WEST MIDLANDS Euro MP Philip Bradbourn has made a scathing attack on the Government's plans for a Regional Assembly in the West Midlands.

Speaking at a European Conference at the Bescot Stadium, in Walsall, Mr Bradbourn pointed to the damaging agenda behind such plans, that would scrap county councils and open the door to allow Brussels to "bypass national Parliamentary scrutiny".

Empower

"Those in favour of a Regional Assembly claim that it will empower local democracy," said Mr Bradbourn.

"In fact, it will take powers away from local people and local councils and place them in Birmingham.

"The plans would also allow Brussels to deal with the region direct, cutting out National Government. The European Union already recognises this country in regions and not as a nation.

"This would only accelerate this process and is simply a part of a plan to break down Britain into bite-sized chunks for the EU to devour".