Liberal Democrat Moves in Europe Will End the "British Blame Game"

The UK Government is notorious in taking reasonable EU directives and adapting them for application here in ways that are over-complex and far too strict. This behaviour undermines the credibility and acceptability of important regulations, most famously Health and Safety measures. It's great fun to blame "Brussels" of course - and insurance salesmen have a field day selling more and more imaginative policies - but it can mean workplace safety is not taken seriously and contributes to the UK's poor level of labour productivity.

Well, starting this month, the EU Commission is proposing to sweep away great swathes of unneccessary restrictions, mainly in order to make life easier for small businesses.

Not that this is anything new. Over the past eight years 5,590 legislative items have been cut out, reducing the burden of red tape on businesses by 26%.

And over two years ago Liberal Democrat MEPs and Ministers were instrumental in exempting small business from complex accounting rules, saving them £400 million a year.

The Liberal Democrats in Europe are batting for Britain in Brussels - defending millions of UK jobs and securing new opportunities for small businesses at home and abroad to create millions more.

Britain is a major player on the world stage within strong partnerships and is part of the biggest trading bloc on the planet. Our businesses have immediate access to 500 million customers and our pivotal position earns us billions in inward investment.

Sadly the Conservatives and UKIP advocate us becoming a low-wage, deregulated economy sandwiched between Eire and the Continent and taking our chances alone, in a world of global giants.

By contrast, the Liberal Democrats are taking practical action to build a prosperous present and lay the foundations for a firm future - and a strong economy that is fair to all.