Though it’s great news for Glenys Kinnock and I wish her all the best with her new portfolio, I have to admit I’m not leaping up and down with joy at the prospect of losing her as Minister for Europe. Although in post for only four months, Glenys did make an impact, and from the point of view of Labour MEPs, Glenys was a breath of fresh air after other holders of the post who knew little about the subject. For once we had a Minister for Europe who not only understood the brief, but was totally committed to it. As a former MEP who had worked tirelessly in the European Parliament, Glenys was a Minister of Europe to die for. It’s a huge shame she has, indeed done that, metaphorically speaking, and it’s our loss. I do, of course, wish Glenys all the very best in her new role as Minister for Africa and Asia. International development is Glenys’s passion and in that sense it is the job for her.
I would at the same time welcome the new Europe Minister Chris Bryant who himself has excellent European credentials. A former Chair of the Labour Movement for Europe and BBC executive in Brussels, he is no newcomer to the European scene. Chris will, I know, be a good Minister and we will all work closely with him.
