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EU flag forced on our fleets Tuesday 25 November 2003 Merchant fleets will be forced to put the European flag on the Red Ensign that identifies them as British, following a vote today in the European Parliament. MEPs supported a Spanish amendment to a Commission proposal in the Transport Committee today that states that 'ships registered in a Member State shall display the emblem of the European Union, ie a circle of 12 gold stars on a square blue background, in a corner of their flags.' Conservative MEPs led calls to reject the amendment. East Midlands Conservative MEP Roger Helmer (who voted against the amendment) said: "The vote is further example of euro-lunacy that rides rough-shod over the identity of Member States. There is no justification for the compulsory display of the EU symbol on the red ensign. This is just another attempt to force the EU identity on Member States. The Spanish have already tried to hoover up our fish stocks. Is this their attempt to enter our waters by stealth?" |