European Elections: Conservative MEPs Face Dilemma Over Social Chapter

Strategic Insights -

The European elections in June are likely to raise tensions within the Conservative Party over the party's stance on the European social chapter, with the party's Christian Democrat allies in the European Parliament set to commit to implementing the chapter as part of their joint manifesto. This move is at odds with the official Conservative line, which has consistently opposed the social chapter. The joint manifesto, obtained by the Guardian, also calls for a more "federal" European Union, higher minimum standards for working conditions and social benefits, and a shift in taxation from wages and national insurance to environmental taxes on scarce natural resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European social chapter is a central issue in the Conservative Party's stance on the European elections, with MEPs set to commit to implementing it as part of their joint manifesto with the Christian Democrats.
  • The joint manifesto also calls for a more "federal" European Union, a 35-hour working week, and a shift in taxation from wages and national insurance to environmental taxes on scarce natural resources.
  • Tory MEPs will vote with the EPP (European People's Party) parliamentary group on most issues, but may break with them on social and institutional questions.
  • Conservative Party leaders are increasingly isolated over their stance on the European social chapter, with many senior figures either opposed to it or suggesting that it is a necessary evil.
  • Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary, is chairing a committee that is drawing up a different manifesto for the British Tories, which will not include the social chapter.

Statistics:

  • The Conservative Party's MEPs have been members of the EPP parliamentary group since May 1992.
  • The EPP party has not yet recognized the Conservative Party as an associate member.
  • The joint manifesto obtained by the Guardian is due to be discussed by the European Parliament's Christian Democrat group later this week.
  • The clash between the Conservative Party and its EPP allies threatens to undermine the official Conservative line on the European elections.

Sources:

  • The Guardian (no date mentioned in the source)
  • The Times (no date mentioned in the source)
  • A draft text of the joint manifesto obtained by the Guardian.