At PMQs today, Gordon Brown answered a question about G20 countries and the recession by saying:
“Spain is in the G20 now and is in recession.”
Quick as a flash Tory Bear posted an article demanding an apology from Brown after saying he “lied to the House”.
So who’s right? Our facts on growth were a bit old yesterday but we did say:
“Spain, who attend G20 meetings, are also still in recession.”
Spain is not a formal member, as TB noted, however they did attend the London and Washington summits (see pics) and would like to attend the G20 again as the EU’s rotating president in the first half of 2010.
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43 Responses to “Spain, spin and the G20”
Guido Fawkes
Will, let it go. My evidence based research shows that Spain is not a member of the G20.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi attended the G20 annual summit in April. So what?
Anon E Mouse
Nick Osborne – Before we start an “arms race” on who should apologise for what in the House of Commons perhaps you could remember the point of the article – Brown said we would “lead the world out of recession” and we haven’t.
We haven’t because he’s useless with economics – always has been. Sold the gold at a third of the current value and “An end to boom and bust”.
Instead of nitpicking about a single remark why can’t you see the big picture? The blokes useless. You know it. I know it. The Labour Party knows it. The electors in this country know it. Dump Brown or lose the election.
Pete Bowers
Given that the EU is the 20th member of the G20 and Spain is a member of the EU, surely it is fair to say that Spain is part of the G20 – even if it isn’t a member as such? It seems to me that there are no substantive implications of Brown being slightly wrong with his semantics. His point still stands, despite the petty quibbling from the Tories.
Guido Fawkes
It is the difference between Britain being the last G20 member in recession and not being. A propaganda issue of great importance as far as this blog and Downing Street are concerned.
Billy Blofeld
Will,
Some evidence for you to review – the G20 website says that:
“There are no formal criteria for G-20 membership and the composition of the group has remained unchanged since it was established.”
Screen Grab evidence confirming Spain is not a member of the G20 here