Labour’s representatives in the European Parliament have been promised a seat in the shadow cabinet if David Miliband secures the party leadership. Mr Miliband has pledged to “bring European matters closer to our politics at home”, creating “a strong voice in Brussels inside Labour’s shadow cabinet team”.
Ed Balls, Ed Miliband and Andy Burnham, who have also held talks with MEPs in Brussels in recent weeks, have made similar promises to work more closely with the 13-strong EPLP group. This would give Labour’s leader in the EP, Glenis Willmott, an opportunity to influence cabinet thinking on EU policy.
Labour MEPs warmly welcomed the proposal. “In the past we have been sidelined somewha”, Ms Willmott told Tribune. “But now the party is in opposition we have a more important role to play. People must realise that we can still push forward progressive policies through the EU. MEPs should be involved earlier in policy discussions with ministers.”
Labour members in Brussels are hoping it could also be a prelude to a more positive debate on Europe in Britain. They say some issues, such as concerns about EU immigrants taking British jobs and undercutting wages, can best be dealt with at European level through laws such as the Posted Workers Directive.
