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Vol. 9 No. 23 : 19 June 2003
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From Michael Cashman
Once again your letters page (European Voice, 5-11 June) contains spurious yet damaging claims against me by some Lloyd's names.
They have also written to MEPs and to my delegation leader. They claim that I am in the pay of Lloyd's or Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, or that I have been 'nobbled' by either the UK government or Tony Blair.
They claim that I am ignorant, misinformed, misguided, and all of this because I do not agree with them and their call for a committee of inquiry.
It is obviously their intention to try to erode any support for the position I have taken. They fail to understand that bullying, intimidation or defamation will achieve nothing.
They fail to respect that there is, or could be, another view than that shared by them. I will not change my mind.
The Commission is in a pre-litigation process and should be allowed to complete its work. If the Commission's enquiries go against the UK government, then the petitioners will have their day - one of many days they have had - in court. A committee of inquiry will give them their opportunity to air their grievances in public, but it will do little else.
Finally, I have to point out the irony of Roy Perry (rapporteur on the Lloyd's petitions) accusing the UK Permanent Ambassador, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, of "demeaning Her Majesty's Government" by requesting that the rules of procedure and the treaties be adhered to in considering any request for a committee of inquiry, especially on a matter which is again before the UK courts.
Is this the same Roy Perry who, in his report, has asked the Commission and the European Parliament to investigate allegations that the rules and the treaties have not been adhered to?
We must be consistent in the application of principle; that is why I maintain that the Commission, as guardian of the treaties, should complete its work and deliver its decision.
Michael Cashman MEP
West Midlands
UK
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