Kenneth Clarke MP welcomes launch of Conservative Europe Group

This evening it was announced that the Conservative Group for Europe, the Conservative Party’s leading pro-EU voice for over thirty years, will go by the new name of the Conservative Europe Group.

Speaking at an event to mark the launch of the Conservative Europe Group, Kenneth Clarke MP stated: "As President, I am delighted to announce that as of today we will be known as the Conservative Europe Group (CEG).

"The new name represents an evolution from the early days of campaigning for the UK to join the EU. Our Party has an established history of European involvement and maintains a firm commitment to full membership of the EU. So the debate now is about how we can influence its character, development and effectiveness.

"CEG will be a positive Conservative commentator on EU decisions, making constructive criticisms when appropriate; we will engage fully within Party debates and with our European partners to address challenges that require solutions at EU level".

Also present was CEG Chairman Ian Taylor MP, who added: "The Conservative Europe Group will pursue a broader agenda, building on the former objective of maintaining Britain's full European engagement. We have the constructive aim of influencing EU reform from within and addressing the wide range of regional and international issues affecting our future. 

"CEG will be a forum for the serious discussion of shared challenges for the EU such as the environment, energy-security, defence, plus enhancing the single market and economic recovery. The EU should play a more influential role in international fora.  The Group will continue to be the vital voice of Conservative Europeanism.

I am delighted to remain Chairman and look forward to this new chapter’. Ends.

For further information please email info@cge.org.uk, or call 020 8349 4902