Phil Bennion

Liberal Democrats deliver billions of EU research funding for universities and small business

Lib Dem MEPs have hailed an EU deal for a £60 billion research programme that will bring huge benefits to business and higher education research, with universities in the West Midlands region well-placed to receive substantial help.

The new programme, Horizon 2020, includes significant funding for industry and provision for a separate €2.

MEP hails EU court ruling that rail delays must be compensated

Liberal Democrat MEP Phil Bennion has welcomed a ruling by the European Court of Justice that rail passengers are entitled to a partial ticket refund after a significant delay, even where that delay is due to "force majeure".

EU laws on rail passengers’ rights guarantee that a passenger facing a delay of an hour or more can request a partial refund of the ticket price.

EU Cars2020 strategy to cut red tape and turbocharge R and D funding

The EU's Cars2020 action plan for the car industry has the potential to turbocharge latest UK government plans to help manufacturers such as JLR compete globally, improve the business environment and boost research and development, says Midlands MEP Phil Bennion.

The Lib Dem MEP for the region which contains Jaguar Land Rover's main factories and many of Britain's remaining carmakers spoke out ahead of a debate and vote due later today in the Employment Committee of the European Parliament on the proposals.