In response to the announcement confirming the creation of a new Conservative Group in the European Parliament, CEG Chairman Ian Taylor MP stated:

“The decision to leave to EPP, the largest and most powerful Group in the European Parliament, was inevitable but disappointing. I congratulate those EPP member parties which did so well in the European elections as well as our own 26 MEPs for their success.

“The newly formed European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group has a major task ahead in building a solid and influential block. Its members’ priority must be to work assiduously with other centre-right colleagues within the European Parliament to preserve alliances and promote shared objectives.

“In the context of Europe’s growing importance on the world stage coupled with the myriad challenges confronting EU member-states, the European Parliament has an important role to play. It is in the national interest that British Conservatives influence the debate on key issues and this will require the ECR to work closely with the EPP.

The Conservative Europe Group will continue to support our MEPs in ECR and maintain friendly links with our friends in the EPP.”