TORIES have pledged to form the first "official opposition" in European Parliament as they launch their south east Euro election campaign in Southampton.

Conservatives said they remained committed to the European Union but wanted to form a new party to deliver a new vision for a less centralised, wasteful, and controlling Europe.

Shadow Europe minister Mark Francis told the Echo they opposed further the transfer of powers and wanted to reclaim from Brussels control over social and employment law.

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He said Conservatives would negotiate more robustly in Europe to stand up for national interest. "We believe Briton should remain part of the Euro but not run by Europe," he said.

As part of their vision Conservatives have announced they will walk away from the largest, centre right grouping in the European parliament, the European People's Party.

South East Euro MP Daniel Hannan, a eurosceptic who is heading the party regional list for re-election and withdrew from the EPP ahead of his party, denied the move will reduce the Tories'

influence.

He said it would give the European Parliament its first "official opposition" and other "respectable main stream parties", who have doubts over the direction of Europe, would flock to the banner.

He said there was a general consensus among the main parties, who wanted to give more powers to Brussels, and adopt a common foreign and defence policy, and the Tories would "break the cartel".

Conservatives need to attract MEPs from seven different countries to form a new grouping.

Mr Hannan said electorate was sensible enough not to vote for the BNP as a protest in the wake of the MPs expanses scandal.

Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling joined the European Parliament cadidiates for the campaign launch at Southampton's new £19m Ocean cruise terminal.