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.
43 Responses to “Spain, spin and the G20”
Richard
The G20 website states
1) The number of countries involved is restricted and fixed
2) Membership of the Group has “remained unchanged since it was established”
3) Spain is not in the G20
There we go problem solved, Spain is not a member of the G20
willstraw
Just for the record, Left Foot Forward has never claimed that Spain was a G20 country. We’ve only pointed out that they are very keen to be a member and have attended several meetings.
Therese – the Council will still rotate even now we have van Rompuy. After all, he can’t chair all the junior ministerial meetings.
Billy Blofeld
Will,
In your blog piece you pose the question “So who’s right?”
You also position this blog as “evidence based”. Thus given the evidence presented – isn’t it time for you to update your blog and provide us with a conclusion to your original question? Just who is right?
simon
“I think it is entirely possible that this was an honest mistake, not deceit – who’s with me?”
Oh purlease. At least have the guts to admit it when you’re using deliberate cynicism and propaganda to make your political opponents look silly.
Rob
“Just for the record, Left Foot Forward has never claimed that Spain was a G20 country. We’ve only pointed out that they are very keen to be a member and have attended several meetings.”
What the buggery sod as that got to do with anything? I’m very keen to be in the Sugababes.