Tories milking Euro pint issue - Liz Lynne

5.38.48pm GMT Wed 1st Feb 2006

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrats MEP for the West Midlands, today pledged to protect the British pint of milk at tomorrow's European Parliament vote - but said rumours of the pint's demise had been greatly exaggerated.

The European Parliament votes on Thursday on a European Commission proposal to standardise quantities of pre-packaged products. Conservative and Labour MEPs introduced an amendment in committee stage to cover milk, which was not included in the original proposal. They then introduced a separate amendment to 'save the pint', even though it had not originally been threatened!

Speaking in Brussels ahead of Thursday's vote, Liz Lynne said "I am proud to back the British pint, which is a traditional measure and part of our heritage. I will be voting for it tomorrow."

"However recent reports that the pint will be abolished seem to be unfounded. This is the Tories stirring up a storm in a teacup, by introducing a quite unnecessary amendment to 'save' the pint, even though it wasn't included in the original proposal. This is a fabricated 'threat' which they created and are milking it for all it's worth."