The Democracy Movement: Press Release





ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT The grassroots campaign to Keep the Pound and Save Democracy 00.01 11 June 1999 Embargo immediate INQUIRY DEMANDED INTO EU COMMISSION FUNDING OF PECP CAMPAIGN The Democracy Movement today demanded an inquiry into the funding of the Pro-Euro Conservative Party's euro-election campaign. The Movement, a 100,000 strong grassroots campaign against joining the euro, is non-party political and waited until after the close of poll to make the demand so as not to affect the outcome of the election. The demand for a public enquiry is made in a letter to Lord Neill. The letter argues that it is both corrupt and ultra vires for the Commission to interfere in the democratic process with public money. It points out that the Commission had a clear motive to intervene because the PECP's campaign was to change Conservative policy, leaving no significant party in Parliament opposed to joining the Euro despite the electorate's settled will to keep the pound. The letter from DM Director Russell Walters says: 'John Stevens MEP, founder of the PECP, has claimed that he has personally financed the entire PECP election campaign including deposits for 87 seats; the printing of enough election addresses for every dwelling in the country; a variety of extremely expensively produced promotional literature; a professionally produced party election broadcast; the renting of headquarters at No3, 36 Gillingham Street SW1; and the employment of a number of full time organisers. Mr Stevensí claim is not credible.' Mr Walters highlights an obscure EU-subsidised website company, EMU-Net, of which John Stevens is a director, as a possible channel for EU funds to the PECP. He also draws attention to staff apparently loaned to the PECP by the EU-subsidised European Movement which campaigns for Britain to enter the Euro. Russell Walters said: "We are not making any accusations but we are seeking straight answers to obvious questions. If those answers are not forthcoming, then the public will draw the conclusion that there is something to hide. It is of the highest importance that we all continue to believe our democracy is untainted by this sort of corruption. Only a public enquiry can ensure this." ENDS Contact: Russell Walters 020 7610 0865 Note to Editors: The Democracy Movement was launched in January this year by its Chairman, Paul Sykes the Yorkshire businessman, and Robin Birley, the businessman and stepson of Sir James Goldsmith. The organisation has grown rapidly to 105,000 Supporters and 150 branches and is funded by a grant from the Goldsmith family and donations from the public.

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