Don't show contempt for the Parliament, Mr Barroso

Speech by Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP delivered to European Parliament on Tue 26th Oct 2004

Ludford (ALDE). - Madam President, we are not persecuting Mr Buttiglione, but trying to save European citizens from being led on justice issues by someone so eminently unsuitable. It is not only that he is prepared to implement his reactionary prejudices against women and gay people in public policy - and what signal is he sending to his eight female colleagues? - he also has a very poor record on asylum and immigration, security and the rule of law. You gave us a list of initiatives the Commission would take, but they are already in progress, or should be priorities in any case.

Mr Barroso, you say that it is impossible to change the portfolio at this stage. You are thereby showing complete contempt for this Parliament, since it is precisely what it has asked for. You need to stand up to the Council. I backed you in July because I thought you would be independent. I understand that Mr Blair is personally phoning around British Labour MEPs to try and twist their arms so that they do not vote against. He would be better using taxpayers' on his phone bill telling his mate, Mr Berlusconi, to switch his candidate.