Mike O'Brien MP will help launch OBV's EU election campaign

The theme 'Change the face of European politics-Use your vote and your voice', aims to encourage and inspire the UK's African, Asian Caribbean and other ethnic minority communities to play a full and positive role in the European democratic process.

Mike O'Brien MP stated: "In the wake of the Stephen Lawrence report, this is a very important initiative. The Government wants all voices Black and white, to be heard and their votes cast. If good people fail to vote, the wrong people win. Black people can make the difference."

The venue: The site is on the island on the middle of Vauxhall cross roundabout, facing traffic coming from Nine Elms Lane and Wandsworth Rd.

Time and Date: 11.45 am Thursday 4th

Some facts:

Of 18 million Black people in Europe only 4 million have the right to voteIn some EU countries such as Germany, and Austria, German or Austrian born Turkish or African people are not automatically given the right to voteEvery year and average of 5000 laws are madeThe BNP will be sending out 17 million letters in the UK for its EU election campaign

OBV Chair Lee Jasper stated: 'Because of archaic citizenship laws that disqualify many Black Europeans, Black Briton needs to strong to ensure Black Europe has a voice. At the moment an inclusive European identity is not afforded to people of colour.'

Actress, Seeta Indrani formerly WPC Datta of 'The Bill' said: "I'm glad to be involved in the campaign.. I'm a women, I'm powerful and I vote"

Other MP's, MEP candidates, and Black community leaders have been invited to the launch.

Notes to the editor

The EU elections are June 10th 1999