Labour will only support the Dutch government in its European policy if it adopts a more pro-European stance, Labour MP Diederik Samson today told the party conference that officially proclaimed him as its new leader.

The minority government comprising the pro-business VVD and the Christian Democrats has so far relied on Labour and other parties when it comes to European policy, rather than its official ally, Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party, which sees Europe as a source of unwelcome immigrants and costly commitments.

Until now, Labour has endorsed the cabinet’s measures relating to the euro crisis. Last week, however, Mr Samson said Labour would stop backing the government if it introduced further public spending cuts to bring the country’s deficit below the three-percent limit stipulated by Europe’s new budget treaty next year.

“Europe should once again become a project of hope,” Mr Samson today told the Labour gathering in Rotterdam. Europe, he added, should pursue “a social project, and that goes well beyond markets and money”. 

(cl/imm)

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