"Although Europe is not going to be a feature of the election campaign,
pro-Europeans are concerned with the growing Euroscepticism in the Tories, who withdrew from the EPP, the largest group in the Parliament and formed their own group, under the leadership of the controversial Michael Kaminski and prominent MEPs are
actively calling for a British withdrawal from the Union. Cameron promised, and then dropped, a referendum on Lisbon and advocates a full opt-out from the charter of fundamental rights together with a lessening of the impact of EU legislation, though it is not clear how this could happen, given that he is regarded with suspicion by European leaders that would otherwise would be natural supporters.
The Labour vision for Europe includes a plan for an EU-wide, post-recession "compact for jobs and growth" to create 15 million jobs, and highlight plans for Europe to combat global warming by cutting its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2020. Labour will not rule out joining the Euro, but believe the moment to join is years away.
The Liberal Democrats are historically the most pro-EU of all the parties and are led by a former MEP.
There could be some upsets on the fringes of British politics as several MEPs are standing for seats in Westminster.
Green MEP, Caroline Jackson is tipped to be the island's first Green MP, benefiting from a strong local party and Brighton's reputation as a bohemian and gay friendly mecca. Nick Griffin MEP is standing for the British National Party in Barking. In the 2005 election they captured 16.9% of the vote and Griffin is hoping his fiercely anti-immigrant and EU message will increase support for the far right party. Nigel Farage MEP is standing for UKIP in Buckingham against the Conservative John Bercow, Speaker in the House of Commons. It is traditional for the major parties not to stand against the Speaker, but a rag bag of independents have joined the fray."
"The polls put the Conservatives 10 points ahead, but this is likely to change in the heat of the campaign and the winner is not clear. Pundits are predicting a narrow Conservative victory or a hung parliament, when no party has an overall majority. In this case, it is virtually certain the Tories will enter a pact with the Ulster Unionists. It is considered possible that Labour and the Liberals could also enter a pact to form a government, especially as there is more support in Labour for the Liberal's key demand of proportional representation, instead of the present first past the post system, to be put in place for future elections."
http://www.neurope.eu/articles/100065.php
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