Richard Ashworth to head list for Change UK party in South East England

by Robin Baker

Richard Ashworth, who spoke at the BEMF dinner on 23^rd November, announced that he had joined The Independent Group, now Change UK, on 16 April.  Julie Girling, another former Conservative MEP, is also standing for Change UK.  Both these MEPs remain members of the European People's Party group in the European Parliament.

As head of the Party’s list in a constituency where the remain vote was strong, it is very probably that he will be re-elected.  I can still vote in the UK until end November, and so will be delighted to be able to vote for Richard.

“Suddenly, we kinda know what's going on”

Ian Dunt, editor of the excellent Politics.co.uk and their ‘week in review’ newsletter has written a very insightful article about the decision of the European Council to extend, conditionally, Britain's deadline for leaving the or May 22.

Read it here: https://mailchi.mp/politics/week-in-review-suddenly-we-kinda-know-whats-going-on

Richard Ashworth's speech to the European Parliament

On 27th March, Richard Ashworth, Conservative MEP, gave the following speech in the European Parliament:

Madam President, on behalf of a million people on the streets in London, on behalf of six million people who have signed the petition and on behalf of 63% of the British population who did not vote for Brexit, I want to say thank you to President Tusk. I want to say thank you to this House for the support you’re showing and I want to reassure you that Nigel Farage does not speak on behalf of that 63% of the population.

(Applause)

May I add, as a comment, to the European people that, for over 25 years now, no British Prime Minister ever explained to the British people what Europe did, what the benefits are and why it matters. They never defended against the untruths which were spoken and they never took ownership of the decisions that they took in Council. Because of that, the British press ran a 20—year campaign based on populist mistruths, lies and deceit. The consequence of that we see today: Britain as a sad nation divided like never before and a House of Commons in crisis. So let Brexit stand as a cautionary tale to the people of Europe.

To the people of Europe I say this: you are the generation who have lived through the longest period of peace and the greatest level of prosperity ever. Never take it for granted. Value it. Fight for it. Defend it every day.

(Prolonged applause)

You can watch a video of the speech here.