After taking her seat in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg last week, the Green Party’s first ever MEP for the West Midlands region has today announced confirmation of her committee roles. Dr Ellie Chowns MEP, who was elected after the Green Party gained 10.7% of all votes cast in the West Midlands at the European elections in May, is joining the EU Parliament’s International Trade Committee, as well as its Development Committee.

Before becoming an MEP, Ellie spent twenty years working in the field of international development for charities including Voluntary Service Overseas, Christian Aid, and Quaker Peace and Social Witness. She went on to become a lecturer in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham, teaching students from all over the world.

Speaking from Brussels, where the new Parliamentary committees are having their first meetings this week, Ellie told us, “I am delighted to be representing the West Midlands and the UK on these committees, which have a big influence on European legislation. MEPs can significantly amend proposed new laws through these committees – in many ways, we have more power to influence legislation than MPs have in the UK.”

“I’m looking forward to using my personal experience and knowledge in the field of international development to help shape the future direction of EU policy. International trade is a key area where there is much to do in order to ensure greater fairness and sustainability. I’ll be carefully scrutinising any proposed trade deals to ensure they benefit people and the planet. We have to ensure that our trade policies are compatible with action to address the climate crisis.”