Well I’m back after the chastening experience of the European elections, back that is in a European Parliamentary Labour Party of 13. When I first arrived in 2000 there were 28 Labour MEPs, then we lost one during the 1999 – 2004 mandate due to his defection. In 2004 we won 19 seats, and everyone thought that was bad. 13 really must be our absolute core vote, and we’re really quite a small national delegation in the European Parliament.
Nevertheless we still play a full part in all proceedings. Today we had the “constitutive meeting” of the newly named Group of the Progresive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, the new name for the Socialist Group which has taken in some parties which don’t go under the heading of socialist.
The main, indeed only, business on the Group agenda today was the election of the President of the Group. Since there was only one nominee, Martin Schulz from Germany, he was elected, though we still had a secret ballot (old leftie traditions die hard). 160 valid votes were cast, Martin had 144, 5 people didn’t vote and 11 abstained. Martin Schulz was, of course, PES leader for the whole of the last Parliament. I have to say I’m not at all sure that Group Leaders should do more than five years. This is, in fact, the first time it’s happe ed, and Martin was not opposed which I suppose says something. We’ll just have to see how it goes.
Martin did, however, give a powerful and mercifully short acceptance speech, curbing his general tendency to go on for too long. His call for social justice and respect for all irrespective of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability was very welcome. Martin akso made clear that although we are not the largest Group in the European Parliament we are the strongest. Indeed, in the last Parliament Socialists were responsible for piloting some of the most important legislation through the European Parliament on climate change, regulation of chemicals, public services and the use of European ports.
Martin ended by referring to the 119 new MEPs who are anti-European, racist and xenophobic. There have never been so many hard line right wingers in the European Parliament . Since they do not support our fundamental values we must fight them all the way. Judging by the applause the Group is completely behind Martin on this one.
