Blair faced demonstration to end EU secrecy by MEPs in European Parliament

3.18.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Oct 2005

Liz Lynne MEP for the West Midlands took part today in a demonstration organised by the ALDE group about EU secrecy. It was timed to coincide with Tony Blair's arrival at the European Parliament.

Speaking after the demonstration Liz Lynne said,

"We want to get the message across to Tony Blair who holds the EU Presidency that he must act and not just pay lip service to openness and accountability of the EU Council of Ministers.

"It is disgraceful that decisions that can affect all EU citizens are taken in secret. The Parliament's decision making is open and it is about time that the Council was open as well so we can hold them to account.

"I urge Tony Blair to propose the changes that are needed now while Britain holds the EU Presidency."

ENDS.

Note to Editors:

MEPs point out that the improvement requires only a simple change in the standing orders governing ministerial meetings, needing the support of just 13 of Europe's 25 member states.