Labour launches European Parliament election campaign
Following the launch of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat European Parliament election campaigns last week, Labour staged a press conference this morning to open its own campaign.
June 10 will see not only elections to the European Parliament, but also elections to the Greater London Authority and for the Mayor of London, and to many local councils.
Labour’s campaign is focusing on the economy and employment, under the slogan “Britain is working – Don’t let the Tories wreck it again” – a play on the famous Saatchi and Saatchi slogan of the late 1970s which declared “Labour isn’t working”.
In the campaign document launched this morning, Prime Minister Tony Blair writes, “Britain is working. Of course, there is much more to do but this country has changed for the better over the last seven years. I am proud of the role this Labour government has played in spreading prosperity and building a fairer country.
“I am proud, too, that Britain once again counts in Europe and has a central role in shaping its future direction.”
He adds, “The 1.9 million new jobs created since 1997 have been helped by Britain’s EU membership. We have come too far to put this jobs record at risk with the Conservatives.”
At the launch this morning, Mr Blair faced criticism from the press over Labour’s party political broadcast, which targets Conservative leader Michael Howard’s record in office.
The broadcast outlines Mr Howard’s political record – illustrating comments on his role in implementing the poll tax, for example, with footage of the riots that engulfed London in the early 1990s.
Mr Blair denied that the attacks on Mr Howard himself were evidence of a “presidential” approach, telling reporters, “It’s not a personal attack, it certainly is a political attack.”
In the campaign document, European Labour Party leader Gary Titley states, “On 10 June, British voters have a clear choice – a strong Britain with Labour working hard for Britain in Europe or Tory defeatism leaving Britain weak and isolated.”
The Conservatives currently dominate the UK’s EP delegation of 87, with 36 seats to Labour’s 28.
The UK’s representation in the EP is to be reduced to 78 at the June elections, as a result of the enlargement of May 1 2004.
