Euroscepticism 'fuels xenophobia'

Myths and lies are reported about Europe, says Denis MacShane

Extreme Euroscepticism is fuelling xenophobia, Europe Minister Denis MacShane has told BBC Radio's Today.

He said anti-European papers peddled lies and myths, such as that Brussels would set taxes in the UK.

"It creates a culture in which trashing other nations... other people is part of our discourse in Britain," he said

Neil O'Brien, of the Vote No campaign, said the minister was "insulting two thirds of voters by trying to link criticism of Europe with xenophobia".

But he added that he did not want to discourage debate and discussion.

"Scepticism about any form of government is a very healthy thing," said Mr MacShane

"Lets have a political ding-dong but on the basis of facts."

'Myths and lies'

Mr MacShane said certain parts of the media were more interested in stoking up resentment about the European Union and its institutions.

"You do, I'm afraid, in much of our anti-European press read myths and lies about Europe and insulting language about other European nations.

"And I think if we're honest it does shade off into a rather unpleasant and demeaning approach to the discussion of this rather important issue."

To prove his point he cited some of the reporting in the lead up to EU enlargement on 1 May when, he said, people from Poland and Hungary were described as murderous hordes.

"When is someone going to stand up to that language?"

But he denied the government's anti-terror laws had contributed to xenophobic attitudes, saying ministers were trying to address a "serious problem".

Neil O'Brien, campaign director of Vote No, which opposes the UK signing up to an EU consitution, said Mr MacShane was trying to bully people into accepting an EU constitution.

He said: "Denis MacShane is insulting two thirds of voters by trying to link criticism of Europe with xenophobia. The Government have no real arguments for the European Constitution and are now just trying to bully people into voting for it."