When challenging for the Conservative Leadership vacancy, David Cameron controversially pledged to withdraw from the European People's Party (EPP), a right-of-centre pan-European voting block.  Blair has often teased Cameron on his prior reluctance to see this through this commitment in their regular PMQ tête-à-têtes.  A fair few Tory MP's, and particularly MEP's, have also criticised the plan, claiming it could potentially weaken the Conservative presence in Brussels. As if to cover all his bases, Cameron today announced that he is indeed dumping the EPP, and has also announced a new joint venture with the Czechs.  Rather than be hamstrung by Franco-German self-interest, a new Anglo-Eastern European block could actually drive through economic reforms that could help Europe become competitive again in the global economy. An email notification below: -

David Cameron fulfils pledge on European People's Party David Cameron today fulfilled his pledge to withdraw the Conservative Party from the European People's Party (EPP) Parliamentary Group and form a new group in the European Parliament. Today he will sign an agreement to form the new group with the Czech Prime Minister-designate and leader of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Mr Topolanek. At Mr Topolanek's explicit request, the new group will be formed at the beginning of the next European Parliament in 2009. In addition, the Conservative Party and the ODS will immediately establish a new Movement for European Reform, which will campaign to tackle the challenges that Europe faces. Other political parties which share our objectives, and are dedicated to our ideals of a more open, modern, flexible and decentralised European Union, will be welcome to join the new movement.


Czechmate, as they say.