Freedom Association in Brussels

[gc]

Having been associated with TFA for many years, I was delighted to receive an invite to their first ever meeting in Brussels tonight (4th Nov).

Held just a few yards from the Commission HQ at the Berlaymont, this was a meeting that was well attended: of those that I personally recognised, there were not just Brits, but Poles, an Italian, two French, a Swede, and an American. It is nice to know that the British eurosceptic arguments are of interest to our neighbours and friends. For a seriously homesick ex-pat like me, it was also a lovely surprise, and a huge pleasure, to walk through the door and see Mick McGough and Simon Richards smiling at me.

The guest speaker was Micheal Kaminski.... TFA has never shied away from controversy, and he gave a good presentation. I remain uncomfortable about him, but to his credit, I must say that he addressed the allegations against him head-on.

It was a good event. Roger Helmer was the host, Chris Gillibrand (a former UKIP employee until Farage took against him) was the organiser.

Chris helped me to organise the launch of the UKIP Brussels branch in the EP, some years ago, and that was also a huge success, although it was overshadowed somewhat by allegations, some days beforehand, of Farage's dalliance with a pole-dancer, or lap-dancer, or whatever she was, in the News of the screws. I guess we won't want to do a function like that again...

Although I have left UKIP, I still want to see the party get it right, and so I was surprised when I realised that despite having been expressly invited, UKIP's Brussels Korps failed to send along a single body. Two Tory MEPs pointed this out to me with grins on their faces....

[Independent UKIP]

I'm sure you will correct me if I am wrong but you went to Brussels as what most fair minded people would regard as an employee of Tom Wise MEP. As Tom Wise has not been an MEP for some time now I wonder if you could let us know the how and why of your continued residence in that city particuarly considering your declaration that you are "seriously homesick". What is stopping you coming home? a new job perhaps or generous Belgian social security benefits? That is pure speculation on my part so the truth of the matter would be most helpful. Thanks.

I trust Mr McGough will confirm his personal pleasure at seeing you at this event.

[gc]

As you are so wrong, I am pleased to correct you.

I came to Brussels as an employee of the Ind Dem group in European Parliament.

I stay here because I still work here, and because my children attend schools here. Is that ok with you?

[Blazing Star]

I came to Brussels as an employee of the Ind Dem group in European Parliament.

Well, I don't suppose Wise paid you out of his own pocket.

[grehamjones01]

The guest speaker was Micheal Kaminski.... TFA has never shied away from controversy, and he gave a good presentation. I remain uncomfortable about him, but to his credit, I must say that he addressed the allegations against him head-on.

[Tim the plumber]

gc,

I realise this is not at all the subject of your thread but...

As a brussels insider can you tell me if the machinery of the EU can explain or discuss the AGW thing? How is this going etc..

Sorry it is just my hobby horse. I can not get any decent explaination of the panic so I would like to understand how those in power see it.

Thanks.

[vvpeter20]

Held just a few yards from the Commission HQ at the Berlaymont, this was a meeting that was well attended: of those that I personally recognised, there were not just Brits, but Poles, an Italian, two French, a Swede, and an American. It is nice to know that the British eurosceptic arguments are of interest to our neighbours and friends. For a seriously homesick ex-pat like me, it was also a lovely surprise, and a huge pleasure, to walk through the door and see Mick McGough and Simon Richards smiling at me.