To coincide with the publication of The European Parliament in its ninth edition, John Harper Publishing has commissioned a series of studies in the evolution of the institution. My contribution describes the influence of British MEPs on its development.
If British MEPs are about to leave the European Parliament, it cannot be said that they have not left a mark. Until the arrival of UKIP in recent years, they had a reputation for diligence and hard work. But the impact went beyond the day-to-day work on European legislation, budgets, and oversight of the European administration. They actually played a significant role in the development of the European Parliament’s powers, procedures and practices.