"To welcome Bill Newton-Dunn into the Liberal Democrats is surely an event of great significance," commented Diana Wallis. "He is a politician who has always commanded great respect and his tolerant views on Europe have never, in any way, undermined his support of his country.
"What message does this send to the Tories? William Hague...you are heading a party which has practically vacuum-sealed itself in the European Parliament, alienating not only the more sensible elements in your party but also your supporters."
Mr Newton Dunn said that he had left the Conservative Party because of William Hague's "hard swing to the right." His views as a One Nation Conservative were now more in line with Liberal Democrat policies on Europe.