Scientists from across the European Union are calling Oxfordshire home thanks to the pull of Diamond Light Source.

The UK's national synchrotron science facility based at Harwell employs scientists from around the world, including workers from more than half the EU member states.

Catherine Bearder, a Lib Dem MEP from the South East, visited on Tuesday to learn about the research at the site.

A plan to increase allowances and travel expenses for Members of the European Parliament (MEP) was today put on hold.

Catherine Bearder called for a freeze on allowances, as well as a curb on money for travel until the next European election in 2014.

And a proposal for an inflation-linked rise in administrative costs as part of the 2013 EU budget guidelines was today blocked at Strasbourg.

Energy firm SSE is creating over 100 new apprentice jobs this year and is looking for bright sparks to fill 15 of them in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

The announcement of the new posts coincides with SSE holding a special education event at its training centre at Thatcham to show local school pupils the benefits of a career in the energy industry, and of apprenticeships.

A growth in apprenticeships under the Coalition Government has been welcomed by South East MEP Catherine Bearder.

Catherine praised new figures which show Coalition investment has led to a substantial rise in the number of apprenticeships since the last Labour Government.

Figures released last week show a 49 per cent increase in the South East since 2009, putting the number at 58,340 in 2011.

Catherine urged more than 300 youngsters to make 2012 a year to remember at the Force for Good in the World conference.

The South East MEP was at Windlesham House School, in Washington, West Sussex, on Friday to inspire tomorrow's leaders.

The conference focused on the problem of human trafficking and how young people can get involved to stop slavery.

European low-cost airlines must take a stand against human trafficking, South East MEP Catherine Bearder said today.

Ryanair and Easyjet were among a number of carriers Catherine has asked to help put a stop to the vile trade in human beings.

Catherine said: "Airlines are on the frontline to tackle trafficking and I want to know what steps they are taking to deal with the problem."

Don't know how to call the police in Bulgaria? Wouldn't know which number to use for the fire brigade in France?

European MPs are this week reminding people they only need to remember one number when travelling in the EU.

The free emergency number 112 is common to all 27 member states - including the UK - and connects to ambulance, fire or police.

A campaign aimed at encouraging young people to get involved in politics has taken its message to Europe.

Bite the Ballot was in Brussels yesterday to speak to members of the European Parliament about developing links in other EU countries.

Dartford teacher Michael Sani spearheaded the scheme in 2010 after his own pupils told him they were not interested in politics.

Catherine joined fellow Lib Dems on the campaign trail as they work hard to help Vivian Achwal win the Winchester Southern Parishes seat on Hampshire County Council.

She said: "The team was out in force in Wickham on Friday, despite the icy rain, and there was a great deal of positive response on the doorsteps.

Euro MPs last night insisted Governments pay the price for failing to protect biodiversity.

The European Parliament has called for a 'No Net Loss' principle, so countries which damage nature also compensate for the hit.

It came as a report revealed the "silent crisis" of biodiversity loss costs the EU around 450 billion Euros every year.