The official press launch of Speak up Europe in the UK took place on Thursday January 11th with Geoff Hoon MP, Minister for Europe.

Margaret Daly, former MEP and chairman of this debate made a short welcoming speech followed by the screening of "What has Europe ever done for us" animation.

Geoff Hoon gave a brief overview on his opinion of the European Union today and the current issues faced by the Council of Ministers in Europe.

Shortly after, the members of the discussion panel were all introduced and they gave a brief outline of what was to be discussed, including:

John Bowis, Conservative MEP and spokesman for the European People's Party in the European Parliament on Enviornment and health issues.

Owen Tudor Head, of the European and International department of the TUC.

Toni Giugliano, President of the Young European Movement and their International Officer.

Jonathan Fryer - London Liberal/Democrat Candidate in the 2004 European Elections and a member of the ELDR Governing Council.

David Williamson Convenor of the Cross Benchers in the House of Lords also attended as a member of the discussion panel.

The panel answered questions from members of the audience for a period of time.

The main issues covered in this debate were climate change, concern over the war in Iraq, Common Foreign and Security Policy, UK implementation of Plan "D" and the Constitutional Treaty.

Later, a reception was held for those who attended where leaflets on the European Movement and Speak up Europe Campaign were made available.

This event was open to the public and over 100 people attended. It proved highly successful.