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Cameron urged to learn lessons after MEPs vote in Juncker as Commission president

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David-Cameron-s-entete-et-s-isole-en-Europe_article_popinLabour MEPs called on David Cameron to learn from his failure to stop Jean-Claude Juncker after MEPs today (15 July) voted him in as the next European Commission president.

The vote in the European Parliament, in which Labour MEPs voted against Juncker, followed his nomination by the Council of Ministers, with no other candidates put forward in the wake of David Cameron's failure to build a consensus for an alternative.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "The success of Jean-Claude Juncker is another EU humiliation for David Cameron, an abject failure of leadership. His errors of judgement and diplomatic own goals have let Britain down. Over the past few years, instead of building bridges with key European allies, we have seen first-hand how he has been burning them, and has repeatedly put the interests of his own party ahead of the national interest.

"Britain needs to be building alliances to deliver meaningful reform."

On Juncker's record, Willmott said: "Labour MEPs have long said we do not support Mr Juncker as a candidate for President of the European Commission. When Mr Juncker was put before the European Parliament today, Labour MEPs voted against his appointment.

"We need a European Commission that will deliver changes and reforms that will boost jobs and economic growth. We need a European Commission that will show leadership on climate change and clamping down on tax avoidance. We need a European Commission that will close the loopholes that have enabled employers to undercut workers' pay and conditions, leading to feelings of insecurity at work.

"Mr Juncker's record shows he is not best placed to deliver these changes."

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And looking ahead, Willmott added: "Now he has been confirmed as President, we need to work with Mr Juncker, and it is vital that Mr Cameron works with him, and has more success with the Commissioner negotiations. The UK needs a Commissioner with a strong portfolio, to drive forward change and ensure Europe works better for Britain."

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