2 years and 10,000 votes later

4.06.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 14th Mar 2007

Sharon Bowles taking her 10,000th vote in Parliament

Almost two years since becoming an MEP for the South East, Sharon Bowles today took her 10,000th vote in the European Parliament. Sharon said "Not everyone realises just how much hard work is done in Brussels.

"As an MEP for the South East I represent more than 8 million people, and also work hard to scrutinise and shape the legislation that passes through the European Parliament. I have often found that people imagine the European Parliament to function in a similar way to the House of Commons. The truth however is very different! MEPs get many opportunities to change and adapt the legislation that we pass, and we have a large number of ways to do that.

"Many amendments submitted by me have been incorporated into legislation. Not that long ago one amendment on TV advertising, that was very important for UK broadcasters, was passed by just one vote! Usually it is not that close.

"Even I was surprised to find that I am casting my 10,000th vote today as an MEP - I have enormously enjoyed my first two years as your Member of the European Parliament and look forward to casting many more votes on behalf of South East residents!"

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