Brussels muscle for Davies and McCarthy

Labour’s Arlene McCarthy and Liberal Democrat Chris Davies have been honoured at the Parliament Magazine’s 10th annual MEP Awards.

Ms McCarthy was recognised for her outstanding contributions in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

Mr Davies was named MEP of the Year in the Environment category for his role in promoting major reforms to the EU’s common fisheries policy.

As vice-president of her group, Ms McCarthy negotiated moves to curb bankers’ bonuses and tackle financial market abuse.

She said: “It is an honour and I am delighted the achievements of the Parliament have been recognised.”

Mr Davies took the lead in forming the cross-party group that helped secure 502 votes in favour of fisheries reform.

He said: “We are ending the practice of discarding perfectly good fish and ensuring fishermen and scientists work closely together.”

Nominated MEPs won their awards after a secret vote by all 756 members of the European Parliament.