Two controversial Labour Euro-MPs have said they want to stand as independent Labour candidates in protest at the Government's cuts in benefits and other key policies.

Ken Coates and Hugh Kerr said they would be ashamed to stand on the party's official policy platform, and accused Labour leader Tony Blair of contributing towards an "ever more grotesque maldistribution of wealth throughout society".

Their stand is said to be supported by a further four members of the Labour group in the European Parliament.

Ken Coates explains his position (28")

Mr Coates, who represents North Nottingham and Chesterfield, and Mr Kerr, the Euro-MP for West Essex and East Herts, said they reached the decision reluctantly.

In an article in The Observer they said they would consult their supporters to see if they could find a basis to contest the European Parliament election in June 1999 in opposition to "the Blair Government's restrictive social policies."

The two men, who earlier this year were threatened with suspension for refusing to accept the Labour Euro-MPs' code of practice, acknowledged they could face renewed criticism and possible sanctions from the party.

They insisted they were not political "dinosaurs", but risked the wrath of the party hierarchy by describing New Labour's policies on single mothers and the disabled as "indistinguishable from Old Tories", and by talking of New Labour's "authoritarian and intolerant regime".

Their strongest criticism was reserved for Mr Blair himself. Whereas the late John Smith had been a consensual leader, Mr Blair was pursuing a programme of deep cuts in the welfare state, penalties on the poor and the vulnerable, and an "ever more grotesque maldistribution of wealth throughout society".

The other four, un-named Euro-MPs said to be considering their positions are thought to represent seats in London, the North West, Wales and Scotland. The Labour Party declined to comment on the Euro-MPs' actions.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©