Gareth Thomas MP, Labour’s Shadow Europe Minister, responding to Lord Hill’s appointment as EU Commissioner for financial services, said:

“The key test for David Cameron remains whether he can ensure that Britain plays a leading role in pushing an agenda for change and reform within the new European Commission.

“The priority for the UK’s newly appointed European Commissioner in the months to come will be to start repairing broken alliances and building bridges with partners across the EU so that he can effectively speak up for Britain and push for reforms that Europe needs, and Britain wants.

“As the eurozone once again faces perilous times ahead, the European Commission needs to be a vital partner for Britain in seeking to establish the most robust and effective mechanisms of dealing with the economic uncertainty yet to come.”