Toxic Tory Group in the European Parliament - 2009-06-22

Today the Tory MEPs and their toxic allies presented their new group called the "European Conservatives and Reformist Group" in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, commented: "Once again the Tories have put dogma before national interest. This is a party not fit to govern."

"Just when the global economic crisis has shown the need for effective cooperation with our partners, David Cameron is showing himself to be an isolationist. Pulling Tory MEPs out of the EPP shows a complete lack of leadership. He is clearly pandering to the eurosceptic lunatic fringe of his own party. 

"Tory MEPs and the wider Conservative Party will have no influence and no say in European politics. They are set to lose all their important posts, including Vice President of the European Parliament and Committee Chairs. This cannot be good for the people of Britain, who they claim to represent in Europe" Glenis Willmott MEP continued.

"Tories in the European Parliament will now sit in splendid isolation with controversial allies that are a far cry from the mainstream parties Cameron is leaving behind. David Cameron will have to explain why his MEPs could sit with racists, fascists and climate change deniers."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

1. Background briefings on the Tory allies in the European Parliament are available

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