EMBARGOED UNTIL: Midnight 8th May 2002

“On 9th May 1950 the first move was made towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union. This day celebrates, in the words of the European Commission, "the first concrete foundation of a European federation".

“Few people, not even the Brussels Bureaucrats really believe this high-sounding propaganda.

“Europe is becoming ever more unaccountable, taking government further from the people. Its bureaucratic regulations have undermined the ability of Europe’s economies to compete in the global market place. Calls for reform have fallen on deaf ears. The EU fails to listen to its own citizens – who do not support the federalist drive – and refuses to reverse centralisation and embrace economic reform.

“It is no wonder right-wing extremism is growing in Europe.”