Kirkhope: Spain's socialist government should not force command-and-control economics on the EU

Strasbourg, 20th January 2010

Strasbourg, 20th January 2010 -- Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero has been told that command-and-control socialist policies are irrelevant to the 21st century by European Conservatives and Reformists deputy leader Timothy Kirkhope MEP, during a debate in the European Parliament this morning.

Mr Zapatero was setting out his country's priorities to the parliament, as it takes over the rotating Presidency of the EU. Mr Kirkhope praised the work of many Spanish MEPs, particularly from the Partido Popular, and wished the Presidency well. However, he also commented that the Presidency has already stumbled by suggesting controversial Europe-wide binding economic targets. He suggested that Spain put its own house in order rather than taking control of other member states' economic policies.

Mr Kirkhope said:

"The suggestion that, rather than simply coordinating plans for economic development, the European Union should be able to establish compulsory economic policies with sanctions or corrective action against Member States who do not comply is deeply disturbing.

"It reflects a very old‑fashioned socialist command‑and‑control approach to economic policy which is not relevant to solving the problems of the 21st century. Without interfering in the politics of Spain, there is a saying in the United Kingdom which suggests that you put your own house in order first. Socialism does not do that.

"What we do need are economic policies that respect the rights of our Member States, stimulate the sharing of best practice and focus on delivering EU added value; policies which defend the benefits of the internal market and extend them further; policies which provide a climate in which entrepreneurs and businesses can thrive in order to create jobs, raise our standard of living and contribute to a stronger society."

Mr Kirkhope also delivered a strong message to the Spanish Presidency on Iran, saying:

"Its illegitimate, brutal and dangerous government must be dealt with firmly. If we are serious about nuclear non‑proliferation, the Iranian Government must understand that, whilst Iran has the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, it will not be allowed to deceive the world in pursuing its ambition of having nuclear weapons.

"A regime which resorts to murder and violence to oppress its own people, a people cheated of a government of their choice, simply cannot be trusted, and we must take action."

Notes: To view the speech, goto: http://vod.europarl.europa.eu/nasvod01/vod0401/2010/wm/VODUnit_20100120_10465400_10504700.wmv

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