Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Stuart Bell (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 3 June 2009 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The Prime Minister talked about policies as we go into the European elections tomorrow. Can he confirm that, under the Labour Government, 700,000 companies work with the European Union, that 3 million jobs relate to the European Union and that 60 per cent. of our trade is with the European Union? Which party goes into the elections tomorrow with the better record?

Answer: My hon. Friend will also know that EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has said that the Conservative European policy""is bound to reduce our influence in Europe"." When the Conservative leader cannot talk to the German Chancellor, the French President or people in Spain and Portugal—[Interruption.] The German Chancellor said that she would not offer the hand of friendship to those who opposed the Lisbon treaty. When the right hon. Gentleman can talk politics about his European group only with a Czech forum, which also supports the Lisbon treaty, he is in real trouble.

Secondary information