Duff welcomes European unification

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Apr 2003

Voting today in favour of the accession next year of ten new member states of the European Union, Andrew Duff MEP said:

"Today the European Parliament has taken the formal decision to reunite Europe. This step affirms the moral and political strength of the European Union. It bolsters freedom and peace across our continent and closes the door on the sorrow and pity of much of twentieth century Europe.

"Liberals everywhere salute this moment.

"The British people should use it to reflect deeply on their commitment to Europe.

"And the British government would be wise to reorientate national policy towards the enlarged Union by accepting the democratic changes on the way in the Convention."

The European Parliament today granted its assent to the accession of the new member states to the EU. The treaty will be formally signed in Greece on the 16th April.