Wales MEP Jill Evans has commented on Tony Blair's speech in the European Parliament today. She said:

"The unfortunate choice of migrating birds as the UK Presidency logo is a tragic reflection of this presidency. I believe the image will come back to haunt them.

"When Tony Blair last spoke to this house in June, I said that by blocking the EU budget the UK had put Wales's European funding after 2007 in jeopardy. Four months on we are no wiser about what will happen. Tony Blair said today that we would get an agreement in December but he didn't say what kind of agreement. If he gets his way it will mean that Wales gets no European funding after 2007. We would then be dependent on London for any funding.

"It is clear that for Tony Blair the new countries from Eastern Europe have a higher priority than Wales, even though West Wales and the Valleys are poorer than some of them.

"It has been proved once again that the British government will not represent the interests of Wales. The only way that the people of Wales will get equality with other peoples in Europe is when we are members in our own right."