Brown still missing the point on Europe

8.00.00pm GMT Tue 24th Mar 2009

Commenting on Gordon Brown's speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the UK Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said:

"Mr Brown was right to say that Britain should be in the mainstream and not the slip-stream of European integration. But he spectacularly missed the chance to revive the debate on the central question now dividing Britain from Europe - that is the single currency. Without euro membership, I fear that the UK will not be able to rebuild its economy and its influence in European and global affairs will remain impaired ."

Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the pan-European Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) , added: "The reality of this recession shows that those who have wilfully ignored bad practice are now suffering most. We need a European Financial Services Authority to ensure closer supervision and greater accountability.

"The era of easy money is past. For future growth, making a living must not equate to making a killing. But to achieve these things, Europe must marshal consensus - and the UK must be part of it as an active and constructive partner."

ENDS