Mary Reid

The Conservatives have not exactly told the world that they are breaking away from the centre right grouping in the European Parliament. (I blogged about it here.)

So who are they hoping to align with after the elections? It appears that they have been talking secretly (or not so secretly) with hard right parties, some of which are clearly racist.

Edward Davey, who apart from being our local MP is also the Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, has written a letter to William Hague, and has allowed me to publish it here.

Rt Hon William Hague MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
29^th May 2009


I am writing to ask if you will publish a list of all the parties you have been in secret talks with over the establishment of a new group in the European Parliament.

Liberal Democrats are unashamed of our colleagues in Brussels and Strasbourg. We will continue to work with other liberal parties from across Europe to deliver on issues like the economy, crime and the environment. Our record is open and transparent.

By contrast, the Conservative party's refusal to name its future partners in the European Parliament denies the public the information they need to make their choice at this election. This wall of silence, despite your many secret meetings with potential partners, is utterly disingenuous.

David Cameron says he believes that belonging to a political group is not a just a technicality. It is a clear indication of where your party stands on Europe. Political groups in the European Parliament are the platform for joint political agendas. In Brussels and Strasbourg, the politics of the wider group often informs the voting choice of the national delegation of MEPs.

Is it not then grossly hypocritical for you to leave the European People's Party on the basis that they do not reflect your views, only to go about obscuring those parties you will work with after June 4th? Is this because they are reportedly made up of homophobes, anti-Muslims, climate change deniers and Nazi sympathisers?

The electorate is entitled to know what secret deals have been made. What manifestos have been prepared behind closed doors but not put before voters? Where will you stand on climate change? On civil rights and equality? On the economy?

More radio silence from Conservative HQ will merely confirm the suspicions of many that you are ashamed of your new partners and will do everything to keep them hidden away until after the election.

Alternatively, you could come clean today and be honest with the electorate about the people you have been talking to. At least do the voters that one simple courtesy.

Yours sincerely,

Edward Davey MP
Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary