Tories lose direction on British maps
A Labour MEP has branded the Tories' latest myth about redrawing the British map as scaremongering and a clear reminder of their fears and prejudices about Europe.
Labour's Deputy Euro Leader Richard Corbett speaking in the European Parliament said:
"It is interesting to see that the Tories are now working hand in hand with UKIP spreading myths without substance , scaremongering and using language like 'German masterplan'.
"The Tories' press release claims that the EU is plotting to wipe Britain off the map. It transpires that their claim is based on nothing more than the European inter-regional programme which has existed for years allowing regions facing similar problems in different countries to co-operate with each other.
"The Tories have blamed this so called redrawing of the map on a report called INSPIRE that they actually voted to support. [1]
"The report which the Tories are attacking for its federalism was authored by their own parliamentary group the EPP. If the EPP is too federalist for the Tories why doesn't David Cameron stop procrastinating, stick to his promise and pull the Tories out of the EPP now ? "
[1] 1 On 21.4.05 Tory MEP Caroline Jackson voted in the European Parliament's Environment committee to support the INSPIRE report at first reading.
On 21.3.06 Tory members of the Environment committee, which include arch Euro-sceptic Martin Callanan, John Bowis and Caroline Jackson, voted in committee to support the INSPIRE report at second reading.
more information
Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP