The British newcomers from the Greens/EFA group and the outgoing elected representatives, confirmed in their seats on 26 May, have no intention of making an appearance in European Parliament and intend to use their functions as a pro-European forum at national level.
That was the message of Molly Scott Cato, Alyn Smith and newcomers Magid Magid, Christian Allard and Alexandra Phillips on Wednesday 12 June. After the good results obtained by their political family (11 elected representatives from the Greens/EFA group), these elected representatives intend to act on concrete issues, such as climate emergency and inequality, but also to act as advocates for the EU, while the political situation in the United Kingdom worries them.
During their 5-year term, they hope - “that's the plan”, according to Christian Allard - they will campaign on a pro-EU, pro-“remain” and pro-migration message, explained Alyn Smith, who pointed out that in Scotland there was a consensus on the need for more people” coming to work, not the other way around.
While the commissions’ choice has not yet been made, these elected representatives have expressed their concern that their powers and British influence will be reduced as Brexit drags on. They are also concerned about the leadership in the country, with a future Prime Minister who will probably play the card of a no-deal exit.
Molly Scott Cato, meanwhile, intends to monitor the work of the first British group in Parliament, Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, and not to remain discreet if its 29 elected representatives only came to Parliament “to draw the MEP salary”, without working in return. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)