Electing Europe's first parliament

Outlines the functions and methods of the present European Assembly and its Socialist Group and describes the background to the UK controversy over direct elections. Looks at the implications of a directly elected Parliament, including the change on emphasis, style and methods of the Parliament, the impact on the EEC, the job of a European MP and the problems created by the elections themselves, especially for the Labour Party. Concludes that swift political and organisational action is vital in a number of key areas if Labour is to make any impact in the elections. Without a major Labour presence in the European Parliament, it will probably be controlled by the Right - a consequence for which continental socialists would not lightly forgive the Labour Party.