Meaning: The quote by Steve Blake, an athlete, addresses the potential impact of the election of British National Party (BNP) Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to the functioning of the European Parliament and the Commission. The BNP is a far-right political party in the United Kingdom known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance. In this quote, Blake suggests that the election of a small number of BNP MEPs would have minimal influence on the operations of the EU institutions.

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union (EU), while the Commission is the executive branch responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions. Both institutions play crucial roles in shaping EU policies and laws, making the question of the potential impact of BNP MEPs on their functioning significant.

The statement implicitly acknowledges the limited influence that a small number of MEPs from a single political party can have in a diverse and complex legislative body like the European Parliament. With 751 MEPs representing over 500 million people from 28 member states (at the time of the quote), the impact of a few BNP representatives is likely to be marginalized in the broader context of the Parliament's composition.

Furthermore, the quote reflects a broader understanding of the political dynamics within the European Parliament. Decision-making in the EU is characterized by a complex system of alliances and coalitions among political groups, and the influence of individual MEPs or small parties is often constrained by these larger groupings. As such, the quote suggests that the BNP's potential influence would be limited by their marginal representation and the need to form alliances with other political groups to advance their agenda.

It is important to note that the quote also highlights the specific context of the European Parliament and the Commission. Unlike some national parliaments where small parties or independent members can hold disproportionate influence, the EU's institutional framework and decision-making processes are designed to accommodate a diverse range of political viewpoints while prioritizing broader consensus-building and cooperation.

In practical terms, the quote implies that the BNP's ability to shape EU policies and decisions would be constrained by the need to garner support from other political groups, many of which are likely to be ideologically opposed to the BNP's positions. Additionally, the quote suggests that the influence of MEPs is not solely determined by their numerical representation but also by their ability to build alliances, engage in debates, and navigate the complex legislative process within the European Parliament.

Overall, the quote by Steve Blake offers a perspective on the potential impact of the election of BNP MEPs to the European Parliament and the Commission. It underscores the limited influence that a small number of representatives from a single party are likely to have in the broader context of the EU's political landscape and decision-making processes. Additionally, it highlights the complexities of EU governance and the importance of coalition-building and consensus-building in shaping policies at the European level.