HUDGHTON JOINS BRUSSELS COMMITTEE

SNP MEP, Ian Hudghton, has been appointed as a member of the European Parliament's influential Transport and Tourism Committee.

Mr Hudghton, who is also President of the European Free Alliance Group, joins the Committee just as vital debates on transport are taking place in Scotland and Europe.

Commenting, Mr Hudghton said:

"I am delighted to join the Transport and Tourism Committee in Brussels at such a pivotal time for Scotland. There are currently raging debates on transport, such as the ecological impact on travel, sustainable transport networks, the need for more direct international flights into Scotland, and maritime freight.

Although transport is a devolved issue, there is so much that is formulated at a European level and I am determined to ensure that Scotland's needs and interests are put across to MEPs. The Transport Committee will take the lead role in formulating the European Parliament's response to the Green Paper on EU Maritime Strategy, which must recognise Scotland's position as a key maritime nation."