Each month, Euro-MPs from all 15 EU member states, gather at the European Parliament in the leafy island city of Strasbourg, France, to vote on policies and legislation relating to our everyday lives.

Citizen reporter -- Lori Hudson -- met local Euro-MPs in Strasbourg to ask them what they do in our name on the Continent.

POISONOUS paint, bull-baiting, the Kyoto Protocol, shark-finning, toxic curry powder and a less hardline approach to cannabis.

A meeting with North West Liberal Democrat Euro-MP -- Chris Davies -- is never dull!

But watch out.

While his outward appearance may be one of mild-mannered, relaxed respectability -- this man has the soul of an eco-warrior, without the stereotypical fanaticism often associated with environmentalists.

A kind of suited and booted 'Swampy' character (minus the dreadlocks and dirt), whether it's animal cruelty, public health or global warming, you can guarantee Chris -- the Lib-Dem European spokesman for the Environment -- has an opinion and is not afraid to voice it.

Take for example the Kyoto Protocol -- one of the issues closest to Chris's heart -- which aims to institute an international agreement towards tackling climate change.

The USA -- one of the world's worst polluters -- has already refused to support the Protocol and it looks like other non-EU states could follow suit.

Chris said: "Our Environment is the most precious thing we've got and yet its being slowly destroyed as certain government's drag their heels hoping to force more compromise from us.

"The fact of the matter is that global warming waits for no-one and unless we take immediate and prolonged action to reduce the emission of harmful gases and improve energy efficiency the consequences could be dire."

Born in Lytham in 1954, Chris has the obvious distinction of being the Fylde coast's only homegrown Euro-MP.

He now lives with his school-teacher wife, Carol, and their 10-year-old daughter Kate in Greenfield, near Oldham.

And, after years spent in local and national government (including a two-year stint as MP for Littleborough and Saddleworth in 1995), Chris is more than happy with his current role as the only Lib Dem MEP in the North West region.

Chris said: "Politics is politics for me, whether in Brussels, Strasbourg or at Westminster, it really doesn't make much difference.

"But I do feel that Euro-MPs get the real advantage over the MPs in the House of Commons in that the European Parliament is constantly evolving and gaining power in the process.

"Whereas the European Parliament is still only 24 years old and has the scope to create an efficient and effective system of delivering legislation, amendments and suggestions.

"I think that the UK Parliament often gets hampered by protocol and masses of archaic processes."

Sir Robert's no shrinking violet

QUINTESSENTIAL Englishman -- Sir Robert Atkins -- is certainly not shy when it comes to putting his views across.

Whether it's the "dreadful carnage" of the war in Iraq, calling for "radical reform" of EU Common Agricultural Policy or the "damaging" and "ridiculous" idea of a North West Regional Assembly -- if Sir Robert's got something to say about it, then said it will be.

Knighted in 1997, Sir Robert lives with his wife -- Wyre Cllr Dulcie Atkins -- in Garstang and divides his time between rural Wyre, London, Brussels and Strasbourg.

The former Preston (1979-1983) and South Ribble (1983-1997) MP also held a host of ministerial appointments during the 18-year Tory reign, including that of Minister of State for Northern Ireland (1992-1994) during his political career.

He is now a member of the European Peoples Party and the Conservative European spokesman for both Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy and Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism.

But one of the issues upon which Sir Robert is most vocal are the current proposals to impose harsher restrictions and a possible shut-down of the controversial nuclear energy plant, Sellafield.

Sir Robert said: "The nuclear industry, is one of the North West regions biggest employers and any attempts to curb

"Facilities at Springfield and Sellafield, in particular, provide a vital resource for both the local population and British economic prosperity.

"Without them there would be a stark national decline in the generation of nuclear energy and environmental improvement measures such as waste recycling.

"Current industry regulations are perfectly sufficient and do not, as suggested by some European politicians, need to be extended or reformed.

"Both Springfield and Sellafield have been in existence for decades providing employment and associated industry investment without any signs of danger to the surrounding community.

"Other local industries, such as fishing and farming, are already in decline at the hands of European meddlers and forces of nature, such as Foot and Mouth.

"We should be concentrating on avoiding making any unnecessary changes to this track record and risking ruining an advantageous industry link."

Coming soon... don't miss our exclusive interview with European Commissioner and EC Vice President, the Rt Hon Neil Kinnock.