MacShane isolated over attack on Prodi
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Europe minister Denis MacShane received no support from Downing Street yesterday for criticising Romano Prodi, the president of the European Commission, as being not committed to the EU.
No 10 distanced itself from Mr MacShane's comments after he said that Mr Prodi was acting as an Italian "leader in exile". The outspoken Foreign Office minister made his comments in Rome where he was meeting his European counterparts in the run up to next week's crucial talks on the proposed European constitution.
He told The Guardian: "It is not acceptable that the Commission should have a president who is not dedicated 100 per cent to the questions of Europe, but who is instead seen as a leader of the opposition in exile." Mr MacShane added: "Mr Prodi's return to Italy would be totally understandable. But he has to serve Europe properly."
A Downing Street spokeswoman insisted yesterday that: "We have no criticisms to make of Mr Prodi." Asked if the Prime Minister had any criticism of Mr MacShane, she repeated: "We have no criticisms of Mr Prodi." She said: "I understand he spoke to a journalist when he was in Italy. I have explained what the Government's position is."
Asked if Tony Blair still had full confidence in Mr MacShane, the Downing Street spokeswoman replied: "I'm sure he does."
Mr MacShane was forced to apologise this week after claiming that Muslims had to choose between the "British way" and the terrorist way.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments