Sharon Bowles MEP welcomes Edward McMillan-Scott to the Liberal Democrats

4.00.00pm GMT Tue 16th Mar 2010

Nick Clegg and Edward McMillan-Scott at Spring Conference

Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles has welcomed the defection of Tory MEP Edward McMillan-Scott, Vice-President of the European Parliament, to the Liberal Democrats.

McMillan-Scott, who has served the constituency of Yorkshire and the Humber at the European Parliament since 1984, was unveiled at the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Birmingham last Saturday.

Sharon Bowles said:

"Edward McMillan-Scott is very well respected in the European Parliament. Having spoken with him about his politics on train journeys to Brussels and Strasbourg, it is clear he believes in our policies.

"Edward is very knowledgeable on green issues and I believe he will contribute a great deal to the already influential liberal group in the European Parliament, unlike the Tories who have aligned themselves with far right fringe groups.

"I look forward to working with Edward and take great pleasure in welcoming him to the Liberal Democrats."

ENDS