Liberal Democrats support EU symbols

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Oct 2008

In a vote today in Brussels, Liberal Democrat MEPs have supported the formal recognition by the Parliament of the European Union symbols of flag and anthem.

Speaking in the debate, Lib Dem leader Andrew Duff attacked those MEPs, especially from the former Soviet bloc states, who oppose the move.

"We all remember the blue flag with the yellow stars in the enormous demonstrations which broke communism and set these countries on the road to EU membership. We all remember the playing of the anthem at the Brandenburg Gate after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"This did not happen because of rules or treaties, but because the symbols inspired the hearts and emotions of ordinary European citizens. They symbolise the European Union's dignified values of peace and solidarity."

Andrew Duff also criticised Tory and UKIP opposition to the use of the symbols as petty nationalism.

ENDS...