ANDY TATE reports on the apparent apathy among Swindon voters when it comes to European politics

European elections are coming, but no one in Swindon seems to know or care.

In a survey of 20 people carried out by the Advertiser in the town centre, not one could identify a single one of their seven European members of parliament (MEPs).

Turnout at the last European election in 1999 was extremely low.

While just 28 per cent of the electorate bothered to vote across the South West region as a whole, in Swindon turnout was just 19 per cent.

So, is it ignorance or apathy? Perhaps a bit of both.

Voters do not know about the forthcoming European poll on June 10, and if they do, they don't think it matters.

It seems unfair to blame people for not taking an active interest in an institution that seems so utterly alien and remote from their lives.

In Belgium, Greece and Luxembourg voting is compulsory. But unless the British government is willing to join them and see people going to jail for refusing to back a European candidate, the most it can hope to do is persuade voters that Europe is something worth voting for.

The European Parliament does as much as its limited powers allow it to do. It can jointly approve laws with the Council of Europe, which is made up of government ministers from member states.

But it cannot propose legislation itself, and must wait for the unelected European Commissioners to come up with draft laws for its consideration. Once this has happened, MEPs can give their views and reject laws they oppose.

But to get through, all laws must have the support of the council, leaving the final say to national governments.

It is a complex system and it is little wonder many Swindonians say they have more important things on their minds.

For what it's worth, the parliament claims credit for stricter anti-pollution laws, more visible health warnings on cigarette packets, and the environ-mentally-friendly disposal of cars.

Sell-by dates on food, rest breaks for workers, water quality standards, blue flags for beaches, controls on animal testing, and genetically modified food labelling all have their origins in European law.

In other areas, like taxation, the parliament is confined to giving an opinion.

The problem is that while it currently has too few powers for people to take it seriously, a large proportion of the British people would be loathe to give it more.

European elections are unlikely to ever become truly popular polls in the UK until British people embrace their European identity. It could take some time.

One of the reasons for the apathy could be the amount of money that goes an MEP's way.

Once elected, MEPs can expect an annual salary of £57,485 the same as backbench Westminster MPs.

On top of that they can claim expenses worth up to £132,595 per year plus £174 every time they attend an official meeting.

The European election results are not expected until late on Sunday, June 13.

Andy Tate