Scargill party bids for Euro vote

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The Socialist Labour Party has launched its European election campaign with a call for a complete withdrawal from the European Union.

The party, led by ex-miners' leader Arthur Scargill, believes Britain should instead develop links with Asia, Africa and Latin America.

It also argues EU directives on privatisation are destroying Britain's health, education and postal services.

The party will contest all nine regions in England, plus Scotland and Wales.

'Accountability'

Mr Scargill, outlining his party's policies in a speech in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, described the European Union as a "capitalist club".

"What we're saying is that the people of Britain have got to have a choice. We want to get out of the European Union and back into the world," said the former union leader.

He argued the party was not racist or xenophobic but wanted to take back into public ownership industries such as coal, steel and car manufacturing.

"We'd argue they should all be brought back into public ownership and accountability," he said.

The European Parliament elections on 4 June will be the biggest trans-national election in history.

About 375 million European citizens in 27 countries are eligible to vote, as 736 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected for a five-year term.