what’s the point?

We wouldn’t dream of telling you which way to vote. Except do get out and vote for the environment.

 

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