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If you wish to object to the use of your data in this way, please tick here. ‘We’ includes The Week and other Dennis Group brands as detailed here<doc-sep>The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Get all the latest politics news via email updates Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice So you thought we’d have left the EU by now? Think again. With Brexit delayed, the UK is set to take part in European elections in May 23. Here is everything you need to know about them. How many MEPs will we elect? Voters across the European Union will elect 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in these elections. That includes 73 MEPs from the UK. Seven of those will represent the West Midlands region, which includes Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire as well as Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Solihull. When is the election? Voting takes place in the UK on Thursday, May 23. However, other countries hold their votes on different days, and the election continues until Sunday, May 26 across the EU. When will we know the results? None of the results can be announced until the election has ended everywhere, so we won’t know who has won in the UK until every country has finished voting. Birmingham City Council is overseeing the election in the West Midlands and will announce the winners at an event in the ICC at some point after 10pm on Sunday night or, possibly, in the early hours of Monday morning. Who can vote? In the UK, voters must be registered to vote, be 18 years old or over on May 23 and be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of an EU country. What is the voting system? In England, Scotland and Wales we use something called the D’Hondt system, which was devised by 19th century Belgian mathematician Victor D’Hondt. It’s simpler than it sounds. You just put a cross in the box next to the name of the party you want to vote for. (Image: Birmingham Mail) A key difference between the European Election and many other elections is that you only vote for a party - not for an individual candidate. Parties produce lists of candidates, and whoever they put at the top of their list has the best chance of being elected. The D’Hondt system is supposed to ensure that each party gets a number of MEPs roughly proportional to the number of votes they received. What do MEPs do? According to the European Union, MEPs pass laws that affect many aspects of our lives. It says examples include: * How many hours employees throughout the EU can be required to work and how much rest and holiday they must be given; * Which pesticides are safe to use on the food grown in the EU; * How much you pay for mobile phone calls when you go to another EU country; However, there’s nothing to stop national governments doing much of this without MEPs. For example, EU laws say workers are entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday each year (which can include bank holidays). But UK law - made by MPs at Westminster - says workers are entitled to at least 28 days paid holiday each year. Why are we even taking part in these elections? Because Brexit has been delayed and it’s now impossible for us to leave the EU by May 22. It means the UK must, by law, elect MEPs to send to the European Parliament. What happens after Brexit? The UK’s MEPs will leave the European Parliament. But even though there are 73 of them, the total number of MEPs will only fall by 46, down to 705 MEPs. Other countries will send extra MEPs, to make up the numbers. For example, France will elect 79 MEPs in this month’s elections. But after Brexit takes place, France will send another five MEPs to the European Parliament. Which parties are taking part? There are seven parties with candidates in the West Midlands. As these are European elections, it’s possible that Brexit will play an important part. However, other issues matter too and voters can, of course, pick a party for any reason they like. Here are the parties, and their position on Brexit: Change UK. Back a second referendum Conservative Party. Support Brexit Labour. “Respects the result of the referendum”, which means carrying out Brexit, but could also support a second referendum to prevent "a bad Tory Brexit”. Green. Back a second referendum Liberal Democrats. Back a second referendum UKIP: Support Brexit The Brexit Party: Support Brexit Here are the candidates in the West Midlands: Change UK Stephen Dorrell Charlotte Gath Peter Wilding Amrik Kandola Joanna McKenna Victor Odusanya Lucinda Empson Conservative Anthea McIntyre Daniel Dalton Suzanne Webb Meirion Jenkins Alex Phillips Mary Noone Ahmed Ejaz Green Ellie Chowns Diana Toynbee Paul Woodhead Julian Dean Louis Stephen Helen Heathfield Kefentse Dennis Labour Neena Gill Sion Simon Julia Buckley Ansar Khan Zarah Sultana Sam Hennessy Liz Clements Liberal Democrats Phil Bennion Ade Adeyemo Jeanie Falconer Jenny Wilkinson Jennifer Gray Beverley Nielsen Lee Dargue The Brexit Party Rupert Lowe Martin Daubney Andrew England Kerr Vishal Khatri Nikki Page Laura Kevehazi Katharine Harborne UKIP Ernest Valentine Paul Williams Graham Eardley Paul Allen Nigel Ely Joe Smyth Derek Bennett<doc-sep>Finns vote during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS European voters are choosing politicians to represent them at the European Parliament for the next five years. In all, 400 million voters in 28 nations have had the right to vote over the past four days. Here is a look at that massive exercise in democracy, a multinational ballot by the European Union's only democratically elected institution. WHO, WHEN, WHAT ON THE EU VOTE? Europe's voting marathon kicked off on Thursday in the Netherlands and in Britain. Voters in Ireland turned out on Friday, and those in the Czech Republic, Latvia, Malta and Slovakia on Saturday. On Sunday, the remaining 21 EU nations are casting their ballots. Voters in each EU nation choose some of the 751 politicians in the European Parliament, which sits in both Brussels and Strasbourg, France. Seats in the European Parliament are doled out proportionally based on a nation's population. Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta have the fewest seats with six each, while the EU's most populous member, Germany, has 96 seats. The results from every nation will be released on Sunday after the last polling station in the continent is closed. Expand Close Finnish voters cast their votes during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Finnish voters cast their votes during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS HOW IMPORTANT IS THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT? The assembly's powers are slowly growing. It has helped to improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down plastics use, end mobile telephone roaming charges within the bloc, boost data privacy, set climate change ambitions and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars. The assembly also has a say in treaties ranging from trade talks to Brexit. The EU's powerful executive arm, the European Commission, proposes laws, while MEPs amend and negotiate their content with national governments, which are the real font of European power and are represented by the EU Council. Often, the big impact of these EU elections is on the domestic politics of individual EU nations, like support in Britain for the anti-Europe UK Independence Party in 2014 or the massive gains in France by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front party, which has now rebranded as the National Rally. The polls are often used by disgruntled citizens to cast protest votes against their own national governments. Expand Close An election official arranges ballots for the European and local elections at a polling station in Athens, Greece, May 26, 2019. REUTERS/Costas Baltas / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An election official arranges ballots for the European and local elections at a polling station in Athens, Greece, May 26, 2019. REUTERS/Costas Baltas WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN THE EU ELECTION? There are no "European citizens" as such, so voters tend to respond to national interests. How Europe handles migration is a very significant concern for voters in Italy, Hungary, Poland and elsewhere. Economic concerns often influence voters, and Britain's future in the EU looks like being a factor again. An EU survey of public sentiment in April found that voters were most concerned about the economy, unemployment, immigration, the environment and climate change, terrorism and promoting human rights, democracy and social welfare. Expand Close Finnish voters cast their votes during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Finnish voters cast their votes during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS WHO' IS LIKELY TO WIN WHAT? The projections from April suggest that the centre-right European People's Party will remain the biggest bloc in the European Parliament with an estimated 180 seats, dropping from 217 seats in 2014. The centre-left Socialists and Democrats group is also expected to lose ground, sliding from 186 seats to 149. Among other mainstream parties, the liberal ALDE alliance is expected to capture 76 seats, eight more than in 2014, while the Greens could rank fourth with some 57 seats, up from 52. However, the liberals now appear set to create a new group with French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. As for the far-right and nationalists, the Europe of Nations and Freedom group, which combines parties like Italy's League, Britain's Ukip and France's far-right National Rally, is predicted to win 62 seats, compared with 37 currently. New parties such the Brexit Party in Britain are listed as "other" in a mixed bunch that is forecast to expand from 21 seats to 62. Expand Close Linus Ludvigsson votes at a polling station during the European Parliament elections in Lund, Sweden Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Linus Ludvigsson votes at a polling station during the European Parliament elections in Lund, Sweden Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency via AP) HOW WILL THE VOTE CHANGE EUROPE? Europe's mainstream political groups appear set to hold control over the assembly but, depending on the results, they could be pressured into uncomfortable compromises or awkward alliances in order to pass EU legislation. Populist and nationalist parties have found rising support in national elections in many EU countries, but their pan-European impact would depend on whether they can form a strong political group in Brussels. That certainly is their goal. Italy's hard-line interior minister, Matteo Salvini, head of the League party, has been putting together a populist group of national parties that he says aims to fundamentally shake up EU politics. Forming such a group is not easy - 25 politicians are required, with at least a quarter of the EU's 28 nations represented - but it is important because it opens up valuable access to EU funds and political influence. Expand Close Finns vote during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Finns vote during the European Parliament elections in Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2019. Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ELECTIONS?<doc-sep>MANY across the continent have head to the polls to vote in the European Parliament elections. But how do the EU elections work, when is it and how do you vote? Here's what you need to know. 3 The European Elections are May 23-26 Credit: Getty - Contributor How do the EU Parliament elections work? The European Parliament is elected directly by EU voters. Since the UK has not left the bloc yet, it stood in the elections this year. The EU Parliament makes laws and approves budgets and it plays a role in working with countries wishing to join the bloc. EU voters go to the polls every five years to elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Each country has a specific number of seats based on their population size. The smallest is Malta and they have six seats, whereas the largest is Germany with 96. There are 751 MEPs in total and the UK has 73. Candidates can stand independently or with a party. They will represent a region of their country, and the number of MEPs for each region depends on population. 3 You can vote at your local polling station How do I register to vote in the European Elections? Unfortunately if you haven't yet registered to vote in the European Elections, you've missed your chance. Registration for British citizens closed at 11.59pm on May 7. You may still be registered from the last election or referendum; you don't need to do so again for every vote. If you've changed address, name or nationality you must register again. You may need your National Insurance number or passport to hand. Public servants posted overseas can also register to vote online using a different link; going here for crown servants, here for British Council employees and here for the armed forces. If you're an EU citizen in the UK you need to download, complete and send off a European Parliament voter registration form. If you're not sure if you're registered you can contact your local registration office as they hold the electoral register for your area. How do I vote? The traditional way to place your vote is going to a polling station and marking a cross on your ballot paper. You can find out where your closest station is by going on the Electoral Commission website or looking at the back of your polling card. Some people opt to vote by proxy, which means choosing someone else to vote on your behalf. You can also ask for a postal vote. However, voting in the UK took place on Thursday, May 23. Results came in on Sunday, May 26. MOST READ IN POLITICS BO-NO Boris DID say he'd rather 'let bodies pile high than have lockdown', claims Cummings DOMSHELLS Dominic Cummings: 10 grenades Boris Johnson's ex-adviser lobbed 'CRIMINAL' Matt Hancock 'sent infected Covid patients to care homes' , blasts Cummings COVID CRISIS Cummings says Covid plans 'derailed' by Carrie going 'crackers' over dog domshell PM was told 'we're absolutely f***ed' in 'Independence Day' scenes, Cummings says sorry state No more local lockdowns insists Shapps as he admits chaos sparked by poor comms Who won the most UK seats? Nigel Farage's Brexit Party won the elections. The Brexit Party won 29 seats, Labour had 10 and the Tories had a dismal four. The Greens - who also enjoyed a boost from pro-EU voters - were on seven, up from three in 2014. The Lib Dems bagged 16 seats. The SNP gained three seats, and Plaid Cymru and DUP got one each. 3<doc-sep>
It’s the final day of voting in the Europe wide EU Parliament elections (Picture: EPA) The final day of voting in the European Parliament elections are underway as Britain waits to find out how pro and anti-Brexit parties performed. In total, 400 million voters across 28 countries have had the right to vote over the past four days. Results will be released after polls close at 10pm tonight, with Labour and the Tories awaiting their fate. UK election law prevents any details of campaigning or predictions of results until all polls have closed. When will we find out the results? Europe-wide voting kicked off on Thursday when the UK and the Netherlands voted for their chosen MEPs. Voters in Ireland turned out on Friday, and those in the Czech Republic, Latvia, Malta and Slovakia on Saturday. Today the remaining 21 EU nations are casting their ballots. Today the remaining 21 EU nations are casting their ballots (Picture: AFP/Getty) Voters in each EU nation choose some of the 751 politicians in the European Parliament, which sits in both Brussels and Strasbourg, France. Seats in the European Parliament are doled out proportionally based on a nation’s population. Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta have the fewest seats with six each, while the EU’s most populous member, Germany, has 96 seats. The results from every nation will be released on Sunday after 10pm after the last polling station in the continent is closed. Labour party Leader Jeremy Corbyn voted on Thursday (Picture: EPA) Theresa May cast her vote a day before announcing her resignation (Picture: Rex) Why is the UK taking part? Britain was not supposed to take part in the European Parliament elections at all, but had to organise a last-minute campaign when Brexit was postponed from the original March leaving date. The polling on Thursday came amid intense political turmoil sparked by the country’s 2016 referendum to quit the EU. Theresa May waited until after election day to announce she will resign as Prime Minister on June 7 after failing to deliver Brexit. Now the Conservatives and Labour Party await their fate. They face a challenge from the Brexit Party as well as the Lib Dems. The UK has 73 seats at the European Parliament, but all UK MEPs will lose their jobs when the country leaves the EU. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage all smiles ahead of the European election results (Picture: PA) What happens next? Once the results are in, the newly elected MEPs will begin haggling to form parliamentary groups. The present European Parliament’s term ends on July 1 and the new parliament will take their seats in Strasbourg the following day. On July 2, they will elect the president, 14 vice presidents and five other senior officials in the House, as well as decide on the number and composition of parliamentary committees. EU leaders will meet on Tuesday to choose candidates for the bloc’s top jobs. Between July and October, the assembly is called on to endorse those candidates, notably the new president of the European Commission. Parliamentary hearings will then begin to confirm EU commissioners in charge of specific policies.