Fresh UKIP controversy strikes EU parliament

BRUSSELS - An MEP from the eurosceptic UK Independence Party became embroiled in controversy on Wednesday (10 March) after making disparaging remarks about EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, becoming the second MEP from the party to offend the chamber in recent weeks.

In a debate on Wednesday on the development of an EU Arctic policy, William, Earl of Dartmouth, questioned whether countries such as Greece and Cyprus, on the southern shores of the European Union, should be seeking to have a policy on the Arctic.

He went on to say that it was as curious as the appointment of the "unqualified" Catherine Ashton to be the EU's foreign policy chief:

"But an EU Arctic policy is perhaps not so bizarre as the appointment of the supremely unqualified Baroness Ashton, the Sarah Palin of the ex-student left, as High Representative. At the hearings it was clear that the High Representative has forgotten nothing and has learnt nothing."

The chair of the debate, Liberal MEP Diana Wallis, cut him off in mid-speech.

"I am sorry but I don't think we should listen to personal comments like that in chamber. We will not have personal comments of that nature," she said.

Lord Dartmouth later said he would be writing to European Parliament president Jerzy Buzek to complain about the incident.

"Ukip has always said that this is not a proper parliament as it is wholly intolerant of dissent. Today's events have proved that," he said.

British media reported that he had been asked to leave the chamber by Ms Wallis, but the MEP denied asking for him to be removed, although she added it was "getting to that stage." Parliamentary ushers moved to escort him from the chamber after he reacted angrily to having his microphone cut off.

Ms Wallis also said his freedom of speech rights had not been breached. "We absolutely have free speech in the parliament. He could have said everything and anything he liked about the Arctic. But personal insults are just not appropriate."

The incident, which a UKip spokesperson called "preposterous", marks the second time that a Ukip euro-deputy has gone beyond the bounds of what parliament authorities consider appropriate discourse in its chamber.

Two weeks ago Nigel Farage caused anger when he insulted EU president Herman Van Rompuy by saying he had the charisma of a "damp rag" and the appearance of a "low-grade bank clerk." He was later fined €3,000 for refusing to apologise.

At the time Mr Buzek said he would defend free speech but not personal insults. The parliament's internal rules say:

"Members' conduct shall be characterised by mutual respect ...[and] respect the dignity of parliament."

The widely-reported incident gave Mr Farage a moment of fame in the UK, ultimately securing him a place on two flagship news programmes on the BBC.

However, Mr Van Rompuy says he also benefitted from the exchange. He told the BBC: "I can assure you that I am now at the height of my popularity in Flanders, after the incident in the European Parliament..."