A POLITICIAN representing Hampshire has been criticised for joining a far-right group in the European Parliament.

South East MEP, Janice Atkinson, who was expelled from UKIP last year over an expenses controversy, has become vice-chairman of anti-European Union group Europe of Nations of Freedom.

Speaking after the group was officially formed with France's National Front group, she said: "The mercilessness of the European agenda is felt by millions across Europe impoverished by the cruelty of the Euro.

“Choices over our own laws and decisions are taken out of the hands of voters, leaving national parliaments powerless to resist the decrees of the unelected European Commission."

But she was heavily criticised by fellow MEPs in the South East, who said the group features members of "hate groups" across Europe.

Green Keith Taylor saying: "I am sure that South East constituents would not want Janice Atkinson propping up these hate groups in their name and I am appalled that she would treat her constituents - those who voted her into office - with such little respect."

And Labour's Anneliese Dodds said: "By joining with the National Front, Janice Atkinson is not only going against the wishes of her electors, but also providing the far right with millions of euros of taxpayers' money."