WEST MIDLANDS Euro MP Philip Bradbourn has slammed the appointment of John Prescott as Cabinet Minister responsible for the regions and local government, calling it "yet another step in the European-isation of Britain".

Following Stephen Byers resignation, the department for Transport, Environment and the Regions was split up, with environment and the regions going to the Deputy Prime Minister.

But Mr Bradbourn, who is Conservative spokesman for regional policy and local government in the European Parliament, called Mr Prescott the "destroyer" of local government, favouring, instead, regional assemblies.

Surprised many

"The appointment of Mr Prescott has surprised many, given his former failure in the post," he said.

"With the debate on regional assemblies currently a hot topic, especially in the Midlands, many had been hoping that the resignation of Stephen Byers would herald an end to the confusion and incompetence surrounding the issue.

"However, today those hopes have been dashed as the original destroyer of local government was shipped back into the post."

He said the government had "shown disdain" for the people of the West Midlands.

"This finally could have been an opportunity to show that they respect democracy in local government but instead they have chosen the bruiser with a reputation for destroying local democracy.

"The appointment of Prescott with his avowed support for regionalisation plays into the hands of the Brussels bureaucrats."