Tories have left mainstream European politics - Lyon

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Jun 2009

Commenting on the announcement that the Conservatives have formed a new party grouping in the European Parliament, including the Polish Law and Justice Party and a range of small parties, Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon said:

"This announcement confirms that the Tories have left the mainstream of European politics and joined forces with a rag-bag of parties with extreme views.

"The Scottish Conservatives have opted to throw away influence in Europe in favour of ideological isolationism.

"As a Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP I am committed to putting Scotland right at the heart of decision making in Europe, because we are part of the third biggest grouping. But the Scottish Tory MEP is now on the periphery of Europe, unable to influence any of the big decisions affecting Scotland."