British Labour MEPs flag up a bad idea - 2012-02-02

British Labour MEPs today voted against a paragraph in a wide-ranging report that suggested that some national teams, if they wished, may choose to wear a European flag on their clothing.

Mary Honeyball MEP, who represents British Labour MEPs on Culture and Sport, said "the idea of the European flag was a silly suggestion, and so the Labour MEPs opposed it.

"It's up to local sportsmen and women what they wear, not people in Brussels."

The suggestion was a small part of a wide-ranging European initiative on sport, supported by British Labour MEPs, that was overwhelmingly adopted by the full session of the European Parliament meeting in Brussels today.

"It's been distorted in the UK and turned into another 'euro-myth' detracting from a very worthwhile report" said London MEP Mary Honeyball.

"Otherwise, it's a fantastic initiative, aimed at creating a level playing field.

"There's loads of issues that can be best tackled internationally like match-fixing and corrupt players' agents.

"The EU is hoping to bring added value in the sports sector, in the social role of sport.

"Where it can, the EU might help on issues like violence at sports events, corruption and match fixing, anti-doping measures, opposing racism and sexism, and greater representation of women in sports' governing bodies.

"It's very important to encourage women and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to have a sporting chance, and it can be a fantastic driver of social integration," Mary Honeyball said.

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