Following a two-page report in the Eastern Daily Press after Charles Clarke announced he was ashamed to be a Labour MP, our Eastern Region MEP Geoffrey Van Orden penned this reply which was published on the EDP’s letters’ page today reminding Mr Clarke about the Lisbon Treaty.

In your issue of 4th May, Charles Clarke gives nearly 2,000 words of explanation for Labour’s dismal performance at the polls. I have two more for him: Lisbon Treaty.

In its 2005 Manifesto, Labour promised the British people a referendum on this Treaty, which would transfer more power to Brussels at a time when people want closer control over their own lives. It is the failure to keep that promise – a major breach of faith with the electorate – that has deepened public mistrust. It is the consistent and principled opposition of the Conservative Party to this Treaty – including the promise of a referendum in the event of a Conservative victory at the next General Election – that proves David Cameron to be the agent of change this country needs. Far from being isolationist, David Cameron is closely in touch with the British people and has developed close relations with our key international partners.

I agree we need to be strong on Europe. That means standing up for British interests and encouraging the EU to drop its federalist ambitions and focus instead on real priorities, such as making a reality of the single market and increasing our global economic competitiveness.