SNP Member of the European Parliament Mr Alyn Smith is the only MEP from Scotland who has been nominated in the prestigious "MEP of the Year Awards" for his work in the field of Energy. 

The shortlist has been drawn up by an expert panel on the basis of nominations from outside organisations who deal with MEPs, and now passes to votes by MEPs. The Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday 8th October 2008.

Mr Smith said:

"This is a great honour and I am delighted to have been nominated. It is the result of a real team achievement, and shows just how well thought of the SNP team in Brussels is. 

"Energy is close to my heart as I see massive resources in Scotland going untapped because of UK policy, and there is just no question that developments in the EU as a whole will liberate Scotland's energy potential.

"Even this week the Energy Committee has voted through a comprehensive energy package that puts renewables at the heart of Europe's energy future, opening a door for Scotland. 

"We have also, crucially, encouraged priority access to the grid for renewable projects, ending years of stagnation because of the UK's disastrous pricing regime. 

"Scottish policy chimes with the aims and ambitions of Europe a whole whilst the UK government looks increasingly out of step and I'm delighted to have been nominated in this category."

More information on the awards can be found here.