Euro-MPs are expelled from Socialist Group
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two "Old" Labour Euro-MPs have been expelled from the Socialist Group of the European Parliament. Ken Coates and Hugh Kerr, who last week attacked Tony Blair's plans for welfare cuts, were told by the group's leader yesterday that their application to sit with Green members of the Strasbourg assembly disqualified them from continued membership as Socialists.
They are also barred from standing in the next Strasbourg elections as "Independent Labour" candidates, Pauline Green, the Socialist leader, said. The Labour Party's leadership in the European Parliament also told the rebels their action automatically disqualifies them from membership of the EPLP. Complete expulsion from the Labour Party could now follow when the National Executive Committee meets at the end of January.
Mrs Green paid tribute to the work of the two, particularly Mr Coates (Nottingham North and Chesterfield), who has conducted extensive research into unemployment throughout Europe.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments