SNP MEP Ian Hudghton has welcomed a new member to the European Free Alliance Group in the European Parliament. Mikel Irujo is elected to the European Parliament from the Basque Social Democrat Party Eusko Alkartasuna and takes up his seat this week.

A law graduate from the University of Navarra, Mikel has worked as a community law analyst for a well known publisher since 1996. He is the current Secretary of the Executive of Eusko Alkartasuna in Navarra and was previously an assistant at the European Parliament.

Ian Hudghton commented:

"I'm pleased to welcome Mikel Irujo to our parliamentary group. Eusko Alkartasuna are a progressive, social democrat party in the Basque Country and Mikel will bring a new perspective to our work in the European Parliament.

"He's an experienced and committed politician who joins the European Parliament at a very interesting time. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him."