Euro-MP Gives New Commission Her Vote Of Confidence

5.36.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 17th Nov 2004

In marked contrast to the atmosphere of conflict three weeks ago,

President-elect Jose Manuel Barroso can expect a smooth passage to victory when the European Parliament votes tomorrow to confirm the new European Commission, according to West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne.

The Liberal Democrat MEP, who threatened to vote down the Commission last month unless Mr Buttiglione was moved from the Justice and Home Affairs portfolio, said:

"The so called crisis could have a very good outcome for both the

Commission and Parliament. If Mr Barroso accepts our demands for increased accountability, he and his Commission will emerge strengthened.

"The new Commission President should act to make it possible for the Parliament to censure individual Commissioners without putting the whole Commission at risk. At the moment we only have the ability to vote against the entire commission not just individual Commissioners."

ENDS