Two Labour Euro-MPs who have publicly opposed Tony Blair's welfare review have been challenged to "do the decent thing" and resign from the party.

Party managers were clearly angered at the plan by Ken Coates and Hugh Kerr to stand as independent candidates at the next European elections - and furious about the tone of their attacks on Mr Blair and his policy platform.

Ken Coates explains to the BBC why he's angry about the welfare review

Their stance prompted a distinct hardening of the party's attitude towards what one source described as "known troublemakers."

While making it clear no disciplinary action would be taken until the New Year at the earliest, he said: "We are looking very carefully at what they are saying.

"If they don't agree with the party, they should resign - they should do the decent thing and leave.

"The vast majority of Labour MEPs stand foursquare behind the leadership. These two are known troublemakers. This is the latest outburst in a whole series of outbursts.

Mr Coates, who represents North Nottingham and Chesterfield, wrote to constituents that he was "heartily ashamed" of New Labour's "agenda of cuts in the welfare state, penalties for poor people, and gross maldistribution of wealth throughout society."

West Essex and East Herts MEP Mr Kerr accused Mr Blair of being "a conservative with a small c", determined to lead a national unity government.

Lord Callaghan talks to the BBC's The World This Weekend (Dur: 3'-38")

Mr Kerr, who also opposed the form of proportional representation which will now be used to select British Euro-MPs, estimated up to "half a dozen" sitting Labour MEPs could join the plan to present an alternative slate in 1999.

The dispute was seized upon by the leader of the Tory Euro-MPs, North Yorkshire MEP Edward McMillan-Scott, who said it was a major embarrassment just days before Britain assumes the European Union Presidency.

Lord Callaghan: approves of reform programme

The row, and a report suggesting that Chancellor Gordon Brown was considering cutting child benefit refocused attention on the government's difficulties over the benefits cuts issue.

However, the last Labour Prime Minister, Lord Callaghan, gave Mr Blair his backing.

He said people should wait to see "the whole picture" before passing judgment on the reform programme.

"It's a problem of understanding, and not being able to see the whole vision yet. I see the general drift, it's one I heartily approve of, especially in the matter of welfare reform," Lord Callaghan told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©