Confusion after MEP releases 'peace dove' from bag in European parliament – video

A member of the European parliament released a white dove in the parliamentary chamber on Wednesday, in what he claimed was a gesture of peace. Miroslav Radačovský, an MEP from the Slovak Patriot party, made a short speech in what he said was his 'last intervention' in parliament. He wished Europe and the world peace, before releasing the bird from a bag around his waist. 'Let's let this dove unite all of us. Let this dove, a symbol of peace … let us realise that what we need most is really peace,' he said.

A French Green MEP said the gesture was a violation of parliamentary rules. 'What are you going to do now to get this animal back?' asked Caroline Roose. 'Where is animal welfare in this speaker's gesture? I find this absolutely unacceptable'