Mr Robinson said: "The Lisbon Treaty defines the impact that the European Institutions should have at a local level and it asks that; particular attention shall be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions."

 

"That is the theory. However, for this to work effectively then ALL levels of government must be fully signed up to the principles of multi-level governance. In the UK we have varying levels of commitment; local authorities are fully signed up; regional governments are enthusiastic but at the member-state level, there is a lack of commitment that undermines the good intention of the Treaty."

 

He concluded by saying: "Where you have good multi-level governance then you must keep it; where you don't you must fight to get it. This is the only way that you can deliver for your communities and make the EU stronger."