New Commission brings Liberal policies, sidelines Tories

12.25.00pm GMT Sun 29th Nov 2009

The announcement of EU Commission President Barroso's proposed new college of Commissioners has been welcomed as a boost for Liberal Democrat policies in Europe and a confirmation of the Conservatives' irrelevance.

Liberal Democrat European justice and human rights spokeswoman and MEP for London, Sarah Ludford, said:

"I am delighted that Liberals and Democrats have been given eight Commission posts - including the key portfolio of Economic and Monetary Affairs (Olli Rehn).

"At a time of economic crisis, we need Liberal policies to help the UK and all of Europe to return to robust growth."

"Liberal Democrats have campaigned on three key priority areas for Europe: the economy, the environment and crime and civil liberties.

"The new European Commission announced today hands all of those portfolios to Liberal Democrat parties , and we look forward to Liberal solutions to Europe's problems.

"By contrast, the Conservatives' new group has been given nothing at all and remains at the sidelines, impotent and ignored."

ENDS.