Conservative MEPs are divided on whether or not to leave the
EPP.
The following is a list based on best available intelligence
from open sources, including articles by journalists that
have not been refuted, coupled with media interviews, known
statements, and letters to the press. We would be delighted
to expand and modify this data if those concerned wish to
contact us. After all, we don't want MEPs who deserve it to
miss out on being part of the Hall of Heroes!
In favour
of leaving the EPP |
| MEP |
Comment |
| Daniel Hannan |
Launched the Alliance for an Open
Europe as a counterpoint |
| Chris Heaton-Harris |
Has openly campaigned to leave |
| Roger Helmer |
Already outside of the group after
the EPP leadership threw him out for criticising the Commission |
| Syed Kamall |
Blogged as having written a letter
wanting to withdraw to set up “a new centre-right,
free market, atlanticist group” asap |
| Martin Callanan |
“I wholeheartedly back David
Cameron in his desire to leave the EPP. They are stuck
in a 1950's time warp, espousing more integration and
a "social market" economy as a solution to Europe's
problems. I hate the fact that the EPP leader regularly
espouses this nonsense on my (and the rest of the Tories)
behalf at every public occasion and everybody assumes
we agree with him. In the European Parliament the EPP,
Socialists and Liberals are content to act as rubber-stamping
cheerleaders for the Commission. It is about time that
there was an alternative, mainstream Eurosceptic grouping,
not content to meekly accept the status quo. Good Luck
to William!” |
| David Sumberg |
Known to have campaigned in his
patch against EPP membership |
| Nirj Deva |
Co-signed a letter to the DT with
Callanan/ Hannan/ CHH/ Helmer/ Sumberg/ Van Orden (1 October
05) |
| Geoffrey Van Orden |
Known to be “uncomfortable
with the arrangements that affiliate us to the essentially
federalist European Peoples Party” |
Understood to follow the Party line
|
| MEP |
Comment |
| Robert Sturdy |
Blogged as in conversation stating
he would follow the Party line, with some regret, and
caution |
| Den Dover |
Assessed likely to be in favour
of withdrawing but we are cautious in the absence of a
statement to hand |
| Neil Parish |
Position understood but not confirmed |
Position Unclear
|
| MEP |
Comment |
| Dr Charles Tannock |
Freethinker, but who has rejected
the Eurosceptic tag |
| Giles Chichester |
Reported as saying he saw “no
problem” with leaving, but also signed the DT letter
of 5 October |
Indicated personal
preference is to stay in the EPP |
| MEP |
Comment |
| Struan Stevenson |
Has corresponded to defend the
link on “influence” grounds and fear of alliance
with extremists. ED Vice Chairman of the EPP-ED Group.
Open to debate? |
| Philip Bradbourn |
Assessed position given his stance
as Chief Whip during the Roger Helmer expulsion fiasco
et al |
| Malcolm Harbour |
Signed DT letter of 5 October.
Aligned to EPP views. |
| Richard Ashworth |
Signed DT letter of 5 October.
Otherwise quiet |
| John Bowis |
Signed DT letter of 5 October.
Otherwise quiet |
| John Purvis |
Signed DT letter of 5 October.
Otherwise quiet |
Outspoken on staying
within the EPP |
| MEP |
Comment |
| Sir Robert Atkins |
Made a statement warning against
an “arbitrary” move by Cameron and repeatedly
issued a number of critical statements |
| Timothy Kirkhope |
Reportedly made play of the EPP
alliance during his leadership campaign. Withdrew the
whip from Roger Helmer. |
| PHILIP BUSHILL-MATTHEWS |
Told the Today programme “I
would not move”. Accused Cameron of “bad judgement”. |
| Edward Macmillan-Scott |
Took part in Newsnight feature
opposing Dan Hannan. Reported as telling UKIP they could
“have” four Conservative colleagues. |
| JAMES ELLES |
Vice President of the EPP, runs
an EPP-affiliated think tank |
| CAROLINE JACKSON |
Wife of defector Robert Jackson.
Wrote a critical article for the Guardian |
| JONATHAN EVANS |
As former leader renewed the EPP
alliance that got us in the present fix. |
| CHRISTOPHER BEAZLEY |
To his credit, consistently and
openly pro-integrationist. Signed DT letter of 5 October.
On 28 March, co-signed a letter to the Times with a Lib
Dem and Labour integrationist MEP indicating his cooperation. |
CAPITALS indicates an individual who
has reportedly indicated a willingness to defy the whip and
stay with the EPP regardless – and therefore liable
to subsequent deselection.
|
