What Do MEPs Do? MEPs from 17 Countries Write about Their Work in the 7th European Parliament: MEPs from 17 Countries Write About the 7th European Parliament

Most voters have very little idea about what MEPS do.

So, immediately following the 2014 European election, Bill Newton Dunn sent emails to the other 750 MEPs who were serving at the end of the Seventh Parliament. He invited each to write around a thousand words to record some pf their activities while their memories were still fresh.

Many did not reply. Some may have feared that their English was not good enough. Others promised to write but had to go on their August holiday first and, despite reminders, they never did write. One British Knight replied amusingly that "I'd like to but I can't write".

Forty-eight MEPS wrote a contribution, coming from all sides of politics - from Communist, Green, Socialist, Liberal, Conservative, Christian-Democrat, and the Right. Some wrote very briefly. Others exceeded their thousand words. Each contribution is the personal opinion of the MEP, and each must take sole responsibility for what they wrote. All of them are thanked warmly, for making the effort. It is hoped that readers will enjoy their writing and appreciate their political work.

A very brief biography is given for each contributor but not photos. For the reader who wishes to see more or to know more or to make contact, each MEP has a website and a Wikipedia entry.

Their contributions are in alphabetical order, even though those with names later in the alphabet have suffered all their lives from being put at the back. That is one tiny but unimportant unfairness of western life. Trying to correct the many big unfairness's in the world is what democratic politics is all about.

Hopefully, all readers will understand better what MEPS do. Hopefully some readers will be inspired to take up the cudgels and will also try to make the world a better place.