London's Green MEP Jean Lambert has called upon the European Parliament to re-examine the way it does business following a secret ballot over the future of Turkey's accession to the EU.

The Green Party at the "Secret Ballot" Vote in the European Parliament

Photo: European Parliament

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Mrs Lambert voted in favour of the opening of membership talks with Turkey. EU leaders will make their final decision on Friday of this week.

She said; "Attempts by the Conservatives and Christian Democrats to increase the number of no-votes by introducing a secret vote, have proven futile. How can we ask for transparency in the EU Council of Ministers when it legislates, if we demand secrecy? We too make decisions in the public interest and are supposed to be accountable for our decisions."

The Greens, have having always favoured the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey, are pleased by the Parliament's resoluteness.

As a party we have long demanded greater transparency in government at all levels . We are not in favour of backroom deals, but of open, accessible, transparent government.

ENDS