Our Euro MEPs have been working hard for British business interests in Europe.

Key to our recovery is industrial and business innovation, and at the recent dinner at MK College, our MEP, Catherine Bearder, told the Lib Dems about  the new EU research and innovation programme: Horizon 2020.

This will be the largest of its kind in the world and will see an increase of funding of almost a third compared to the current period.  This means the region’s universities, partnered by businesses, could be in line for almost £1 billion worth of science funding based on the proportions they currently receive. A number of companies in MK already benefit from EU research funding, but the new research framework includes a separate £2.2 billion budget line, pushed for by Liberal Democrat MEPs, which will be specifically earmarked for small businesses.  This will help MK’s small science and technology businesses who are leading the way in innovation.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Subhan Shafiq, with South East Member of the European Parliament, Catherine Bearder and Monkston campaigner, Vanessa McPake, discussing the fact that thousands of south east jobs depend on our membership of the EU.