Labour MEP to step down

North East Labour MEP Stephen Hughes has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2014. He has served as deputy leader of the Labour group in Europe and chairman of the European Parliament’s social affairs and employment committee. Since 2009 he has been Vice President of the Socialist Group in the Parliament.

Hughes told the Northern Echo:

“It has been an absolute privilege for me to represent the people of the North-East in the European Parliament.

“I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the region’s hardworking, community- minded people in the face of massive economic, political and social challenges.

“I have worked hard to find ways of supporting communities through the best and worst of times since 1984 by promoting European actions and funding that aided the coalfield communities, shipbuilding and maritime areas and provided much needed investment in infrastructure and training and employment opportunities.

“I have worked tirelessly with other members in Europe to develop a treaty base for public health to address some of the stark inequalities in health existing between regions and communities across the continent.”