Italy's 5-Star goes back to UKIP alliance in EU Parliament: Farage

Reuters

Published Jan 10, 2017 11:56AM ET

Italy's 5-Star goes back to UKIP alliance in EU Parliament: Farage

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement has backtracked from plans to quit the UKIP grouping in the European Parliament, UKIP founder Nigel Farage said on Tuesday.

The U-turn comes after 5-Star was rejected from an alliance with the pro-EU Liberals, a move that had been supported by 5-Star activists in an online vote.

Farage said that all differences with 5-Star had been resolved "in an amicable manner". On Monday, its leader, Beppe Grillo, had written a post on his blog, the party's main mouthpiece, bidding farewell to Farage.

The UKIP founder welcomed back the 5-Star's 17 European lawmakers, but noted that some "administrative changes" will be needed before continuing to work together in the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group.

A spokesman for Farage declined to give further details on what changes will be required.

5-Star Movement lawmakers were not reachable for comments.