OVER 70 members were present at Sully U3A's October meeting to hear the guest speaker, Elizabeth Sweeney. Elizabeth is the European Parliamentary Information Officer in the UK. She has worked for the European Parliament for over 30 years and is currently based in their London office. She outlined how the single market for the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital was formed in the aftermath of World War II, and said that since Britain joined in 1973 it remained an emotive subject as to whether we should belong or not. She outlined the criteria for EU membership, what the European Parliament does and its structure, what it legislates on and what is legislated on by national parliaments.

Elizabeth explained how EU Regulations are directly applicable to all 28 member countries and no transposition into national law is necessary. However, EU Directives are transposed into national law, the implementation method being chosen by national parliaments. She also talked about its budget and funding, parliamentary elections and the responsibilities of MEPs.

It was a big subject to cover in an hour and chairman, Jean Bispham, thanked her for doing so clearly and for answering questions.

Sully U3A meets on the second Thursday of the month in The Old School, Sully, at 2pm when new members are welcome. On November 13 the speaker will be former Bluebell Girl, Rachel Brennan.