No 10 moved to bring MEPS into line over Hungary leader

DOWNING Street has privately told Conservative MEPS to distance themselves from Hungary’s authoritarian prime minister after they did not oppose him in a crucial vote.

Leaked Whatsapp messages appear to show No10 intervening after Tory MEPS were accused of “giving bigotry a free pass” by backing Viktor Orban’s government in the European Parliament. Downing Street instructed MEPS to share a tweet saying they do not support Mr Orban and warned them not to comment further on the matter.

In an unprecedented vote this week, the European Parliament ruled in favour of launching disciplinary action against Hungary, after Mr Orban’s government was accused of targeting nongovernment organisations, the media and universities. He has been criticised for his rhetoric about “Muslim invaders” and calling migrants “poison”.

However, British Tory MEPS voted against the motion. A spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn’s said their actions were “absolutely shocking”, while Downing Street claimed it was not consulted before the vote.

Messages seen by Buzzfeed were sent to Tory MEPS, suggesting that Downing Street then intervened. The website reported that No 10 instructed Daniel Dalton, the Tory’s European Parliament chief whip, to send a tweet distancing their MEPS from Mr Orban.

A message from Ashley Fox, the leader of party in the European Parliament, said: “Downing Street have asked Dan D to tweet that our vote on Art 7 does not imply support for Orban. Can I ask all members to retweet DD without further comment.”