BRIAN Simpson is going back to the place he loves.

Originally from Golborne, Mr Simpson is returning to the European Parliament to replace a retiring Labour member.

The 53-year-old, who was an MEP from 1989 to 2004, starts again in September.

"I am delighted," said the straight talking father-of-three. "Being there opened my eyes to what Europe could do and what we would do in the European Parliament."

Mr Simpson, who used to be a teacher in Liverpool, originally had an eye on a career in Westminster but has no regrets. Instead of being just another backbencher, he is more involved in the deal-making world of the European Parliament.

Mr Simpson said: "You are not bound by the party whips as you are in Westminster."

The European Parliament has a poor image but Mr Simpson blamed this on the media. He pointed to the good work it has done, such as introducing rules on safer car design and CO2 limits.

He is a transport specialist and will work on opening up state-owned public transport, though he wants to see our bus industry re-regulated.

"In Manchester, you have about 42 bus companies chasing one pensioner at a bus stop," said Mr Simpson.

"You need contracts that say the company will deliver X,Y and Z."

And he believes that we can teach our fellow Europeans about some areas of public transport.

"France has the wonderful TGV network, but a terrible rural network, because all the money goes to the TGV.

"We can learn from them, but they can learn from us about rural services," said Mr Simpson.

He is happy with the current level on integration - 'I don't want to say a United States of Europe' - but wants more power for elected members of the European Parliament and less for the bureaucrats of the European Commission.

And he thinks EU membership is vital for competing with the US and China.

He said: "If we leave, we are a small fish in a big pond."

sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk