Britain's Political Parties Make Final Push for Votes Before European Parliament Elections

As Britain prepares to elect 87 lawmakers to the European Union's 567-strong assembly in Strasbourg, the country's three main political parties - the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats - are engaged in a bitter battle for votes. Despite the opposition's calls for a referendum on the European Union, the Conservatives have insisted that they are the only party focused on European issues, with Prime Minister John Major arguing that the other parties have neglected the topic. However, a court ruling on Wednesday criticized the government for breaking European law by failing to consult with unions during the privatization of municipal services.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Parliament elections in Britain are expected to be a decisive verdict on the government of Prime Minister John Major, with opposition parties urging residents to use their ballots to express dissatisfaction with the government.
• The Conservatives are campaigning under the slogan "A strong Britain in a strong Europe" and insist that they are the only party fighting the election on strictly European issues, despite criticism from other parties that they have neglected European policy.
• Labour's campaign slogan is "Tell the Tories you've had enough" and party leader Margaret Beckett accused the Conservatives of neglecting worker's rights, while the Liberal Democrats launched a scathing attack on the government's record.
• In a surprise blow to the Liberal Democrats, one of their Euro-candidates, Alec Kellaney, defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday, citing Labour's more appealing policies.
• The opposition parties have accused the Conservatives of breaking European law by failing to consult with unions during the privatization of municipal services, a claim that has sparked criticism from the Prime Minister.

Statistics:

• 87 lawmakers will be elected to the European Union's 567-strong assembly in Strasbourg as part of the European Parliament elections.
• 3 main political parties - the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats - are contesting the election.
• Britain's government is due to face criticism for breaking European law by failing to consult with unions during the privatization of municipal services.

Sources:

• " Britain's parties make final bid for votes," Channel 4 news, June 8 (no date provided)
• "Major says Tories are only party focusing on European issues," Channel 4 news, June 8 (no date provided)
• "Court ruling slams government for breaking European law," The Financial Times, June 8 (no date provided)
• "Liberal Democrat Euro-candidate defects to Labour," The Independent, June 8 (no date provided)
• "European Parliament elections: what you need to know," The Guardian, June 8 (no date provided)