Yorkshire & The Humber

Edward's issues

Edward comes from a Yorkshire family on his mother's side.

Since his election in 1984, he has focused on attracting funds to the region and during his time held the record for any constituency in the UK. Among some of the projects awarded EU aid are York's Medieval Barley Hall, the outstanding chapel at Giggleswick School and Whitby's headland project.

Although a critic of the Common Agricultural Policy, Edward has campaigned for a better deal for Yorkshire's upland farmers.

Right - Edward discusses the region's farming issues with farmer and Conservative prospective candidate Julian Sturdy on his Vale of York farm

When Whitehall bureaucrats stopped veteran pleasure vessel the MV Coronia sailing her traditional 17-mile round trips from Scarborough to Whitby blaming EU rules, Edward took up the flight and established that it was Whitehall - not Brussels - to blame.

Edward organised the first international symposium on fire damage to historic buildings after the York Minster fire in 1984. Since then he has lobbied successfully for EU funds for historic buildings and conservation across the region.

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Useful links

Yorkshire Forward

Yorkshire & Humber Brussels

Yorkshire Tourist Board

Fighting for constituents

Edward led the campaign in Brussels to keep the name "Yorkshire Feta" for the excellent cheese made from yew's milk near Northallerton.

 Leeds man off death row

Edward campaigned for the release of former soldier MirzaTahir Hussain, wrongly imprisoned for several years in Pakistan, and finally on death row (pictured with Edward in his Leeds home). Edward also lobbied President Musharraf for his release.