Bruges Group - Where were the other two?

The room was so full for the event there was standing room only - but there was no sign of Dan Hannan and Roger Helmer.Hannan and Helmer were supposed to be sharing a platform with the UKIP leader Nigel Farage at the Bruges Group debate yesterday at the Tory conference, However, due to 'heavy pressure' explained Barry Legg, the two Tory MEPs were not in a position to attend .Hannan and Helmer were threatened with de-selection should they speak on the same platform as Nigel Farage.

As Trixy hears it, both MEPs, who sit with the non attached in the European Parliament because they did not tow the line of the Europhile group they sit with, received letters from Conservative Party HQ instructed By David Cameron not to be at the meeting or speak on the subject.They were told that they were not allowed to share a platform with Nigel Farage ever.

What has Cameron got to fear from two of his most EU-sceptical MEPs telling the truth about the EU as they have done so eloquently at many meetings over the years?

The UKIP leader said: "Last year even the LibDems were prepared to debate with me. This year we just see the Tories being, in the words of Margaret Thatcher, 'frit'."

Mr Farage went on: "The Tories are frightened of debate, frightened of the EU and this proves they are frightened of the UK Independence Party.

"The fact that the two most prominent Eurosceptics in the party have been muzzled in this way just goes to show that come next year's European Parliament elections there is only one show in town and that is UKIP

.The 500 Tory activists present were not happy bunnies but warmly listened to what Nigel had to say and most commented at the end of the meeting that they would be voting UKIP in the European Elections! Update - The socialist Tory hierarchy are happy to share a platform with Cherie Blair and Hazel Blears.