"Euro Pint & Politics" aka "European Roadshow" in Northampton.

Last night (17^th July 2013) the Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats launched their Euro Campaign under the auspices of regular Politics & Pint events (the next Politics and Pints is on 18 September)

Thirty members attended with the sitting Euro MEP Bill Newton Dunn and the candidates Phil Knowles and George Smid taking part.

Before Pints and Politics commenced the very first 'euro-campaigning' took place with 'knock and drop' survey carried out in adjacent streets with the members and the candidates taking part. Bill travelled from London to take part in the canvassing - despite experiencing the hottest day of the year! This was also his first 'European canvassing' in action and he said afterwards: "the last person in our 'knock and drop' survey was very positive about the EU and that allowed us to end the exercise in high spirits as we headed back for our well deserved pint".

'A well deserved pint' (or two) was followed by Bill giving a short overview of European issues and the advantages UK membership has, especially creating jobs.

Phil illustrated the importance of European membership to all of us - it is not just the company which does the trade. The original 'company' benefit is further shared by the company paying wages which are then used to buy goods and services, these creating more demand in areas not even remotely connected to the initial "European" trade.

George outlined the importance of the Liberal Democrats developing their own strong 'pro European emotional message' which would counter the negative campaigning by much of the current political establishment and invited the audience to send him their proposals for a 'catchphrase'. He also emphasised the need for creating a local (Northamptonshire) database of businesses, media contacts and sympathisers.

Brian Hoare then masterly chaired the question and answer session. High quality questions were fielded to the candidates and very sensible and practical suggestions made how to overcome our certain 'thin on the ground' disadvantage and how to raise the required money. (£80 pounds raised on this occasion) This part also included suggestions from the audience on how to move forward with the Euro-election.

David Garlick promised to help George to evaluate the collected surveys, the Q & A sessions and the suggestions. As soon as that is done George will forward the findings for your readership's kind attention.

All in all it was an enjoyable, entertaining and informative evening.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make that happen!

Watch this space! European Election is coming! (Only 10 months left)

More photographs of the candidates can be downloaded here