Kinnock is denied European posting

JOHN MAJOR yesterday vetoed the appointment of Neil Kinnock, the former Labour leader, as one of Britain's two European Commissioners. The timing of the announcement was seen by Labour as a further attempt by the Prime Minister to buy off some of the rebels threatening to vote against the pit closure policy tonight.

Several of the Tory MPs who are threatening to vote against the Government are also opposed to Mr Major's policy on Maastricht and have been angered at the prospect of Mr Kinnock becoming a Commissioner. The Prime Minister reappointed Bruce Millan, the former Labour minister, and Sir Leon Brittan, the former Tory trade and industry minister, to serve for a further two years.

The Prime Minister's office denied there was any significance in the timing of the announcement on the eve of tonight's vote. 'The Prime Minister feels that both commissioners have done a good job and continuity is desirable,' a source said.

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