Cornerstone: Cameron must press ahead with pull-out
David Cameron should forge ahead quickly with his pledge to withdraw from the federalist European People’s Party in the European Parliament, according to a new pamphlet from a group of socially conservative Tory MPs.
The pamphlet, from the 40-strong Cornerstone Group of Conservative MPs, urges the Party Leader to resist “tired and threadbare” claims that EPP withdrawal will undermine Conservative influence in Europe.
Its author, Robert Goodwill, MP a former deputy Conservative Leader in the European Parliament, says Tory MEPs have little to lose and a lot to gain by forming a new grouping with anti-federalist parties from other countries.
Indeed, Mr Goodwill’s analysis suggests that being members of the EPP has held back Conservative influence in the EU. He accuses opponents of “trying to pull the wool over our eyes” in arguing against a pull-out.
“Whether dealing inside or outside Parliament, Conservatives are having their guns spiked by the overarching federalist agenda of the EPP,” Mr Goodwill says.
“David Cameron’s wise decision to leave the EPP would not only provide Conservatives with more resources, independent control over their finances, a seat at the Conference of Presidents and a seat in the front row of Parliament, it will also enable Conservatives better to represent British beliefs and protect British interests,” he argues.
“Naturally, Mr Cameron is under pressure from senior figures within Conservative ranks and from powerful people on the European stage to abandon his pledge to withdraw from the EPP and found a new grouping opposed to the federalist agenda and committed to an open, free-market Europe based on cooperation not coercion,” Mr Goodwill adds
“He must resist tired and threadbare claims that the Conservatives will lose influence in Europe if they leave the EPP.”
John Hayes MP, Cornerstone chairman, added that Mr Cameron would have the full backing of the group if he moved soon to leave the EPP.
