London - Labour MEPs last night stood defiant in the face of their suspension for refusing to sign a new edict silencing members from commenting publicly on party selection procedures.
In an unprecedented move four MEPs - Mr Ken Coates, Mr Hugh Kerr, Mr Alex Falconer and Mr Michael Hindley - were told they were no longer welcome at meetings of the 62strong Labour group in the European Parliament.
Mr Kerr condemned the move, alleging that the suspensions displayed "Stalinist tendencies" within New Labour.