Mask slips as Leader of Stronger In admits he wants “much, much closer” union

The Leader of the ‘Stronger In’ campaign in Wales has admitted that he wants even closer union of EU states if the public votes to stay in the European Union on June 23.

Speaking during a live phone-in on BBC Radio Wales today, Mr Telfan Davies said that the EU “need[s] to be much, much closer together”.

He told Jason Mohammad that he shared Gordon Brown’s vision for a ‘United Europe of States’, and stressed that concerns over sovereignty were a “mirage”.

Responding to the comments, Vote Leave Cymru accused the Stronger In campaign of arrogance, and pointed out that the supremacy of EU law had stifled the UK Government’s ability to tackle Chinese steel dumping – severely harming prospects for Wales’ steel industry.

Ross England of Vote Leave Cymru said,

“Finally we have an admission from the Leader of the Stronger In campaign that they want to see ever closer integration of EU if the UK votes to stay on June 23.

“Wales’ most prominent cheerleader is a self-confessed believer in the European idea, but for most ordinary hardworking people the idea of establishing a United States of Europe is a nightmare.

“On the continent politicians make no secret of their dreams of a federal Europe, yet here in Britain cheerleaders for the EU all too often dress the EU up as something more cosmetic – it’s great to see the mask slip.”

Mr England also challenged Mr Davies’ claims that the UK is more powerful and influential as part of the EU. He said:

“The UK would be much more powerful on the international stage if we vote to leave, and it’s naïve to suggest otherwise.

“Between 2009 and 2014 the majority of UK MEPs voted against 576 EU proposals, with 485 passing in spite of UK opposition. That kind of ‘influence’ is worthless, and we should be able to kick out the people who make our laws.*

“That’s why we need to seize this once in a lifetime chance to vote leave and take back control.”