Stephen Hughes to step aside

North-East MEP Stephen Hughes was first elected as a member of the European Parliament in 1984, initially representing the Durham and Blaydon constituency, then the wider region.

He has served as deputy leader of the Labour group in Europe and chairman of the European Parliament’s social affairs and employment committee Mr Hughes, who has been vicepresident of the chamber’s socialist group since 2009, will not seek re-election at the 2014 European elections.

He said: “It has been an absolute privilege for me to represent the people of the North-East in the European Parliament.

“I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the region’s hardworking, community- minded people in the face of massive economic, political and social challenges.

“I have worked hard to find ways of supporting communities through the best and worst of times since 1984 by promoting European actions and funding that aided the coalfield communities, shipbuilding and maritime areas and provided much needed investment in infrastructure and training and employment opportunities.

“I have worked tirelessly with other members in Europe to develop a treaty base for public health to address some of the stark inequalities in health existing between regions and communities across the continent.”

Mr Hughes, who recently became a grandfather for the first time, will be 62 shortly after the next European elections.

Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the Northern Trades Union Congress, praised Mr Hughes’ record.

He said: “It is perhaps Steve’s work on employment and social affairs, particularly health and safety, that will prove to be the longest lasting legacy when he leaves.

“He is personally responsible for the European health and safety framework which has massively improved measures for protecting workers’ health as well as making significant progress on controlling and eventually banning the use and import of asbestos, a major killer in our region.”