Title: Electing Europe's first parliament
Description: Outlines the functions and methods of the present European Assembly and its Socialist Group and describes the background to the UK controversy over direct elections. Looks at the implications of a directly elected Parliament, including the change on emphasis, style and methods of the Parliament, the impact on the EEC, the job of a European MP and the problems created by the elections themselves, especially for the Labour Party. Concludes that swift political and organisational action is vital in a number of key areas if Labour is to make any impact in the elections. Without a major Labour presence in the European Parliament, it will probably be controlled by the Right - a consequence for which continental socialists would not lightly forgive the Labour Party.
Subjects: Elections, European Parliament