NATIONAL NEWS: Hague says europhile MPs 'will not be driven out' NEWS
DIGEST:: Financial Times (Q1:24)
By DAVID WIGHTON
William Hague has held meetings with Michael Heseltine and Kenneth
Clarke, the party's two most prominent pro-European MPs, following accusations
of "extreme" policies on Europe by Shaun Woodward, the Tory MP who defected
to Labour. The Tory leader has told constituency activists to stop attempts
to deselect MPs who do not support the party's position on the single currency.
While selection of candidates was a matter for constituencies, he would
"actively discourage" such moves. "That sends a strong signal to people
in the party who disagree with the European policy but are in every other
respect loyal towards the party: they are not going to be driven out."
Mr Woodward cited Mr Hague's policies on Europe as key reasons for his
decision to defect. His move prompted rumours that other MPs on the left
of the party might follow suit. Mr Hague's aides pointed out that there
was little public support for Mr Woodward's decision from proEuropeans.
Labour claimed Mr Hague's comments underlined how little control he had
over his party. Keith Vaz, minister for Europe, pointed to the eurosceptic
"Candidlist" web site which aims to identify proEuropean MP to be targeted
for deselection.
David Wighton
Financial Times
Page 4
London Ed1
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