Pittella: 'Farage tried to destroy Europe but only managed to destroy his own group'

According to S&D President Gianni Pittella: "After a crucial member of his political group resigned today (16 October)y, leaving his group in tatters, Mr Farage has started to look for someone to blame, making petty attacks on President Schulz.

"What a curious Eurosceptic Mr Farage is. He wants to destroy the European Union and then he complains to anyone who will listen because he cannot get any suitable post in the European Parliament. And now his political group collapsed. Blaming others for 'political blackmail' sounds a bit childish. Before tackling his big ambition of 'demolishing Europe', next time we would suggest Mr Farage pays more attention to not demolishing his own group. The truth is that the Eurosceptics are falling to pieces.

"We are the first to demand a very significant change of direction for Europe. But Farage's aim is to burn down the EU and European values. We cannot and will never give up on the union that has brought citizens peace, prosperity and a real voice in today's globalized world."

Also commenting on the demise of the EFDD Group, Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in Europe, said: "The UKIP group's demise is a blow for Farage but makes little difference to Britain.

"Iveta Grigule's departure means there are now only six nationalities represented in the EFDD group - below the seven required. The group now falls apart, with UKIP losing funding, committee places, speaking time and status.

"While a massive blow to Nigel Farage, this news makes little difference for Britain. UKIP's group may have given Nigel Farage a front seat soapbox from which he could preen for the cameras, but it has never helped advance British interests.

"The EFDD comprised people with extreme views - and to resurrect his group, Mr Farage will probably have to turn to even more racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic allies."

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