News from the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Britain's Ashton wins in battle against vested Brussels interests

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Europe's new diplomatic service led by Britain's Cathy Ashton has been given the green light today (Thursday) with parliamentary approval of the service more than six months after Ashton was first appointed.

The agreement has been welcomed as a defeat for those seeking to preserve bureaucratic empires in Brussels.

Labour's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson in the European Parliament, Richard Howitt MEP, helped thwart a last minute attempt by the Parliament's centre-right grouping to further delay agreement by pushing back the vote until after the summer recess.

The British Labour Euro-MP warned that failure to agree further technical changes to staffing and financial rules by October at the latest could result in unnecessary delays, with potential staff put through the recruitment process but unable to be appointed to the new jobs.

Speaking about the parliament's vote, Richard Howitt MEP said:

"This is a defeat for those vested interests from governments, the European Commission and from parliament itself - too many of whom were more interested in preserving their own empires at the expense of creating an effective new external service which properly reflects the spirit of the Lisbon Treaty and gives Cathy Ashton the tools for the
job.

"There is no excuse for further evasion or delay in agreeing the additional changes needed to technical rules on staff and finance, where Parliament's responsibilities are clear and the hard-won compromise must be respected.

"We will still be in a situation where the first anniversary of Cathy's appointment will be approaching and the service she has been asked to lead will only just have been created.

"Any further delay could see new staff interviewed but applicants sitting by their letter boxes waiting for letters of appointment that can't be posted until the further changes are finalised.

"Cathy Ashton has brokered the best possible deal to create an ambitious and inclusive service which genuinely brings together all of the European Union's outward facing activities to produce a combined strong voice for Europe in the world.

"The European Parliament should speak clearly in favour of the agreement or it is Europe which will lose its voice."

EU curbs on bankers' bonuses bite next year

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The EU is moving with unprecedented speed to curb bankers' bonuses, putting robust new laws in place before next year's bonus announcements.

Labour Euro-MP Arlene McCarthy today won the European Parliament's support for measures forcing banks to hold more capital to set against risky activities.

Key provisions will include a cap on the ratio of bonus to fixed salary. Bonus-style pensions will be covered as well, preventing those responsible for a bank's collapse from walking away with huge pension pots.

Arlene McCarthy told the Parliament in Strasbourg: "Financial experts agree that a high-risk, short-term bonus culture, combined with a lack of capital, were at the heart of the global financial crisis in 2008.

"Governments and taxpayers bailed out the banks with 3.9 trillion euros of support. In the UK alone, the support was 1.2 trillion pounds - almost as much as a whole year's GDP.

"Remuneration policies must first and foremost prioritise the health and stability of a financial institution. Despite claims by the banks that they have learned lessons, they have actually increased salaries and bonuses as a proportion of revenues.

"When governments are cutting budgets and people suffer reduced services and support, we cannot accept a banking culture that puts pay and perks above sustaining capital and credit for Europe's economic recovery.

"The bankers have failed to take appropriate action, so we are doing the job for them to rebuild trust and confidence in our banking system."

Trade in illegal wood cut down to size

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new system to ensure the wood used by British companies and citizens isn't made from illegally chopped down trees has been agreed by the European Parliament.

Illegal logging is a major cause of global deforestation, contributing to climate change and a loss of biodiversity. It also feeds money into organised crime and damages the economies of many developing countries.

The environmental charity WWF estimates that 7.2 per cent of UK wood imports could come from illegal sources.

Now that new pan-EU rules have been endorsed by MEPs, it will become easier to buy wood in confidence that it has come from a legal source.

Linda McAvan MEP, Labour's European Parliament spokesperson on the environment, welcomed the result of the vote: "The fight against illegal deforestation took a big step forward today.

"Campaigners estimate that there is a black market in illegally sourced wood worth around two billion pounds across the EU each year.

"It is bad for communities, damaging to the environment and it robs developing countries of an important stream of income.

"Until now the European Union has only had voluntary codes in place to try to stop this kind of trade, but it's clear they haven't been working.

"We now have properly enforceable rules to ban the placing of illegally logged wood on the European market and to ensure that traders can show exactly where their wood has come from."

The agreement comes after two years of negotiations between the European Parliament and EU governments. A petition backed by around 125,000 people was presented to the parliament by campaigners. It has been a major postbag issue for MEPs with constituents calling for their representatives to back the new rules, which are expected to come into force in 2012.

Linda McAvan added: "This is a big victory for MEPs and campaigners who have been pushing the European Commission to act for many years. We will keep up the pressure to make sure EU countries properly enact the legislation.

"These new rules will make a massive difference, both to developing countries and in our battle against climate change."

Labour MEPs call for new inquiry to solve Spanish property problems

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have called on the Spanish government to establish a new committee of inquiry to deal with property problems that have seen thousands of people facing the prospect of losing their home.

Addressing the Spanish Prime Minister in the European Parliament today (Tuesday 6 July), Glenis Willmott, the leader of the British Labour MEPs, said that discussions with colleagues from the ruling Spanish socialist party had resulted in the idea of a committee of inquiry to help those affected to seek redress.

Prime Minister Zapatero has now committed to continue the work with groups in the European Parliament to try to find a solution on this issue.

Glenis Willmott said: "People who have been affected by these threats of repossession and loss of savings aren't interested in political rhetoric, they simply want to sort things out.

"In discussions with Spanish socialist MEPs the idea of a committee of inquiry has been raised. This would bring together government representatives with developers, estate agents and banks to adjudicate on individual cases. It could provide a means to ensure that people are fairly compensated for what has happened to them."

Thousands of people from Spain, Britain and other EU countries, face the prospect of losing their home in Spain, without the prospect of any adequate compensation.

The process, known as ‘land grab', starts with a local authority reclassifying rural land as urban land, without the permission of the land owner. Developers then build on land around properties and demand cash from the owners to pay for new roads, drainage and other infrastructure. In other cases, homes have been bought which have been declared illegal and face demolition.

Michael Cashman MEP, who has been campaigning on this issue for seven years, believes that the committee may be a way of getting through the current impasse that has been blocking effective action on this issue. He said: "Spain's regional laws mean it is difficult for the Spanish government to act on this issue, but act they must.

"For years now we have been demanding action, but very little has been done. If a committee of inquiry offers an opportunity to get past the current blockage then the government must use it.

"Nobody can understand the worry that comes from the prospect of giving up your home, of surrendering your life savings.

"As politicians, we have a duty to campaign for our constituents and, most importantly, to try and find solutions to the problems they face, unlike UKIP who raise the issue when it suits them and then do not even wait to find out the answer from the Prime Minister."

The Gallo report on the enforcement of intellectual property rights

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Labour Members of the European Parliament support the UK and European creative sector, which is hugely important to us, both culturally and economically" said Arlene McCarthy MEP, Labour's legal affairs spokesperson in the European Parliament, in response to the postponement of the vote on the Gallo report.

"In Britain, and across the EU, we have a creative edge that can help us succeed in the global economy. In the UK alone the creative sector contributes around seven per cent of GDP and employs two million people. This success is threatened by infringements of IPR, not least online infringements, which could cost some 1.2 million European jobs by 2015.

"The Gallo report adopted by the Legal Affairs Committee addresses the critical task of tackling all infringements of intellectual property rights, in particular the counterfeiting of goods which threaten consumer health. In addressing online infringements the report strikes the right balance between protecting individual citizens' rights, while ensuring that infringements of the rights of creative sector workers can be properly addressed.

"Labour MEPs are committed to standing up for the millions of workers whose livelihoods depend on our creative industries and call on all Members of the European Parliament to support the report of the Legal Affairs Committee."

Action needed to stop horrific trade in torture instruments

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have called for more to be done to ensure EU countries abide by rules designed to stop the trade in instruments of torture.

In a report approved by the European Parliament, Euro-MPs have hit out at a failure of some EU governments to prevent companies from exporting equipment that can be used for torture or other inhumane or degrading treatment.

The report comes soon after a dossier was published by Amnesty International showing how legal loopholes are being used to continue the sale of goods that should have been banned.

Richard Howitt MEP, spokesperson for Labour's Euro-MPs on human rights, believes more must be done to ensure that EU-wide rules are adhered to: "The sorts of items that are getting through are truly horrifying. Thumb cuffs, leg restraints and equipment used to deliver massive electric shocks are just a few examples.

"I'm proud to say that the last Labour government led the way in cracking down on this despicable trade.

"The European Commission must do more to ensure that countries can't get away with avoiding both their legal and moral responsibility to act on this issue."

The Amnesty report highlighted a number of examples of countries issuing export licences for products that should be banned under the relevant EU regulation.

These included the Czech Republic, which allowed the export of shackles, electric shock weapons and chemical sprays to countries where it is known similar equipment had previously been used by police and security services for torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

Amnesty also said that Germany had issued similar licences for the export of foot-chains and chemical sprays.

The European Parliament today called on both EU governments and the European Commission to do more to ban this type of trade, including extending the list of banned items and requiring governments to make declarations about what penalties they impose on people or organisations who break the rules.

Richard Howitt added: "It was a major achievement to get these rules in place - but they will only help combat ill-treatment if governments abide by them.

"EU countries must not be complicit in the horrific trade of instruments whose only purpose is to cause harm and pain."

New translation rules to make EU trials fairer

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament has approved new legal standards to ensure that people facing criminal charges in any EU country will be able to understand what is happening both inside and outside the courtroom.

The new rules are designed to ensure that people cannot face criminal proceedings in a foreign language without having access to an interpreter and translations of the key documents in the case.

Once in force, the rules will apply in cases in which British citizens face criminal proceedings in other EU member states.

Claude Moraes MEP, Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on justice and home affairs, welcomed the agreement: "At present the support given to people in these circumstances varies widely across Europe.

"It means that in some cases defendants are unable to access key documents in a language they understand, or are not able to follow the proceedings in court.

"Whatever the background of the case, if someone is subject to criminal charges it is imperative that they properly understand what is happening to them.

"A miscarriage of justice is far more likely if a defendant is unable to make sense of what they are being accused of or what evidence is being used against them."

The agreement between the EU member states and the European Parliament was formally adopted by MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday (16 June). EU governments have three years in which to amend their legal systems to comply with the rules.

Claude Moraes added: "In some cases the lack of interpretation means that defendants are not even able to communicate effectively with their own lawyer, never mind the prosecution.

"This is a fundamental principle. You can't allow open and fair justice to be lost in translation."

Food industry "must now accept the need for honest labelling"

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Food manufacturers must now accept the need to be more upfront and honest about the way they label their packages.

That's the message from Labour MEP Glenis Willmott after the European Parliament voted to require companies to display more nutritional information about their products on the front of packs.

A massive lobby by the food industry defeated proposals by parliamentarians to require the use of "traffic light labels" on many processed foods, but manufacturers failed in their attempts to block more honest labelling about where products are produced.

In an important victory for consumers, the parliament backed rules to prevent products largely produced with imported ingredients from being misleadingly labelled as British. That's a move that will be welcomed by the National Farmers Unions and consumer groups.

At present the processing of a food in the UK can allow companies to label it as British, even though the meat could have come from an animal that was reared and slaughtered abroad.

Although not approving colour coded labels, the parliament did back a requirement for foods to include key nutritional information, including the amount of salt, fat and sugar contained in the product, on the front of packaging.

Manufacturers were pushing to limit this requirement to the back of the pack.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in the European Parliament, had led the charge to introduce more consumer friendly labels.

Speaking after the vote she said: "Food manufacturers must now recognise that they have a responsibility to be fair and upfront with their customers.

"The rules we've approved today make it clear that we won't stand for people being misled by food packaging.

"It's an important victory that I know will be welcomed by farmers and, most importantly, by shoppers who want to know exactly where their food has come from."

Unsurprised by traffic light result

Speaking about the failure to push through a traffic light scheme, Glenis said: "I'm disappointed but unsurprised that we didn't get agreement on traffic lights.

"What's particularly sad about the last few weeks is that discussions took place in a climate of misinformation - due in no small part to the campaign being waged against consumer-friendly labels.

"Food manufactures have spent so much time and money on trying to avoid giving their own customers honest information about their food. These companies should be focussing their resources on helping consumers understand exactly what they're putting in their trolley."

Campaign to continue

The first reading vote will now be considered by ministers from EU governments.

Glenis added: "We still need EU governments to agree to these provisions, and food manufacturers are already pushing hard for them to weaken the parliament's plans.

"If we're serious about tackling heart disease and obesity, we have to help people understand how much salt, fat and sugar is in their food. That's particularly true for products like ready meals and prepacked sandwiches where the label is the only way of knowing how healthy something is."

"Labour MEPs will continue to campaign to give shoppers the right to know exactly what is in their food."

Brussels battle over ready meal rules

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour members of the European Parliament have launched a last ditch effort to prevent a PR push by food industry lobbyists from stopping shoppers from getting honest, upfront information about their food.

Next Wednesday MEPs are set to vote on food labelling rules, including the question of whether "traffic light labels" should be used on the front of packs for ready meals, processed convenience foods and many soft drinks.

If successful it would mean that these foods would need to show a sequence of red, amber or green indications so that people can quickly see how much salt, fat and sugar an item contains.

The British Heart Foundation, consumer body Which? and the British Medical Association have supported the scheme but the idea is being fiercely resisted by food manufacturers, who have spent the last few months on a major charm offensive to try and block MEPs' proposals.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on health, has been campaigning for more honest food labelling since the Commission first proposed to change EU rules two years ago. She said:

"This is about giving shoppers the right to make an informed choice about what they're buying, but it's clear that most food manufacturers don't want people to know what's really in their food.

"If we're serious about tackling obesity and heart disease, people need to know how much sugar, salt and fat is in the food they eat. But with products like ready meals and pre-packed sandwiches, the only real way of getting the facts is by checking the label - so there has to be a quick and easy way for people to interpret all that information."

Traffic light labels are already used by many suppliers and have the backing of big supermarket chains, including Asda, the Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's.

Amendments in support of a traffic light scheme were narrowly defeated at committee stage, but they have been retabled by Glenis Willmott so they can be considered by the whole parliament.

She is concerned the campaign for this kind of upfront information is being undermined by false claims that are circulating the European Parliament, in particular claims that the rules would apply to things like cheese and fruit juices, which wouldn't be covered by the traffic light proposals.

The rumours come against a background of intense lobbying by the food manufacturing industry.

Glenis, who is also the leader of the Labour MEPs, added: "I believe that we have a crucial opportunity to give consumers real power.

"But some food manufacturers are spreading misinformation in an attempt to block the traffic light scheme. They've poured enormous amounts of money, time and effort into challenging these and other ideas that would give consumers a better understanding of what's in their food.

"To be frank, they don't want to see traffic light labels because they don't want this kind of information in such an easy to understand format. They prefer complex labels that make it far harder for shoppers to really understand what's going in their basket."

Mobile phone ruling is good news for consumers

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have welcomed a European court ruling that has rejected attempts by major mobile phone operators to challenge an EU cap on the cost of using mobile phones abroad.

Speaking immediately after the ruling, Arlene McCarthy, the Euro MP who steered the mobile roaming law through the European Parliament as Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, said: "Today's judgement from the European Court of Justice shows we were right to act against excessive charges by mobile operators for using your phone in another EU country.

"It is now time for the mobile operators to show that they have learned their lesson and will charge fair, competitive prices to their customers. The operators should give consumers a fair deal, not try to wreck laws that we had to introduce to protect our constituents."

Catherine Stihler, Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on consumer affairs, added: "This ruling is good news for consumers. Mobile phone companies were given ample opportunity to act on the cost of using phones abroad, but in the end it took EU action to bring prices down."

Ministers should act now to boost access to life-saving organ transplants

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have called on EU governments to act quickly to agree new rules to boost access to life-saving organ transplants.

The call from comes after the European Parliament voted on a package of standards to help improve the safety and quality of organs donated across the EU.

By establishing these guarantees, the proposed rules should help boost access to a larger pool of organ donations.

This would particularly help people looking for a rare match, enabling them to be paired with a donor from another EU country.

The EU directive was backed by the European Parliament on Wednesday and now needs to be approved by governments from the EU's 27 member states.

Glenis Willmott MEP, who is Labour's leader in the European Parliament as well as the spokesperson for Labour MEPs on public health, has now led the call for health ministers to ensure that agreement is reached as soon as possible: "This package has now been approved by the European Parliament and has the broad support of national governments.

"On average 12 people die everyday across the EU while they are waiting for a transplant. Patients want to be given the best chances of finding a suitable match, so the sooner we act the better."

While most organ transplants in the UK come from British donations, the use of organs from other countries is becoming more common, particularly where patients are waiting for a rare match.

There are more than 9,000 people waiting for a transplant in the UK, but only around 3,000 transplants are carried out each year.

Glenis added: "The planned rules would mean that there would be one simple and safe system for all 27 member states of the EU, offering hope to the 56,000 European citizens on waiting lists for transplants.

"This would be especially beneficial for those patients who are waiting for a rare match, who could be paired up with a donor from elsewhere in Europe, safe in the knowledge that the donor and organ were subject to the same quality and safety standards that they would have been in the UK.

"Currently we face a severe shortage of suitable donors across Europe. I hope that these proposals will be a significant step towards solving this terrible problem."

Labour MEPs were closely involved in the scrutiny of the package, amending the proposals to make them more flexible for the NHS and other European health services.

The new package will not affect existing rules ensuring organs donated within the NHS are prioritised for use by NHS patients.

Consumer victory as parliament says no to meat glue

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament has voted to ban a glue used by the food industry to stick scraps of meat together for sale as whole steaks.

The decision comes after concerns were raised that the use of 'thrombin', which is derived from the blood of pigs and cows, misleads consumers and therefore should not be allowed under EU law.

The enzyme is the same protein that plays a role in the process that stops bleeding from a wound. When used as glue, thrombin allows food manufacturers to seamlessly join pieces of meat and chicken together to form steaks, which can then be sold at a higher price to consumers, who unwittingly believe they are buying whole pieces of meat.

An expert committee recommended that thrombin be authorised as a food additive but Labour MEPs have backed calls to block that decision on the grounds of consumers being misled.

Linda McAvan, Labour's spokesperson on the issue, said: "The use of meat glue can mislead people and get them to pay a higher price for a lower value product. That has to be wrong.

"People are increasingly conscious of the food products they buy, where they are from and how they are processed but most people remain unaware of ‘tricks of the trade' such as this.

"When you buy a filet you expect to buy one piece of meat, not a mix of small pieces of various qualities of meat glued together. And you should get what you pay for. I've recently voted for the honest labelling of British made produce and I'm pleased to back consumers again and vote for a ban on meat glue."

The European Commission will now have to come forward with a revised list of food additives.

Trade negotiations opened to public scrutiny after pressure from MEPs

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Documents about plans to tackle the international trade in counterfeit goods have been released, just weeks after the European Parliament called for greater transparency in negotiations on the issue.

The Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is currently being negotiated by the European Union and ten countries worldwide.

In March Labour's David Martin MEP co-authored a resolution in which the European Parliament called for greater clarity about exactly what issues were being discussed.

Campaigners have raised concerns that the agreement could have implications for individuals' civil liberties.

They were concerned that the agreement could result in people having their computer equipment analysed by customs officials looking for illegally downloaded files.

The lack of clarity over what was being discussed also meant there was apprehension over the impact any treaty might have on the trade in generic medicines, which help supply cheaper drugs to the healthcare sector.

Documents released on Wednesday (21 April) seem to offer some reassurances on these issues, showing that most of the detail focuses on large scale counterfeiting.

David Martin, who is Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on trade, said: "Thanks to pressure from EU citizens and the European Parliament - there has been an important shift in favour of increased transparency.

"The documents mean that it's now easier to see exactly what is being discussed, but the final agreement hasn't been reached yet.

"That will need the European Parliament's approval, so it's vital the European Commission pays attention to MEPs' concerns."

Labour MEPs have stressed that ACTA should target commercial counterfeiters and not individuals.

The countries involved in the negotiations, which include the USA and Japan, hope to strike a deal to help tackle the trade in counterfeit goods and uphold intellectual property rights.

Officials at EU borders seized 79 million counterfeit articles in 2007. The trade includes cosmetic products, toys and medicines - sectors in which fake goods can have serious implications for consumer safety.

Speaking on the impact any treaty could have on the pharmaceutical sector, David Martin added: "Commercial interests must never be placed over public health, so I welcome the clarification we've had from the negotiators.

"As a major transit point for generic medicines to developing countries, it is vital that the European Union does not impede the trade in legitimate generic medicines which save millions of lives in developing countries."

'Sort out Spanish property problems or suspend EU funding', says Labour MEP

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Labour MEP has hit out at the Spanish government over its failure to support people, including many British citizens, who are facing the prospect of their homes being demolished.

Michael Cashman MEP has been pushing for Spain's national government to step in to solve the disagreement over local planning laws but, with the authorities failing to respond, he is calling for EU funding to the affected region to be suspended.

The call came as Cashman welcomed a group of people affected by the problems to the European Parliament's Petitions Committee, where they had the opportunity to raise their concerns with Euro-MPs.

In many cases people face the prospect of their properties being knocked down because, while they purchased them through the Spanish legal system, it subsequently transpired that the properties were in breach of laws designed to prevent development too close to the coastline.

The bulk of the people affected are Spanish but the problem affects all EU citizens, including thousands of British people who have bought retirement or holiday properties in Andalucía, Valencia, Murcia and other regions of Spain.

The European Parliament's Petitions Committee has received over 15,000 petitions from individuals concerned about the subject.

Michael Cashman, who is Labour's spokesperson on the Petitions Committee, said: "We have been working on this since 2004 and it remains unresolved. The Spanish Government needs to address, together with the regional authorities, the recurring breaches of fundamental rights.

"It is vital for the parties to come together to resolve this on behalf of all the EU citizens who have been involved in these property problems, which they did not cause. They have legally purchased illegally-built houses!"

Earlier this year Cashman wrote to the Spanish Prime Minister asking the national government to step in to find a resolution to the crisis.

However, the government at first refused to deal with the letter because it was in English and has subsequently failed to respond to a Spanish translation.

Michael Cashman added: "I've lost count of the number of complaints I have received on this issue. It is now damaging Spain's international reputation and the government should step in to sort it out.

"It's time for something to be done to end the worry and heartache of people who wake up everyday under the threat of demolition orders. If no action is taking, EU funding to the region should be suspended until EU citizens' rights are properly respected."

Misleading 'British' meat claims challenged by EU vote

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A European Parliament committee has voted for new rules to stop companies from misleading consumers by saying that products made with foreign-reared meat are British.

In a vote on Tuesday 16 March on EU-wide food labelling laws, the parliament's committee on public health supported a mandatory requirement for companies to tell consumers where the animals used to make their meat products were reared.

At present the processing of a food in the UK can allow companies to label it as British, even though the meat could have come from an animal that was reared and slaughtered abroad.

It means that processed foods, like sausages and ready-meals, as well as prepared products such as pre-packed sandwiches, can be labelled as British even if they don't contain British meat.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in the European Parliament, was leading the call for stronger consumer rights in the committee discussions.

She said: "If you buy food labelled as British, you would rightly expect any meat in it to have come from British farms. Yet currently you have no way of checking whether that's really the case. So your chicken-salad sandwich might say it's British, but the chicken could have come from Thailand.

"Today's vote is the latest step in our campaign to ensure that manufacturers are honest with consumers about where their products come from."

The proposals are supported by the National Farmers' Union and consumer groups.

The committee also supported a call for consumers to be told whether egg-based foods, such as quiches and mayonnaise, came from battery-farmed or free-range hens.

However MEPs rejected a call for traffic light labelling of foods, which would make it far easier for shoppers to quickly determine whether a product is high in things like fats, calories and sugars.

Labour's Euro-MPs have vowed to continue to push for this type of labelling, which is strongly supported by consumer and health groups. They will have a chance to strengthen the rules when the committee's proposals are put to the whole parliament for approval, probably in May.

The final food labelling rules will need to be agreed jointly by the European Parliament and government ministers from the EU member states.

Today's vote comes against a background of intense lobbying by food manufacturers who have been trying to limit the amount of information they are required to give consumers.

Glenis, who is also Labour's European spokesperson on public health, added: "The big food manufacturers have poured huge resources into trying to stop people from knowing the facts about what they eat.

"Against a background of intensive lobbying, Labour MEPs are standing up for consumer rights.

"We know that people want this kind of information and health professionals are clear that it would help in the battle against obesity, heart disease and diabetes. So why are manufacturers so afraid of telling people what's in their food?

"We'll continue to do whatever we can to help shoppers make an informed choice about what they eat and drink."

EU to help small firms beat recession with red tape cuts

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament has voted to exempt very small firms from EU bookkeeping laws to reduce the burden of red tape and help companies beat the recession.

A vote on Wednesday 10 March meant that these types of company, known as micro-entities, will not face the prospect of detailed obligations under the EU accounting standards,

Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, said: "As our small firms struggle to overcome the crisis we are determined to help them by cutting red tape.

"It is vitally important that EU law does not over-burden very small businesses. This exemption means that very small firms will save around £1,000 in accountancy and audit fees."

This Commission proposal forms part of Europe's response to the financial crisis and is an important element of the European Small Business Act; a set of proposals to reduce burdens on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The new law will amend the 4th company law directive, dealing with accounting standards, to exempt the smallest category of SME, defined as firms with, for example, less than 10 employees and a small turnover. It was backed by the European Parliament by 445 votes to 196.

Over five million firms across Europe fall into this definition, and the European Commission estimates that savings for each firm will be around £1,000.

Arlene added: "We have made a commitment in the EU to reduce burdens on business by 25% by 2012, and this law is an important step towards meeting that goal. Micro-entities are often the first step on the ladder to successful employers of the future, we need to nurture and support these businesses, not place extra burdens on them."

Labour MEPs urge shoppers to switch to Fairtrade

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Shoppers are being encouraged to help tackle poverty by joining the Fairtrade Big Swap campaign.

The call to buy Fairtrade products comes from Labour MEPs and coincides with Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday 7 March.

Every year campaigners organise events during the two-week period to raise the profile of the scheme, which helps ensure workers in poorer countries get a fair price for the products they produce.

MEPs are urging shoppers in their constituencies to look for the Fairtrade Mark on food, gifts and other products in the shops.

Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade logo and there are over 460 producer organisations selling to the UK, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers in developing countries.

The UK government has announced plans to boost funding for the labelling system.

This latest investment will bring another one million producers into the scheme and enable seven million more people in poor countries to benefit from a better deal.

Labour MEPs have been working for a number of years to support the fair trade movement, putting pressure on the European institutions to step up their support.

A European Commission initiative launched last year encouraged European countries to do more to promote the use of sustainable products.

The European Parliament is also using more Fairtrade products after a campaign by the Euro-MPs.

Linda McAvan MEP, who chairs the European Parliament's Fair Trade Working Group, said: "I am delighted to see that our hard work is paying off. We have achieved so much in the past decade.

"As a result of the group's efforts Fairtrade tea and coffee are now routinely served in all European Parliament meetings and events and Fairtrade products are given pride of place in our restaurants and canteens."

David Martin MEP, the spokesperson for Labour MEPs on trade, added: "Fairtrade isn't just a concept - it's a really practical way of making a difference to the lives of some of the world's poorest people. Small changes in our shopping habits can make a big difference to the world's poorest people.

"By buying food, gifts and other products from developing countries we will help their economies to grow and reduce poverty."

Glenis Willmott pays tribute to Michael Foot

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's leader in the European Parliament has paid tribute to Michael Foot, the former leader of the Labour Party, who died on Wednesday (3 March).

Speaking after news of his death was announced, Glenis Willmott MEP, said:

"This is truly sad news for anyone who believes in the core Labour values to which Michael Foot was so committed.

"He was a man who held deep beliefs and was passionate about those beliefs. He always wanted to do the best for the people of Britain and will be sorely missed by everyone in the labour movement."

New mobile rules to prevent post-holiday bill-shock

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have welcomed new rules that give consumers extra protection from unexpectedly high mobile phone bills.

The EU rules on mobile data roaming, which came into force on 1 March 2010, are designed to prevent consumers from building up big bills because they are unaware of the cost of accessing the internet on their mobile.

Catherine Stihler MEP, Labour's spokesperson on consumer affairs in the European Parliament, said: "For many people mobile communication is now just as much about Facebook and Twitter as calls and text messages. These new rules will ensure that people can enjoy their holidays without coming home to a shockingly high bill."

The rules mean that people can set a limit on how much they are willing to spend on data roaming while abroad in another EU country. Customers will also be warned when they have reached 80 per cent of that limit.

Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy was chair of the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee when it played a crucial role in setting the new rules. She added: "Consumers can now determine just how much they're willing to spend on their mobile while they're abroad. It's a shame that despite the huge numbers of complaints, mobile operators dragged their feet and we have had to use the full force of the law to get consumers a fair deal on prices."

Budget answers demanded by Labour MEPs

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's leader in the European Parliament has said she will continue to push the institution's authorities to answer crucial questions about its budget.

A vote in the parliament on Thursday (25 February) called for an increase in staffing levels, a move that was opposed by Labour's Euro-MPs and the UK government.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in Europe, has now written to the President of the parliament, Jerzy Buzek, to express her concerns.

Labour MEPs say that the parliamentary authorities have failed to explain where the additional funding needed for the posts will be found.

Speaking immediately after the vote Glenis Willmott said: "It's outrageous that the parliament has agreed to these changes without first securing the necessary guarantees on where the money will come from.

"We asked for evidence to back up the proposals for extra staff - but we didn't get it. We asked for a detailed breakdown of where the money to pay for these jobs will come from - but the answers weren't there.

"For the parliament to refocus its budget so it can work more effectively is one thing - but to agree to extra spending without first finding the money is quite another.

"Our campaign for the parliament to live up to its budgetary responsibilities won't end here. Our questions to the authorities still need answers."

The parliament has justified the increase in staffing by saying that additional resources are needed after a recent increase in the institution's powers.

The letter from Glenis to Mr Buzek expressed the belief of Labour MEPs that the European Parliament "must take its budgetary responsibilities seriously".

Glenis specifically called on the parliament's President to answer two key questions. These were:

What evidence is there to back up the projected need for and costing of these additional posts?
Where will the funding for these additional posts be found?

The letter concluded: "Today's vote does not change the need to respond to these questions. I know that my constituents will demand answers of me."

Time to tackle deadly needle pricks

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's Euro-MPs have called for quick EU action to protect healthcare workers from contracting fatal diseases through injuries from used needles.

The European Parliament has called on government ministers across the EU to prioritise a new European directive to protect people from so called "needlestick injuries", through which it is possible to catch serious blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.

Over the last six years Labour's Stephen Hughes MEP has been working with health workers' unions to drive a campaign for European action on the issue.

He said: "The idea that a needle prick could be fatal might raise a few eyebrows, but the danger is very real.

"I have been touched to hear the stories of workers who have experienced these injuries.

"Imagine the anguish that follows an accident with a used needle. The worker and their family can face many months of uncertainty, not knowing if they will acquire a potentially fatal infection or not."

More than one million needlestick injuries are suffered by healthcare workers in Europe each year, most of which are avoidable. They occur when medical staff, such as nurses, doctors, cleaners and laundry workers, are accidentally pricked with a used needle.

European guidelines on how to prevent these injuries were agreed between employers and worker representatives in June last year, but MEPs believe these rules need legal status to ensure that the risks to workers are minimised.

Most injuries can be prevented through appropriate training and working procedures, as well as the use of equipment with needle protection mechanisms.

A decision taken by the European Parliament last week will now put pressure on ministers to deliver legislation that is currently caught up in negotiations with national governments.

Stephen Hughes had authored the 2006 European Parliament report that prompted the proposals for an EU directive to prevent needlestick injuries.

Speaking after the vote, he welcomed the stance taken by the parliament: "For many years Labour MEPs have been pushing for European-wide action to protect healthcare workers. The proposals we voted through today will help give people the protection they deserve."

Richard Howitt MEP, who is Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on employment and social affairs, added: "NHS staff and other healthcare workers go to enormous efforts to keep us all healthy. They deserve protection from injuries that can have life-threatening consequences. European ministers need to act now to give legal backing to the European guidelines."

"We'll watch EU Commission closely" say Labour MEPs

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's Euro MPs have vowed to hold the European Commission up to detailed scrutiny to ensure it delivers for their constituents.

The 27 commissioners, who have been nominated by the governments of each EU member state, took up their posts this week after attaining the approval of the European Parliament.

Over the last few weeks they all appeared before the parliament's committees to face questions over their suitability to take up crucial jobs in the European Union.

One of the nominees, the Bulgarian candidate Rumiana Jeleva, was forced to withdraw her candidacy after a poor performance in front of the parliament.

Speaking after Tuesday's vote which approved the nominations, Glenis Willmott, leader of the British Labour MEPs, said:

"We've had a chance to hear from the Commissioners. Now it's time for them to get on with their work on issues that really matter to our constituents.

"We need President Barroso to show us that he will deliver on the promises he has made and provide the leadership needed to deliver jobs and economic growth across the EU.

"The last few weeks have shown that the relationship between the Commission and the Parliament is evolving.

"Labour MEPs will be watching the Commissioners closely to ensure that they act in the best interests of European citizens and we will use all the tools available to us to continue to hold them to account."

Members of the Commission will remain in office for five years, during which time they will regularly have to report on their work to the European Parliament and appear for questioning by its committees.

Baroness Catherine Ashton, the Commissioner nominated by the British government, has been made Vice President of the European Commission. She is also the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - a key role in representing the EU to other countries.

Speaking about Catherine Ashton's appointment, Glenis added:

"Baroness Ashton is a great appointment. On her past record, she'll no doubt make this position a major success. It is good for Britain and good for Europe to have her in such an important role."

Labour members of the European Parliament have welcomed the announcement of government plans to give agency workers new rights today.

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour members of the European Parliament have welcomed the announcement of government plans to give agency workers new rights today.

Labour MEPs played an instrumental role in establishing the European legislation on which the new rules are based.

They have also been lobbying hard to ensure that British agency workers get a fair deal as a result of the EU legislation.

Glenis Willmott, leader of the Labour MEPs and a life-long trade unionist, said: "It has not been easy getting to this point, but today's announcement will make a big difference for some of the most vulnerable people in our workforce. This is a major boost for agency workers, many of whom can now look forward to a fairer deal at work."

"All too often colleagues doing exactly the same job, side by side, can be treated entirely differently. Today's announcement will help thousands of workers who've been the victims of an unfair two-tier workforce."

"Colleagues will be concerned that many workers will need to wait until next year to access their rights, but that shouldn't obscure the fact that thousands of people will benefit from these new rules."

"This is a great example of where Labour and Europe are making a real difference for working people."

Spanish 'Land Grab' of UK houses - Labour MEPs go direct to Spanish Prime Minister

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs appealed directly to the Spanish Prime Minister on his visit to the European Parliament today to intervene on behalf of British people whose legally owned Spanish homes were taken from them.

West Midlands Labour MEP Michael Cashman has written a personal appeal to the Spanish Prime Minister. In his letter to Prime Minister Zapatero, he says "it is the Spanish Government alone that can bring an end to these abuses. The Spanish Presidency of the European Council has just started and it represents an opportunity to decisively tackle these long term problem once and for all, especially in the autonomous communities of Valencia, Andalusia and Murcia."

The letter continues "Several fact-finding missions have taken place, in which we have spoken to people on the ground and gathered evidence which has formed the basis of the Parliamentary Reports. Inaction can no longer be excused."

Mr. Cashman has campaigned for the British who have legal rights to property in Spain for many years as a member of the European Parliament's Petitions Committee, which has now handled 15,000 petitions on this issue.

Leader of British Labour MEPs, Glenis Willmott, appealing directly to the Spanish Prime Minister in the Strasbourg chamber, said: - "I hope your Presidency will take this opportunity to resolve the issue of land-grab, which has caused such distress and heartache to tens of thousands of law-abiding property owners across Southern Spain. We really do need action now."

Jeleva resignation "A victory for common sense and the European Parliament"

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"This is not an issue of politics it is purely a matter of her ability to do a good job," said Glenis Willmott, Leader of the Labour MEPs, on hearing that Rumiana Jeleva had resigned as Bulgarian candidate for the European Commission.

"Common sense has prevailed. The issue was her competence. She did not give a good account of herself at the hearing.

"We are looking forward to working with a new Commissioner from Bulgaria. This is a victory for accountability to the European Parliament," she said.

West Midlands Labour MEP Michael Cashman was one of the leading MEPs involved in Italian Commissioner-designate Rocco Buttiglione failing to be nominated five years ago.

As a member of the Parliament's Development Committee, he was one of the first to lead on questions to Commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva.

"It is always a moment of sadness when someone resigns from public office. She is a good woman, who served well as an MEP, and I wish her well with the future. However, I am glad she came to the conclusion that the job is not right for her," he said.

"From when we first met, I urged Jeleva that it was essential to be robust in dispelling any rumours, and equally strong when it came to transparency in all matters.

"It was for this reason that I questioned her on allegations relating to other business interests which did not appear in her declaration of interest.

"Even though she was cleared by the European Parliament's legal services, she failed to demonstrate, during the Hearing, confidence suitable for the position," he concluded.

"I hope the Tory MEPs will now support my salt, sugar, fat, calorie and alcohol labelling legislation," says Labour Leader

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Labour Leader in the European Parliament Glenis Willmott today challenged the Brussels Tories to support their Westminster colleagues and vote for her proposals to make alcohol content and calorie content clearer across the EU.

The Conservatives' Health spokesperson, Andrew Lansley unveiled (today, Wednesday) a new Tory policy to scrap the current labelling system for units of alcohol, and also to start labelling the calorific content of alcoholic drinks. He is proposing labelling food with guideline daily amounts for the key nutrients such as fats, sugars and salts.

"Lansley said that we cannot legislate for the UK alone and that it needs to be done on a Europe-wide basis. For once I completely agree with him," she said.

"Alcoholic drinks are made and sold all over Europe, and we need the same fair standards to know what we are drinking regardless of its country of origin.

"Our 'common market' necessitates a shared labelling system for the food and drinks we consume. There is currently draft legislation before the European Parliament to do just that.

"As the MEP responsible for this legislation in the European Parliament for my political group, I have already submitted amendments to change this legislation to ensure compulsory labelling of the calorie content of alcohol, and compulsory "traffic light" labelling of all foods, so shoppers can see at a glance the levels of salt, sugar, fat and calories of the food they pick up off the shelf.

As well as being British Leader of the Labour MEPs, Glenis Willmott speaks on this issue for the 184 Socialist and Democrat MEPs from 27 different countries - the European Parliament's second largest political group.

"This contrasts starkly with the Tories and their self-enforced isolation. They must be kicking themselves, and David Cameron, for having left the European Parliament's largest Group of MEPs - cutting ties with the parties of President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel, only to throw themselves into the arms of Poles and Czechs with extremist and far-right links.

"I fear that both the Conservative front bench and their marginalised MEPs will now have great trouble in pursuing their new policies in the European Parliament, with so few friends and such limited power. We are voting on 26 new Commissioners this week, and none are from the Tory-dominated ECR Group" she concluded.

Cathy Ashton: La Vie en rose - Je ne regrette rien

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Cathy Ashton has led a proud 'Vie en Rose' - she has every reason to say 'je ne regrette rien' about her CND involvement," said British Labour Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Richard Howitt MEP, after a UKIP MEP had tried to make Baroness Cathy Ashton publicly say 'je ne regrette rien' over her involvement with CND in the 1980s.

"Tired and wholly false allegations about CND and the former Soviet Union were a thinly disguised attempt to associate Cathy Ashton with anti-Russian sentiment in the Parliament. And it fell totally flat," he said.

While the vast majority of the European Parliament discussed the world role of the new High Representative today, UKIP and some British Conservatives seemed more interested in repeating totally unfounded allegations the funding of CND leaflets in the UK in the 1980s.

Richard Howitt ignored loud shouts from a UKIP MEP - which most MEPs found discourteous - as he asked a question during her three hour hearing in front of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs committee, for her new role as the EU's High Representative today. "The Conservatives showed sour grapes about your appointment. They are seeking to criticise what you were doing when Britain was barely a member of the European Union. Perhaps that is not surprising given that 'Britain out of the EU' is where they would like to return?" he asked.

Baroness Ashton was enthusiastically clapped by the majority of MEPs when she defended her youthful anti-nuclear commitment.

When British Tory MEP Geoffrey Van Orden questioned Baroness Ashton's commitment to the military, Richard Howitt commented: - "The EU has committed itself to the essential role of training Afghan security forces. It is sad to see those like Mr. Van Orden who supposedly support Britain's military efforts there, and then disavow this critical path towards success for their mission."

'She's the right woman for the job. Her appointment is at last a chance for Europe to be a player on the world stage after endless debate with sceptics. Let's let her get on with it and support her," he said.

Though the European Parliament does not have the formal power to reject individual Commissioner nominations, it has power to reject the whole Commission in its plenary session later this month. In practice, this means any individual Commissioner could be changed in agreement with their national government and President Barroso before this vote.

Commissioner Barnier could do sterling work for Britain, says Labour MEP

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The appointment of French politician Michel Barnier as the European Commission's Internal Market Commissioner will be "good for the EU and good for the UK" says leading MEP Peter Skinner.

He argues that Barnier will be keen to show his independence from the French government, particularly following President Sarkozy's comments that "the English" were "the big losers" in the allocation of Commission portfolios.

Mr Skinner will be one of the lead questioners of Michel Barnier at the European Parliament's confirmation hearing on Wednesday afternoon (13th January).

Peter Skinner says "The appointment of someone French to the post should accelerate the creation of a single market in financial services, which will benefit London given our strength in capital markets and insurance.

"Barnier's appointment will bring the French government on board for EU efforts to integrate financial services, which can only help UK plc. He may even pick a fight or two with Paris in order to demonstrate his neutrality.

"In any event, I know Barnier and I am relaxed about the future of the City of London with him as Commissioner. His approach will not be any more ambitious than what is already occurring in the UK. FSA supremo Adair Turner or the Bank of England's Mervyn King have more radical ideas to regulate the financial services sector than Barnier," he says.

The European Parliament hearing for Michel Barnier as the new Internal Market Commissioner will take place on Weds 13th Jan, 16.30-19.30 (CET). He will appear before two of Parliament's committees: ECON (Economic and Monetary Affairs), and IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection).

He will answer a range of questions from MEPs sitting on these committees, and will be expected to answer additional written questions. The European Parliament cannot reject the appointment of an individual MEP such as Barnier, but it can reject - or threaten to reject - all 27 Commissioners if it is unhappy with one or more of them.

Peter Skinner, Labour MEP from the South-East region, is a senior member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs committee. He is one of the three MEPs responsible for seeing the current European Commission proposals, for the creation of EU supervisory authorities for banking, insurance and pensions and securities markets, through Parliament

He is also the responsible MEP for the implementation of the Solvency II legislation for the EU's insurance industry.

Almunia backs Euro MP Arlene McCarthy in warning bailed-out banks not to use taxpayers' money for bonuses

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Competition Commissioner-designate, Joaquín Almunia, was asked to use his powers to ensure taxpayers never again have to bail out the financial sector by Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, the Vice President of the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, today (Tuesday 12 January) .

The European Parliament committee held a three hour "hearing" today for the new Commissioner-designate.

Arlene McCarthy said: "The public are furious that bankers intend to pay themselves billions of Euros in bonuses from profits made on the back of massive taxpayer support given to rescue the banking system.

"Mr Almunia has given a commitment that he will join us in standing up for taxpayers, consumers and investors and delivered a clear message to the banks at his hearing today that profits from public subsidy must not be paid out in bonuses. He pledged to look very very closely at how banks are using public subsidies."

Mr Almunia also pledged his support to Arlene McCarthy's call for a financial transaction tax or bank levy to ensure taxpayers do not bear the cost of future bail-outs.

Arlene said: "Mr Almunia clearly stated that the public should never again have to pay for the excessive risk taking of bankers and that banks should be made to take responsibility for their failings through a levy or financial transaction tax".

4 reasons to end this Strasbourg farce

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"This week, the parliament authorities in Strasbourg announced that another bit of plaster had fallen off the ceiling in one of the Parliament buildings while the MEPs were away last week. Could this have fallen on someone's head?

"The building was closed last year while they repaired a collapsed roof on the hemicycle. It has also had legionnaires disease here in the not too distant past, and there was asbestos in another part of the building recently.

"But actually these are comparatively minor reasons that cause protests against the monthly trip by MEPs and their staff to Strasbourg. There are four far more important reasons why we should now stop this farce," said Leader of the Labour MEPs, Glenis Willmott.

1. "While World Leaders are trying to save the planet in Copenhagen, the European Parliament is setting a terrible example by continuing the farce of travelling to Strasbourg every month.

"Governments should be seen to practice what they preach. It is a scandal to cause this totally unnecessary carbon footprint," she said.

The University of York have estimated a carbon footprint of an extra 20,268 tonnes of additional carbon dioxide caused by this move.

2. "As a result of the economic crisis, governments are asking everyone in the public sector to tighten their belts. At the moment, we are having a European civil servant strike as governments refuse their annual pay increase, and it looks terrible for politicians to continue this huge waste of public money." Estimates claim a cost of €206 million on the extra seat.

3. "Now is surely a good time to set a Treaty change in motion. We have finally just started to work with the new Lisbon Treaty to streamline our work after so many years of debate. Let's finally get the EU properly streamlined once and for all.

"We call on the Spanish Presidency, which will start in January 2010, to set this in motion, working together with new permanent President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy," she said.

The monthly trip of MEPs from their usual place of work in Brussels to Strasbourg was agreed by EU governments as part of a protocol attached to the Treaty of Amsterdam and is decided on by the Governments of the EU and not by MEPs.

4. "We only meet here for historic reasons. Strasbourg represented reconciliation between France and Germany, but that generation has more or less disappeared now. We are now the new Enlarged Europe and the significance of the end of Franco-German hostility is now consigned to history text books," she said.

Recently, over a million signatures were collected to the end "travelling circus" to Strasbourg.

Glenis Willmott concluded "Strasbourg is a truly fantastic city and there are endless uses for the revamped European Parliament building. It could perhaps be a centre for European Summits making use of its excellent interpretation facilities, or perhaps a new European University. There are a host of ideas. "

Open Letter from Linda McAvan MEP and all other UK Labour MEPs on climate change, to the Rt Hon David Cameron MP

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The following is an open letter to David Cameron, from Glenis Willmott MEP (Leader of the Labour MEPs) and Linda Mcavan MEP (Labour Member of the European Parliament Environment committee, in Copenhagen as a European Parliament delegate) and all other Labour MEPs calling for action against Tory MEPs who actively oppose global measures to stop climate change.

Dear Mr Cameron,

At the start of the Copenhagen process on global climate change, you reassured us that the Conservative party is serious about curbing man-made global warming.

You tell us that your "front bench" view on climate change is the view that counts. But in Europe, this official party line is looking rather wobbly.

One of the leading Conservative experts on the environment, former MEP Caroline Jackson was among the first to sound the warning. She was sceptical of the 'green rebranding' of the Conservative party, "I think from the point of view of the Conservative Party, pursuing the green line is all talk and no action at the moment...when push comes to shove in the next General Election I suspect we will roll back from some of this".

Other Conservative MEPs are busily proving her right. Roger Helmer MEP, an outspoken climate sceptic who sat on the European Parliament's Climate Change committee, told the Parliament's plenary earlier this year: "There is said to be a consensus around catastrophic man-made global warming. It (too) is wrong. Nor is it a consensus. The myth of consensus is a propaganda triumph for the Warmists."

Roger Helmer last week organised yet another event on the 'global climate change sceptics circuit' - a pre-Copenhagen briefing in the European Parliament, where a Dutch economist and a Viscount announced: "We are told that temperatures and sea levels are rising and the polar caps are melting. That is the bad news. The good news is that none of it is true."

Two weeks ago, Tory MEP Daniel Hannan suggested that the aim of the UN-driven Copenhagen talks - to bring in an international solution to an international problem - is somehow a conspiracy: "(The President of the European Council) Mr Van Rompuy declared that the Copenhagen Process would be a step towards the global management of our planet. We cannot be alone in being alarmed at the way in which the environmental agenda is being piggybacked by those who have a different agenda about the shifting of power away from national democracies."

Both MEPs voted to reject the European Parliament's resolution on the Copenhagen negotiations along with almost half of your Conservative Party's new European group.

Mr Cameron, you have attached historical importance to the Copenhagen summit. We know this may be our last chance to protect the planet.

The UK is going to Copenhagen as part of the European Union, with a common EU mandate. The denialist attitudes that your MEPs are propagating at the heart of Europe are at best, unhelpful, and at worst, dangerous. You recently threw a Conservative MEP out of your party for making a stand against the Conservatives' new allies in the European Parliament. Is climate change such a low priority for your party that climate saboteurs are given a free rein?

Yours,

Glenis Willmott MEP

Linda McAvan MEP

and all other Labour MEPs

"Come together, right now, over meat" - Labour MEPs join EP welcome to Macca

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"We're overjoyed that Sir Paul McCartney has made time to come the European Parliament to campaign on climate change as we approach the Copenhagen Summit," said Glenis Willmott, Leader of the British Labour MEPs.

The former Beatle was joined by UN climate change chief, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, at a hearing at the European Parliament today.

Paul McCartney and Rajendra Pachauri are promoting their campaign 'Meat Free Monday' urging people to cut down on meat consumption to help overcome the problems of climate change.

Glenis Willmott added "This idea is not 'Lucy in the Pie with Lentils' - we all have to make our own personal contribution as well as a policy contribution. For a successful outcome in Copenhagen - 'Let it be' - we need to 'come together' with a little help from our friends.

"Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. The EU has rightly taken a lead on this issue.

"Linda McAvan, a Labour MEP, has played a pivotal role in getting the European Parliament to take a lead and set standards for the rest of the world to follow," said Glenis Willmott.

Cathy Ashton - a European Hillary Clinton

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Baroness Cathy Ashton was today called 'a European version of Hillary Clinton' in a formal session of the Foreign Affairs committee of the European Parliament today.

MEPs from outside the UK literally laughed off domestic political attacks against Baroness Ashton from right wing British MEPs during her first appearance in the European Parliament Foreign Affairs committee in her new role as the EU's High Representative today (Wednesday December 2nd).

British Labour Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Richard Howitt MEP, who was a lead questioner to Baroness Ashton, said

"There are some hard choices in projecting Europe's soft power and, though she wouldn't say it herself, this is the appointment of a European version of Hillary Clinton.

"There are high expectations for the High Representative and she rightly rejects the idea of a European policy being the lowest common denominator.

"Cathy Ashton didn't shy away from her obligations to talk tough when needed, and to tackle early challenges. These include the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Europe's response to the Honduras elections, continuing work on further sanctions against Iran and preparing for land-based as well as sea-based intervention in Somalia," he said.

Baroness Ashton was able to totally deny a UK Independence Party question that as former Treasurer of CND (Britain's Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), she oversaw the receipt of Soviet funding. Richard Howitt commented: "The UK Independence Party is attempting to revive a modern-day version the infamous 'Zinoviev letter', another lie which destabilised the earliest Labour MPs. Their new allegations are just as fraudulent. ," he said.

British Tory MEPs also questioned Baroness Ashton's competence for the new role:-

"When Tory MEPs questioned whether Cathy Ashton is a serious appointment, it was laughed off by MEPs quite literally from across the political spectrum," he said.

Vacancy:Traineeship in the European Parliament

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

GROUP OF THE PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE OF SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY LABOUR PARTY

2010 Traineeship (stagiaire) in the European Parliament

A traineeship will be available for five months from February 2010 to July 2010 in the S&D Group in the European Parliament (Brussels).

An allowance of approximately 1300 Euros per month (roughly 1150 Pounds Sterling) is paid to a trainee during the five months. Additional details on who S&D Group are and what they do can be found on the EPLP web site. Information on what the secretariat does is separately attached. http://www.socialistgroup.org/

Interviews will be held in the week beginning 7th December 2009.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter of no more than two A4 pages, to James Royston at:

European Parliamentary Labour Party, 2 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AA (fax 020 7233 1365)
or by e-mail to james.royston@europarl.europa.eu
No telephone applications

The deadline for applications is MONDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2009.

The following documents will aid your application:

1. An information sheet on the work of the Socialists and Democrats Group

2. The Job Description

3. The rules governing the traineeship

Labour MEPs call for EU support for Cumbria flood victims

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leader of the Labour MEPs, Glenis Willmott, will deliver a joint letter to the Prime Minister tomorrow, to support calls for European action on the floods in Cumbria that work together with the money already promised by the UK government.

In a speech to the European Parliament plenary session Strasbourg yesterday she linked the flooding in Cumbria to a call for action on climate change.

She said "we have seen the impact of adverse weather in Cumbria, in the North West of England, which has experienced severe flooding.

"It's not just in Europe where the weather is creating unexpected hardship. Adverse weather is causing unforeseen human tragedy across our planet. Denial is the easy option.

"The Labour government in the UK wants a deal that is ambitious and effective and fair to support the poorest countries to adapt their emissions and adapt to climate change," she said.

Earlier this week, Brian Simpson and Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEPs for the North West Region, jointly announced that they are looking into getting EU funds for flood relief - and they will be taking up the issue jointly with 10 Downing Street.

"This is an awful situation, make no mistake. In human terms, it is tragic," said Brian Simpson.

"Arlene and I will do all that we can to ensure that Cumbria gets EU help over and above the million pounds promised by Gordon Brown.

"Cumbria needs EU investment, similar to that gained other regions hit by floods over recent years as there's now much work to be done reconstructing, and rebuilding peoples' homes and businesses," he said.

Arlene McCarthy said "Labour Euro MPs are working together to secure extra funding for Cumbria to help deal with the devastation caused by the floods. That is where our priorities lie, with the people of Cumbria."

Labour MEPS support Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops campaign

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Glenis Willmott MEP, Leader of Labour's MEPs said "I'm very pleased to support War on Want's "Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops" campaign.

We are internationalists because it makes sense to work across national borders on issues like this. This is why I became an MEP after a lifetime as a trade unionist.

In the long run, internationally agreed standards are the only way to combat sweatshops.

The EU, working as one, is in a far better position than any single nation to play a leading role in linking its trade agreements to the actions taken by countries world wide in implementing the Core Labour Standards of the ILO". Child labour, the non recognition of trade unions rights and collective bargaining, and the fight against discrimination in the workplace are rights worth fighting for, rights that will bring hope and change for millions of poor people forced to live in abject poverty.

As we approach Christmas, we should all think twice before we shop, and think twice about how the products we buy were made and about the workers who make them."

We must protect passengers left stranded when airlines go bankrupt - say MEPs

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"People look forward to their holidays all year, we must protect passengers left stranded when airlines go bankrupt," Labour's Brian Simpson, Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, said today.

The European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg is now widely expected to pass a resolution today calling on the European Commission to come up with proposals to safeguard passengers.

"We've won support from all groups of MEPs in the European Parliament for this, from the Left to the Right, except the small extremist euro-sceptic rump that includes the British Conservatives. It seems they will be in the position of voting against a consensus that protects passengers agreed on by virtually all political parties from 27 other countries," he added.

"Over the last nine years, 77 airlines have fallen into bankruptcy, and many of these have been in the past eighteen months as the economic crises and high fuel prices have hit the airline industry hard. Even the major airlines now seem in a precarious position.

"This trend is not likely to end in the near future, so the European Parliament's Transport Committee are pushing for something to be put in place that protects both the passengers who are left stranded and the people who have bought tickets for flights that can't be taken and have lost money as a result.

"Our resolution calls on the European Commission to come up with ideas that would better protect passengers and customers of bankrupt airlines," he said. The resolution suggests three possible options to the European Commission:-

1) A compulsory insurance scheme, where airlines would all have to pay a small insurance fee that would be used to compensate customers who have lost money buying tickets with a bankrupt airline, that would also provide alternative transport for stranded passengers.

2) A voluntary insurance scheme, where passengers could choose to pay a small fee to the airline when buying tickets that again would be used as compensation.

3) Creation of an "EU Guarantee Fund". When companies go bankrupt, their aircraft are impounded by national regulatory bodies. The resolution also calls on the Commission to investigate the quick release of impounded aircraft so these aircraft can be used to bring stranded travellers home straight away.

"Equal Justice" across the EU will affect all our lives, says Claude Moraes MEP

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"We need an EU justice system that ensures issues as varied as wills and inheritance, cross border divorces, custody of children and mutual recognition of marriages, are recognised across the EU members states," says Labour MEP Claude Moraes.

"EU citizens must be entitled to carry their rights and liberties across Europe, as easily as they can carry their suitcase, " he said.

The European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg is now expected to pass very wide-ranging legislation - known as "the Stockholm Programme" - later today that will be a programme for better rights for all citizens, to be enacted step by step.

Claude Moraes is the spokesperson on civil liberties, justice and home affairs with the European Parliament's second largest group, the Socialists and Democrats, who have taken the lead on this issue.

"The proposals will be a blueprint for better rights," he continued. "This will come into force at the same time as the Lisbon Treaty so European citizens will now have control of the key issues concerning Justice and Home Affairs, through their elected MEPs.

"Step by step, it will bring the highest possible standards to European criminal law. If you're arrested anywhere in the EU you'd have guaranteed rights through mutual recognition. For example, with the European Arrest Warrant, you'll get a translator, and forensic procedures will be the same across the EU .

"We'll have consistent definitions of crime across the EU, with Europe-wide tools for tackling organised crime and terrorism, which are clearly cross-border issues that can't always be tackled in one state.

"This will get the right balance between protecting us all through improving Law and Order, and safeguarding the liberties of EU citizens

"It will also protect all EU citizens against all 'horizontal" discrimination. The Stockholm programme will give us the ability to create a new anti-discrimination Directive protecting older people, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities across Europe . You should get the same protection in any country. Member States of the EU will have to remove any bureaucratic obstacles to this.

"The draft programme of the Council (the governments of the EU) totally lacked ambition. Today's vote is a clear warning that under the Lisbon Treaty the EP will use its increased powers on these issues to mark the way in a much more progressive manner," he said.

Labour MEPs call for EU support for flood victims

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brian Simpson and Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEPs for the North West Region, today jointly announced that they are looking into getting EU funds for flood relief - and they will be taking up the issue jointly with 10 Downing Street.

"This is an awful situation, make no mistake. In human terms, it is tragic," said Brian Simpson.

"Arlene and I will do all that we can to ensure that Cumbria gets EU help over and above the million pounds promised by Gordon Brown.

Both MEPs intend to raise the issue of joint funding when they meet the Prime Minister on Monday.

Queen's Speech is a call for "More Europe" says Willmott

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Today's Queen's Speech shows the need for a strong European Union, and only Labour is supporting international solutions to international problems," said Glenis Willmott MEP, Leader of British Labour MEPs.

"Just to highlight three areas, we're very pleased that we are able to work closely with our European allies on the reform of financial services, the Energy Bill and the Equality Bill," she said.

"On the Financial Services Bill, there's no point in reforming the banks in the UK, if it means customers can simply turn to dodgy banks elsewhere in the EU, or the banks can simply set themselves up elsewhere in the EU. We need international regulations to protect consumers. British Labour MEPs are at the heart of ensuring that EU legislation on financial services will both protect the consumer and make sure that the UK's financial services industry is once again able to stand on its feet. The Tories are by themselves over here now they have walked out of the mainstream parties in the European Parliament.

"The new Energy Bill will bring about a financial support mechanism to demonstrate carbon capture and storage. Whether it is about gas supplies from Russia, or about the environment, again, this is something that can't be sorted by one country acting alone.

"Finally, on the Equality Bill, which will ban age discrimination outside the workplace, and introduce reporting for large employers on gender pay, again, there's no point in banning unfair practices by employers if they can simply set up another factory over the next border. It's an international question, like the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 which gives agency workers equal treatment with permanent staff on pay and holidays after 12 weeks in a job.

"However you look at it, we live in a globalised world. We must never let a party into government in the UK that believes these problems can be solved in one country alone. We have to co-operate with our international allies," she said.

Willmott backs "the best man for a senior EU job is a woman" campaign

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"We definitely need more women at senior levels in the EU," said Glenis Wilmott supporting the campaign of the Swedish Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, and other senior women.

Glenis Willmott, Leader of the British Labour MEPs, said "Cathy Ashton has been an excellent Commissioner, she's very well respected here in Brussels.

"I hope that she gets to stay on as a Commissioner, and I think she should get a major portfolio, and so should all other women Commissioners. Women make up half the population of Europe, after all.

"It's also obviously right that one of the two new top posts should go to a Socialist, and as a British Socialist, I have supported Tony Blair as President of the Council of Ministers since Day One. He is a pro-European whose talent and experience puts him head and shoulders above all the other names in the frame.

"It will not be good for Europe if both the new top jobs go to non-entity politicians who cannot command the world stage.

"Ideally, I would like the debate to be about who can best deliver social policies, security policies, trade policies and environment policies that will help hundreds of millions of European citizens' - not a matter of national horse trading.

"Chairing tomorrow's meeting will be a difficult job for the Swedish Presidency as we are in uncharted waters here," she said.

Good news for air passengers - Labour chief calls for end to ban on liquids in planes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs are calling for an immediate lift on the ban on liquids such as toothpaste or baby bottles bought by travellers in European airports, and a total lift of the ban by 2013 at the latest.

Transport MEPs responded today to a proposal from the European Commission.

Labour MEP Brian Simpson, who chairs the European Parliament's Transport Committee, said :-

"Once new technology is available in airports, the current ban on liquids will be totally unnecessary.

"This change will improve the travelling experience for many passengers throughout the EU. The technology to screen liquids is already available.

"So we believe that by the 1st of January 2013 we will be able to end the liquid ban, improving the travelling experience for passengers throughout the EU.

"Our proposal will also end the policy of liquid confiscation for those passengers arriving into the EU from outside who often have their liquids taken off them when they then travel on to another EU destination as soon as April 2010.

"Obviously, we still need strict security rules in the fight against terrorism, so we still need strict security in regards to liquids.

"The technology now needs to be tested and installed in all European Airports. This should not take as long as four or five years as some EU member countries have suggested.

"All passengers in transit in EU airports should be able to buy products in duty free, which will not be confiscated.

"We put a realistic date of 1st January 2013 for all airports to be fitted with 'type C' scanners, allowing passengers to travel on board with liquids and personal belongings. We are also calling for an immediate lift of the ban on liquids obtained from airports outside the EU.

"The Transport Committee has tabled an alternative to the European Commission proposal which I am now confident will be accepted by Commission and Council," he said.

After the attempted liquid explosives attack on planes leaving from Heathrow Airport in 2006 an agreement was quickly reached to ban all liquids over 100ml being taken on board aircraft within the EU.

In April 2010 the current ban will run out. The European Commission has sent a draft proposal to MEPs and governments of Member States which proposes a 'phase out' of the current ban when they introduce new 'type C' scanners that can detect over 20 types of explosive liquids.

By 1st January 2012 all upgraded type C liquid screening machines should be certified by Member States of the EU for use throughout the EU, and by 1st January 2013 all airports must have the capability to screen liquids, aerosols and gels.

Ends

For more information , please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press consultant, David Poyser on +32 479 790 053 / 0 (044) 7767498040

Labour MEPs Against the BNP

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This summer Labour MEPs recieved the Hope not hate Not in my name petition. On the day that BNP MEPs Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons formally took their seats, 90,000 people said: Not in my name.

Please watch this video to see how Labour MEPs will be taking on the BNP in the European Parliament and sign up to the Hope Not Hate Campaign here.

BNP and UKIP MEPs deny man-made climate change as an 'elite scam' and 'bogus hypothesis'

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, both the BNP and UKIP denied that climate change was man-made, and argued against any action to mitigate its effects on the developing world. Their comments were made in a European Parliament debate on climate change and developing countries.

Labour MEP for Yorkshire and Humber, Linda McAvan MEP, who is also Labour's Spokesperson on Climate Change, unpicked their argument, and demanded further action by the EU to tackle climate change and deliver for the developing world. She reminded those present that 81% of the British public believe that climate change is a 'very serious' or 'fairly serious' issue, and told of its effect on life in Kenya.

BNP Leader Nick Griffin MEP said to the European Parliament that:

"Man‑made global warming is an unproven theory based on manipulative statistics."

He also attacked climate change as an 'elite scam' and an excuse to 'impose internationalist dogma and global government'.

His arguuments were backed up by UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom, who claimed that:

"We are all talking here about something which is not happening. The whole thing is a sham - this bogus hypothesis, this ridiculous nonsense that man-made CO₂ is causing global warming."

You can watch the speeches of Nick Griffin MEP and Godfrey Bloom MEP, as well as Linda McAvan MEP's response here

Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, Glenis Willmott MEP speaks to Labour Party Conference

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Glenis Willmott MEP, delivered her first address to Labour conference as Labour's Leader in Europe.

Glenis reflected on Labour's European Elections performance and the need to win the argument on Britain in Europe. Speaking as part of the Britain in the World debate at Labour Conference Glenis also used the speech to argue that the Conservatives policies on Europe are damaging to Britain's influence in the world. In a speech before the Foreign Secretary David Miliband MP, Glenis also attacked the Conservatives allies in the European Parliament saying that:

"Since the elections, they've left the centre right, and jumped into bed with some extremely strange people. From Polish homophobes to anti-Semites, to Czech climate change deniers, and let's not forget the Latvians who have such admiration for the Nazi Waffen SS."

Glenis Willmott MEP continued:

"After a massive row, they lost one MEP, lost control of the top positions in the European Parliament, and then lost the leadership of the new political group they'd only just formed!

Glenis argued that for Britain to achieve influence in the world, it needs to play an active role in the European Union to deliver on economic recovery, tackle climate change and protect and defend equal rights.

The full text of the lecture is available here and you can watch Glenis deliver the speech here.

European Parliament votes against Section 28 in Lithuania - Tory MEPs abstained

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament adopted yesterday a Resolution on the Lithuanian Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effects of Public Information, voicing its concerns and adding its support to the civil society, opposing this repressive draft law.

On 14 July 2009, the Lithuanian Parliament adopted a draft law on the protection of minors against the detrimental effect of public information. The list of categories of detrimental public information includes "information which agitates for homosexual, bisexual or polygamous relations". The text would allow the banning of any information related to homosexuality and bisexuality in public places (such as schools) or media accessible to minors.

"The ideology behind the text is pure homophobia. It is crucial to allow young people to speak, think and act, in the respect of others who are different. Young people need education not isolation", said Labour MEP Michael Cashman.

The Tories abstained in the vote while their new allies from the European Conservatives and Reformists have voted against the text, thus confirming that they are not committed to the fight against discrimination.

"This new Parliament has shown today that it will not accept intolerance and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Tories and their extremist allies are themselves isolated in their indifference to discrimination", continued Cashman, co-author of the resolution.

The law is a similar text to that of Section 28, a law enacted by the Thatcher Government in the UK which was repealed only five years ago.

"Twenty years later, the Tories have not learnt from their mistakes and show that their true face has not changed. If they condone such a law in Lithuania, what guarantees do we have that David Cameron will protect or promote the rights of LGBT people?" concluded Cashman.

The Resolution states that the law is in breach of EU and international Treaties and anti-discrimination texts and urges the Agency for Fundamental Rights to give an opinion on the law in light of them. It also reaffirms the commitment of the EU to fight against all forms of discrimination.

Barroso now needs to deliver

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in the European Parliament said: "Mr Barroso got the support of just over half of the MEPs. Therefore, if he truly wants a coalition or broad support he needs to work with us to resolve some of the issues we have raised."

"He has promised an end to social dumping and a review of the Posted Workers Directive to ensure equal rights and pay for the same work. We want action to create employment, new and better jobs, and to fight mass unemployment - especially youth unemployment. Mr Barroso will need to deliver on these important issues" continued Glenis Willmott MEP.

We want a better deal from Barroso - Review of Posted Worker Directive essential

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday this week European Commission President Barroso will appear before the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament to ask for backing for his second five-year term.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, commented: "Before British Labour MEPs say yes or no to Barroso we want some concrete proposals from him. Frankly, we are disappointed with what he is currently proposing. If he wants a second term, he has to improve his offer. We are looking for a better deal from him."

"We want action to create employment, new and better jobs, fight mass unemployment - especially youth unemployment - promote equal pay and improve workers' rights and working conditions. A review of the Posted Workers Directive is essential" stressed Glenis Willmott MEP.

Boris isolated in Brussels

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, will be in Brussels tomorrow to lobby the European Parliament and the Commission on hedge fund regulation. In the European Parliament he will meet with members of the Economics Committee. Peter Skinner MEP, Member of the Economics and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, will be involved in future regulation for hedge funds.

Peter Skinner MEP, Labour Member of the Economics Committee of the European Parliament, comments on Boris Johnson's visit to Brussels: "Boris Johnson's visit to Brussels tomorrow illustrates the isolation of the Conservative Party on critical issues that are driven by the EU. There will be regulation on hedge funds and we need to make sure it will be the right regulation which will protect the interests of the City of London. Influencing the EU does not come from one visit; it comes from sustained relationship building and a willingness to engage in the EU.

"Whilst I welcome his visit as Mayor of London, he represents the type of Conservative view that jeopardises UK interests by not engaging with the EU and its member states" Peter Skinner MEP continued.

Hannan is the face of the real Conservative Party

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, expressed her concern about Daniel Hannan's repeated attacks on the NHS and his tribute to Enoch Powell.

Glenis Willmott MEP, said: "Daniel Hannan MEP, a key member of the Conservative Party, is attacking the NHS and paying tribute to Enoch Powell without being taken to task by David Cameron. Daniel Hannan is showing us the real face of the Conservative Party, which would ruin the NHS and fuel racial tensions."

"I call on David Cameron to make it clear once and for all which is the true face of the Conservative Party." Glenis Willmott MEP continued.

Labour MEPs elected for 2009-2014

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the European elections on June 4^th, the Labour MEPs for 2009-2014 are as follows.

Eastern

Richard Howitt MEP richard@richardhowittmep.com

East Midlands

Glenis Willmott MEP office@gleniswillmott.org.uk

London

Claude Moraes MEP mep@claudemoraes.net

Mary Honeyball MEP mary@maryhoneyball.net

North East

Stephen Hughes MEP stephen-hughes@btconnect.com

North West

Arlene McCarthy MEP arlene.mccarthy@easynet.co.uk

Brian Simpson MEP briansimpson.labour@virgin.net

South East

Peter Skinner MEP southeast@peterskinnermep.eu

Scotland

David Martin MEP david@martinmep.com

Catherine Stihler MEP cstihler@cstihlermep.com

Wales

Derek Vaughan MEP contact@welshlabourmeps.org.uk

derek.vaughan@europarl.europa.eu

West Midlands

Michael Cashman MEP michaelcashman@phonecoop.coop

Yorkshire & Humber

Linda McAvan MEP lindamcavan@lindamcavanmep.org.uk

The website will be updated and further information made available in due course.

The VK Krishna Menon Award for Claude Moraes MEP

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The V.K.Krishna Menon Institute has decided to confer the V.K.Krishna Menon Award for 2009 on Claude Moraes MEP.

This is in recognition of the huge contribution made by Claude Moraes to the political, social and economic advancement of the deprived sections of the community as well as his contribution to community cohesion and civil liberties within the European Union.

Claude Ajith Moraes was first elected to the European Parliament for London in 1999, and most recently in 2009, when he led the London list of candidates. One of the first Asian MEPs ever elected to the European Parliament, Claude was previously Director of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), a national refugee charity.

Claude was born in Aden of Indian parents and arrived in the UK at a very young age. He grew up in Dundee and Stirling and studied Law at Dundee University and subsequently in London including The London School of Economics.

The award will be presented at a function hosted by the V.K.Krishna Menon Institute next month when Claude will be delivering The V.K.Krishna Menon Memorial Lecture. The press will be given more specific details within the next fortnight.

The V.K. Krishna Menon Institute was launched in early 2006 to celebrate and commemorate the life, times and achievements of a prodigiously talented statesman, Indian government minister and a pioneering London councillor. Menon founded the India League, the unofficial embassy of British-India in London. It became a powerful force in the overseas movement to help liberate India.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, became aware of Krishna Menon on visiting to London, and they quickly became close friends and political collaborators. It was a friendship that lasted until Nehru's death.

One of the V.K.Krishna Menon Institute's objectives is to present awards such as that given to Claude Moraes, to outstanding Indian patriots who have served in the Diaspora and also distinguished themselves in various fields including science, literature, economics, politics, diplomacy, etc.

For further information, you may contact the Director at drdrcyriac@yahoo.co.uk and on their website at www.tkminstitute.org.

Labour takes key positions in the European Parliament

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have taken key roles across the European Parliament. Brian Simpson MEP is the first ever British chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee. Arlene McCarthy MEP is now vice-chair of the Economic Committee, moving from her previous role heading up the Internal Market & Consumer Protection Committee.

The EPLP (European Parliamentary Labour Party) representation in the newly elected European Parliament is as follows:

Glenis Willmott MEP

Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Environment, Public Health & Food Safety Committee (full member)

Civil Liberties, Justice & Home Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Claude Moraes MEP

Deputy Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Vice Chair of the Arab Peninsula Delegation

Civil Liberties, Justice & Home Affairs Committee (full member)

Employment & Social Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Richard Howitt MEP

Chair of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Foreign Affairs Committee (full member)

Human Rights Sub-Committee (full member)

Security & Defence Sub-Committee (full member)

Legal Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Brian Simpson MEP

Whip of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Chair of Transport & Tourism Committee

Agriculture & Rural Development Committee (substitute member)

Michael Cashman MEP

Chair of the South Africa Delegation

Development Committee (full member)

Petitions Committee (full member)

Civil Liberties, Justice & Home Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Mary Honeyball MEP

Women's Rights & Gender Equality Committee (full member)

Culture & Education Committee (full member)

Regional Development Committee (substitute member)

Stephen Hughes MEP

Vice President of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialist and Democrats in the European Parliament

(Economic and Social Policy, Internal Market, Equality and Culture)

Employment & Social Affairs Committee (full member)

Culture & Education Committee (substitute member)

David Martin MEP

International Trade Committee (full member)

Human Rights Sub-Committee (full member)

Constitutional Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Linda McAvan MEP

Vice Chair, EU-CAP Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Environment, Public Health & Food Safety Committee (full member)

Development Committee (substitute member)

Arlene McCarthy MEP

Vice-Chair of Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee

Internal Market & Consumer Protection Committee (substitute member)

Peter Skinner MEP

Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee (full member)

Industry, Research & Energy Committee (substitute member)

Catherine Stihler MEP

Internal Market & Consumer Protection Committee (full member)

Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee (substitute member)

Derek Vaughan MEP

Industry, Research & Energy Committee (full member)

Budgets Committee (substitute member)

Budgetary Control Committee (substitute member)

Brian Simpson MEP driving forward European transport policy

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today Brain Simpson MEP has been elected as chair of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament.

"This is a great honour and reflects the high standing that Labour MEPs have within the European Parliament. Transport is an important policy area that affects people's everyday lives. It also has a crucial role to play in the next five years in helping reduce global warming and to act as a catalyst in stimulating the economy and in creating new jobs as part of Europe's economic recovery plan." said Brian Simpson MEP, newly elected chair of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament.

Brian Simpson MEP continued: "This is the first time that a British MEP has been elected Chair of the Transport Committee. The work of the Transport Committee is of vital importance to the UK, as we modernise our railways and integrate them into the European network."

Brian is a long serving member of the Transport Committee and has been the Spokesman for Transport & Tourism for the Socialist Group in the European Parliament twice, from 1991 to 2004 and re-elected to that role again in 2008.

He was a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 2004 and then again from 2006 to the present.

Brian is Vice President of the Heritage Railways Association. He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Snubbed Griffin turns nasty

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Snubbed Griffin turns nasty

Glenis Willmott, Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party, commented:

"It is deplorable that BNP Leader Nick Griffin should have, on his first day in the European Parliament, have called Glenys Kinnock "a political prostitute"."

Mr Griffin betrayed his misogyny and his lack of understanding of the work done by Baroness Kinnock, who as an MEP and tireless campaigner has done so much for the people of Wales and to address the problem of poverty in the developing world."

Glenis Willmott said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that Nick Griffin's efforts in this Parliament will never match the work of Glenys Kinnock as an MEP or as a Minister serving in the British Government."

"Labour MEPs and activists will be working tirelessly in this Parliament to stand up for British people and will do so with tolerance, respect for diversity and with a politics of inclusion, not division. Labour will redouble its efforts to make sure that the BNP's stay in the European parliament is short lived."

Ends.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Tories have lost control of their new group in the European Parliament

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a meeting last night, Timothy Kirkhope MEP lost the leadership of the "European Conservatives and Reformist Group", which was only founded less than a month ago.

The "European Conservatives and Reformist Group" is now lead by Michał Kamiński, an MEP from the Polish Law and Justice Party. The Polish Law and Justice Party has drawn widespread criticism for its attitude to gay rights. One of its MPs sparked outrage for his comments that President Obama's election would mean "an impending catastrophe, the end of the civilisation of the white man". Some of the politicians David Cameron's MEPs choose to align with are reportedly climate change deniers, believe that homosexuality is a 'pathology' and are former members of the extreme right League of Polish Families.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, commented: "The Tories in the European Parliament sit in splendid isolation with controversial allies that are a far cry from the mainstream. It was only going to be a matter of time until the real splits in the Tory delegation became apparent and the whole group will fall apart."

Sad day for Britain as fascists take seats in European Parliament

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons take their seats in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "60 years ago we fought against the fascists together. Today, two UK fascists are taking their seats in this Parliament for the first time. Today is a sad day for Britain and we will not let matters rest."

This afternoon in Strasbourg a delegation of the "Hope Not Hate Campaign" will hand over 88,021 signatures of people from around the UK to Michael Cashman MEP, Vice Chairman of the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament."

Michael Cashman MEP, said, "People around the country stood up to show their defiance against the BNP taking seats in the European Parliament and signed the "Not in my Name" petition. I am delighted to receive this petition today and will hope that this issue will be a top priority for the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Stephen Hughes MEP voted new Deputy Leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today an overwhelming majority, 96%, of Socialist MEPs voted for Stephen Hughes MEP as new Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said:

"Stephen Hughes is a hard working MEP and highly regarded in the Socialist Group and the European Parliament. The respect of his colleges was reflected in this outstanding result. Having served as an MEP since 1984, Stephen has held a number of key positions in the Parliament and has a great record of achievement. As Vice-President of our newly formed Group, Stephen will be a great asset to us all, promoting action in support of a Social Europe."

Stephen Hughes MEP, newly elected Deputy Leader of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, commented:

"It is a tremendous honour to become Vice President of the Group and on behalf of the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP). I am looking forward to dealing with a challenging portfolio, which includes economic and social policy, the internal market, equality and culture. This portfolio presents major challenges, and with the help of my dedicated team I will turn these challenges into opportunities."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Stephen S. Hughes is a Labour Member of the European Parliament (first elected 1984) to represent the Durham & Blaydon European Constituency. He has served continuously since and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009 to represent the North East Region.

Committee and Political Group Activities
- Spokesman on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee for the 200 Socialist Group (2004-2009); Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment & Social Affairs (1994 - 1999); Substitute Member of the Internal Market Committee and Consumer Protection (2004-2009); Former Member of the Budgets Committee (1999 - 2004); Former Member of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection Committee (1984 -1994); Former Member of the Rules Committee and the newly formed (post Maastricht) Security and Defence Committee (1989 - 1994); Socialist Group spokesperson on matters involving Health and Safety and the Working Environment.

Personal Details.
Stephen Skipsey Hughes was born in Sunderland on 19th August 1952 but was raised in Haswell Plough, County Durham. His father is a former miner and his mother is a homemaker. He was educated at St Leonard's in Durham City and St Bede's in Lanchester. He attended Leeds University and Newcastle Polytechnic where he was awarded the Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA). Before being elected to the European Parliament he was a local government officer.

Stephen Hughes is a member of the GMB union and has, in the past, served as both Constituency Secretary and Election Agent on behalf of the Labour Party.

Stephen Hughes is married and lives in Darlington. He is the father of Gareth, Victoria, Elizabeth, Amelia and James.

Toxic Tory Group in the European Parliament

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today the Tory MEPs and their toxic allies presented their new group called the "European Conservatives and Reformist Group" in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, commented: "Once again the Tories have put dogma before national interest. This is a party not fit to govern."

"Just when the global economic crisis has shown the need for effective cooperation with our partners, David Cameron is showing himself to be an isolationist. Pulling Tory MEPs out of the EPP shows a complete lack of leadership. He is clearly pandering to the eurosceptic lunatic fringe of his own party.

"Tory MEPs and the wider Conservative Party will have no influence and no say in European politics. They are set to lose all their important posts, including Vice President of the European Parliament and Committee Chairs. This cannot be good for the people of Britain, who they claim to represent in Europe" Glenis Willmott MEP continued.

"Tories in the European Parliament will now sit in splendid isolation with controversial allies that are a far cry from the mainstream parties Cameron is leaving behind. David Cameron will have to explain why his MEPs could sit with racists, fascists and climate change deniers."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

1. Background briefings on the Tory allies in the European Parliament are available

Euro MEP gives evidence to US Congress on Insurance Reforms

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the eve of the expected announcement by the Obama administration on a financial reforms package, the House Congressional Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Enterprises will hear testimony from Peter Skinner MEP as expert witness. The Congressional hearing convened by a senior member of Congress and Subcommittee
Chairman Paul Kanjorski, will examine issues relating to systemic risk and insurance reform.

Peter Skinner, European Parliament Rapporteur for insurance legislation and senior member of the Economic Committee, said: "The U.S. Congress and Administration is very interested in hearing what the EU is doing with financial regulation. Clearly the onus is on politicians on both sides of the Atlantic to draw closer together and to not allow another near financial melt-down. If we talk to each other directly we can also avoid re-inventing the wheel!"

With banking and insurance legislation recently passed within the European Parliament and new moves to create a European Systemic Risk Council and European financial services regulator, the speed of change is making governments around the World sit up and pay attention. In the United States a move to create an Office of Insurance Information sets the scene for Federal oversight and reform of insurance supervision and paves the way for recognition by the EU of U.S. insurance regulation.

"I look forward to hearing Mr. Skinner's testimony during Tuesday's hearing," said Congressman Kanjorski, Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises. "Mr. Skinner and I both participated in the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue in April, bringing together American Members of Congress and European Members of Parliament to discuss the global economic crisis. As we have learned from the current financial problems, the global economic system is interconnected, and we must work together to determine the best solutions and regulations."

Peter Skinner MEP said: "On Tuesday, I will be addressing concerns of Members of Congress about the anticipated introduction of European Insurance law and how this will impact on the U.S. and World markets. It is no longer possible for legislators to act in isolation on these current and critical economic issues. Our cooperation on insurance helps to set the scene for further cooperation on Financial Services reform."

Ends.

Note to the Editor:

Peter Skinner MEP European Parliament Rapporteur for insurance legislation, senior member of the Economic Committee and is also currently an Advisor to the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) on Financial Services issues.

Labour MEPs confirm Glenis Willmott as Leader

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs confirm Glenis Willmott as Leader

Labour MEPs met on Tuesday 9^th July to re-elect Glenis Willmott MEP as Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP).

Labour MEPs also made the following appointments:

- Claude Moraes MEP, Deputy Leader

- Richard Howitt MEP, Chair

- Brian Simpson MEP, Whip

Glenis Willmott MEP, who was first elected in January this year, said: "I feel privileged to have been confirmed as Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) and to lead our Labour MEPs in the newly elected European Parliament."

"Europe has such an important part to play in making our everyday lives better. Labour MEPs will work hard for British people right from the centre of the European Parliament."

Ends.

Finding Information about the European Elections

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliamentary Labour Party has no involvement in the campaign for the European Elections.

In order to comply with the election rules, this website will not be updated until after 7th June.

For information on the European Elections on 4th June please click here

UK's overseas aid

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Times, 28 April 2009

Sir, Your leading article ("The avoidance Budget", April 23) fails to take into account the strong commitment made in the Budget to maintaining levels of development aid to the world's poorest countries.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have understood that it is essential that the UK provides the global leadership needed as governments in the developing world struggle to get children into school, provide medicines and build health systems. Yet the reality is that many other G8 countries are tempted to renege on their commitments to providing long-term, predictable funding for efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

Now is not the time to backslide because developing countries are far from being isolated from the effects of the global economic crisis. They face a slowdown in investment, difficulties in raising capital, diminishing foreign reserves and falls in exports. Predictions suggest we are likely to see an increase of up to 400,000 infant deaths as a direct result. Ensuring effective international aid is not only a moral imperative but also a smart investment in a fairer, safer and more prosperous future for us all.

Glenys Kinnock, MEP

Labour, Wales

Labour MEP speaks out against dangers of ethnic profiling

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament today voiced its support for a report which emphasises that whilst the use of ethnic profiling in law enforcement is widespread in Europe, not only can it be discriminatory, it can also be ineffective in preventing crime and terrorism.

Claude Moraes MEP, a member of the Civil Liberties Committee in the European Parliament and involved in the drafting of the report, said:

"This report is an important step forward in the political and moral debate on ethnic profiling. People shouldn't be stopped and searched by the police and border personnel simply based on stereotypes about their ethnicity or race. Legitimate stop and search should be based on a person's conduct and known history."

Commenting on his experiences of this issue Claude Moraes said: "As a British Asian male travelling by air and rail most weeks I am stopped and searched regularly. I fully accept that effective searches must be carried out, but stops and searches including strip searching are a serious matter if they are not based on the conduct and known history of the individual." He continued, "Over the years I have taken up the cases of individuals who have been strip-searched or who have endured similar ordeals simply based on their ethnic profile."

This report highlights that profiling may also lead to intelligence agencies missing perpetrators who do not fit a particular profile. "For example before the 7/7 attacks on London, MI5 had come across the leader of the bombers in connection with another plot, but had not pursued him because he did not fit their profile. In Germany, expensive dragnet operations have come up with no arrests." Claude Moraes said.

Claude Moraes added: "In place of large scale profiling we should see timely and accurate intelligence based targeting. Good policing and improved search technology at airports will be part of the mix. Combating terrorism and equal treatment are not mutually exclusive."

Labour MEPs call for action on needle-stick injuries

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament is today calling for new legislation on preventing harm to patients and healthcare workers from needle stick injuries.

An estimated one million needle stick injuries occur every year when a healthcare worker or support staff worker are accidentally pricked with a used needle. Although the majority of needle stick injuries are not life threatening, there is the risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson for Health in the European Parliament, said: "Every day, nurses and other health care workers are exposed to over 20 different blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV, due to needle stick injuries. These injuries could be easily avoided through better training and working conditions, and the use of safer needles."

This call is part of a wider report adopted by the European Parliament on patient safety which calls for national governments to prioritise patient safety in health policies and promote knowledge sharing and further research at a European level.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Euro Labour critical of EU Cross-Border Health Care System proposal

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today Labour MEPs refused to support a proposal on Cross-Border Healthcare and abstained at the first reading vote in the European Parliament.

Labour MEPs were concerned that the rules as drafted are not clear enough. Patients travelling to another EU country for treatment must know whether they will be reimbursed and have all the necessary information on the type and quality of healthcare in the host country. "That is why we backed a clear system of 'prior authorisation' for all hospital and specialised care, meaning that patients have to be referred through the NHS before being treated abroad" commented Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson for Health in the European Parliament and Member of the Health Committee.

Linda McAvan MEP, said: "The numbers currently making use of this opportunity in the UK are very small (552 in 2007). It is not expected that these numbers will increase substantially after this directive is adopted. However, for those people who do want cross-border treatment abroad, we need clear rules both for the patient and for the NHS."

Arlene McCarthy MEP, Chair of the Parliament's Consumer Protection Committee, said:

"In a recent debate on cross border health payments between Britain and Ireland the Tory shadow health minister Andrew Lansley said that NHS resources are always precious and attacked the payment of 180 million Pounds of NHS money to Ireland."

"With this vote today the Tories have demonstrated that they are willing to play fast and loose with precious NHS resources. The Tories' failure to back Labour's proposal for a clear prior authorisation system could see hundreds of millions of Pounds of NHS resources diverted away from local investment to fund private health treatment in Europe."

The controversy surrounding the report meant that less than half the Members of the Parliament backed the final Tory proposal. Arlene McCarthy MEP said: "Labour Euro MPs are not prepared to back a Tory proposal which claims to give freedom of choice to patients but will only benefit a wealthy minority. We will always stand up for the vast majority of patients who need and want high quality healthcare close to home."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEP welcomes copyright victory for musicians

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Neena Gill MEP today called on European governments to extend copyright terms to favour all musicians.

The proposed EU law aims to extend the period during which performers can claim royalties for their recordings from 50 to 70 years. The Parliament voted today to extend the term to 70 years, to make its position clear to some EU governments who are holding up discussions on the issue.

West Midlands MEP, Neena Gill said: "Today's vote in the European Parliament is a victory for musicians across Britain. EU Member States' Governments now need to do the right thing and back the Parliament's vote on this important issue."

"I have fought and secured a number of amendments such as the ‘use it or lose it' clause which will stop big record companies being able to sit on artists' works indefinitely.

"Despite the glamorous image of the most famous, we need to remember that the vast majority of musicians are on a modest wage, and rely on royalties when they get older. Especially during the current climate, like all other workers these people need to be protected. This new law will do precisely that."

Labour MEPs Welcome New Passenger Rights

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday MEPs will vote in Strasbourg to give bus, coach and ship passengers basic rights that will be comparable to those that have already been granted by the EU for air and rail passengers.

Transport companies will now be liable in the event of delayed and cancelled services while passengers with reduced mobility will be given a new set of fundamental rights to aid them before, during and after their journey.

For the first time, coach, bus and ferry companies will be forbidden to deny boarding to passengers on grounds of disability while free assistance must be provided at all terminals and ports.

Labour Transport Spokesman in the European Parliament, Robert Evans MEP who helped steer the new legislation through Parliament said: "This will be a massive help not just for disabled people but also for the elderly, parents with young children and pregnant women."

"Europe must be a common market for all people, not just goods and capital." He continued, "Disabled and elderly people deserve the same rights as all other passengers. This legislation brings us a step closer to achieving this."

All passengers will have the right to compensation in the event of denied boarding, delay, baggage loss and damage, as well as rights for compensation for accidents resulting in injuries or death. For delays of over two hours, companies will have to provide alternative transport services with passengers being entitled to compensation as well as ticket reimbursement.

Socialist Group Spokesperson for the Parliament's Transport Committee, Brian Simpson MEP, also welcomes the legislation, saying, "This shows once again that Labour MEPs are determined to put passengers at the top of our transport policy priorities. If we want a fairer future across all transport modes we need to give the consumer a better deal."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

EU Law for Insurance sets high bar in global regulation race

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the European Parliament will be voting through groundbreaking legislation which will overhaul the rules governing the European Insurance Industry and strengthen its financial stability across all 27 member states.

The new legislation called Solvency II will strengthen the supervisory framework to enhance financial stability of the insurance market. In a nutshell, the aim of the Solvency II legislation is:

- Improving financial stability and risk management
- A strong supervisory approach and group supervision.

Labour MEP Peter Skinner, who drafted the legislation for the European Parliament and is a Member of the Economic Committee of the EP, said "This legislation is a world leader, the first among the reforms mentioned by the G20 of financial legislation and regulation to adopt a modern risk-based method for the security of the industry and the safety of the consumer. It sets a high standard for other regulators elsewhere in the World to follow."

Speaking in today's debate, Peter Skinner MEP said: "There will no longer be a tick box approach by regulators. Regulators have to be fully appraised of the day-to-day activities of companies and the decisions they take."

Companies will now all have to determine their solvency requirements on the basis of a standard formula as harmonised throughout the EU. Falling below the threshold will alert the regulator if anything is going wrong and will also allow for a "ladder of intervention" to be introduced for the company to follow to remedy the capital deficit. This means that the possibility of survival is substantially improved, equivalent to a 99.5% level of certainty over a one year time horizon.

Other regimes around the world, especially in the USA, will now have to look seriously at adopting a comparable regime. Although the EU can on the basis of the advice given by the committee of regulators at the EU level (CEIOPS) conclude international mutual recognition agreements, the USA still has no federal regulator which could enter into such an agreement with the EU.

Peter Skinner MEP said "The EU will as in any other sector be looking for regulatory partners to ensure stability across the globe. Each third country's supervisory regime will have to be recognised by the EU to ensure equivalence of standards - unless there will be new developments in the US regulatory structures in the insurance sector, recognition of the largest insurance market place in the world is in serious doubt."

For more information please call Peter Skinner MEP on 0044(0)7720716510 or call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Jack Jones

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Jack Jones, one of the great internationalists and trade unionists of the last century. He was a man of great humility and vision and a true European. Jack was honoured by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament when he received the SOLIDAR Silver Rose Life Time Achievement Award in 2003.

Glenys Kinnock MEP, former Chair of the Silver Rose Jury, said "He was a magnificent fighter and campaigner. He was and will always be an inspiration to us all."

Glenis Willmott, Labour's Leader in Europe, joined the tributes by saying: "From his early days in the International Brigades to his campaigning for pensioners, Jack was a true internationalist. He was active till the end. We shall miss him greatly."

The Socialist Group stood for a minute in silence in Jack's honour.

Europe pulls the plug on rip-off energy charges, thanks to UK MEP

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MORE than 5.9 million households across the UK will soon get a fairer deal on heating and power for their homes - saving up to £215* a year - thanks to a new EU law driven by a Labour Euro-MP.

Eluned Morgan will this week lead the European Parliament in banning unfair pre-payment meter (PPM) charges.

Around 5.9 million households across the UK currently use pre-payment meters. They are often the poorest and most vulnerable customers, yet research has shown that they pay up to £215 a year more for their gas and electricity.

Now a new EU law, driven through the European Parliament by Eluned Morgan, will ban all discriminatory pricing in the energy market, including unfair PPM charges.

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"For too long, pre-payment meter customers have been ripped-off by the big energy companies. For many years these companies have callously inflated their PPM prices and overcharged the poorest in our society to the tune of millions.

"With this new law the European Parliament has stood up for energy customers in the UK and a fair energy market. Customers who pay up-front for their energy and don't get into debt should not be penalised for it."

The new European legislation will also ensure every household in the EU must be fitted with a so-called ‘Smart Meter' by 2022. Smart Meters will ensure customers are able to better control their energy usage and increase energy efficiency as well as cutting energy costs.

It will also enshrine energy customers' right to change suppliers within three weeks, ensure consumers receive adequate information on their rights, provide for a robust complaints handling system and compel every EU country to put together an action plan to tackle energy poverty/

The new rules will come into effect within the next 18 months.

Notes:

*According to a 2009 Transact Report
Eluned Morgan is MEP for Wales and a member of the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee.

Mobile phone roaming charges cut in time for summer holidays

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MEPs will vote next week (debate Tuesday/vote Wednesday) in Strasbourg to cut roaming charges for calling, texting and internet surfing on mobile phones.

The price of roaming phone calls across Europe will drop continuously over the next three years so that by July 2011 outgoing calls will cost a maximum of €0.35 per minute and incoming calls a maximum of €0.11 per minute excluding VAT.

Mary Honeyball MEP, Labour Member of the Industry Committee, said, "MEPs have ensured the cheaper calls and texts will come into force in time for this summer's holiday season. The prices will start dropping from 1st July, providing real savings for holidaymakers."

Texting while abroad will cost a maximum of 11 cents from July 2009. The maximum cost of other data roaming services such as sending emails and web-browsing will drop from €1.00 per megabyte from July 2009 to €0.50 per megabyte from July 2011.

Commenting on rules included to ensure per second billing for mobile phone calls, Arlene McCarthy MEP, Chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee, said: "Many operators have responded to our law on roaming calls and cut their prices further, but some have tried to avoid giving consumers the full benefit by starting to round up charges to the nearest minute. This equals a 20% hidden charge for calls which consumers don't actually use. I have raised this issue with operators, regulators and the Commission over the last year and I am glad Euro MPs have clearly backed my call for a fair deal and a return to per second billing as a requirement for all operators."

The law will also introduce a new system of transparency for 'data roaming'. Arlene McCarthy MEP said: "There is still more to deliver for consumers, we must also tackle overcharging for data roaming. In a recent example a constituent had been charged over one thousand pounds for just accessing the internet just twice from their mobile while on holiday. "

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

UN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE CALLS ON EU NOT TO "IMPEDE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS" ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND BUSINESS

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Professor John Ruggie, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, will tell the European Parliament tomorrow that the "stale" EU debate on voluntary versus mandatory approaches to responsible business is threatening to hold-up innovative solutions, and could even increase the risks which European based companies and their shareholders face.

At the invitation of Richard Howitt MEP, the European Parliament Rapporteur on Corporate Social Responsibility, Professor John Ruggie will outline to the European Parliament's Human Rights Sub-Committee hearing that "business as usual isn't good enough for anyone, including business itself".

Professor Ruggie has been tasked by the UN Secretary General to bring forward concrete proposals by 2011 on how business will protect human rights in its activities. He will also receive the first copy of a new European Parliament commissioned study by Professor Jan Wouters of the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, which recommends the EU act to bring forward clear legal obligations for corporations as well as effective ways to hold them accountable, including mandatory reporting on human rights performance, and clear benchmarks on socially responsible practices.

Richard Howitt MEP, European Parliament Rapporteur on Corporate and Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee stated - "Professor Ruggie has pointed out that the EU's current tack of giving businesses only a voluntary steer does not give our European companies the real guidance they need to protect human rights and avoid their businesses and shareholders from being anyway involved or complicit with human rights abuses along their supply chain.

"For the sake of European jobs, European business reputations and the human rights of people across the world, who can be the hidden victims of corporate abuses, this is one gaping hole which the European Union needs to fill."

Labour MEPs condemn Tory vote on EU-wide anti-discrimination measures

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Euro-MPs voted today to enhance protection against discrimination across Europe.

The new legislation will combat discrimination on grounds of disability, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation. It will apply to social protection and health care, social benefits, education and access to goods and services including housing. Citizens will also be protected from multiple discrimination, based on two or more grounds.

Michael Cashman MEP, Labour's spokesperson for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, said: "We cannot allow a hierarchy of equality rights and this legislation aims to guarantee protection against discrimination on all grounds to ensure a fair and equal society in Europe. When extremism is on the rise throughout Europe, we must speak out for those who suffer inequality, harassment and outright discrimination every single day!"

The majority of the Conservative MEPs abstained in today's vote, while others voted against, maintaining their record in refusing to give support to anti-discrimination legislation.

Michael Cashman MEP said, "Refusing to support this legislation to combat discrimination demonstrates just what Tory values are really about. It shows that the Tories cannot be trusted with fundamental rights, such as equal treatment."

"Cameron talks the 'inclusive' talk but his MEPs reveal that the nasty party is alive and voting in Europe. They will have to answer to their conscience and their voters why they believe that people should not be treated equally".

Labour MEPs will keep up the pressure to ensure that Member States now adopt this proposal.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

G20 LONDON SUMMIT - BROWN HAS LED THE WAY FORWARD FOR A FAIR GLOBAL NEW DEAL

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the London Summit draws to a close the Labour Party Leader in Europe hails the event a success that must echo round the world. Glenis Willmott MEP congratulated Prime Minister Gordon Brown on his leadership and vision for fairness in the G20 conclusions.

Glenis Willmott MEP says: "Today we have seen the force and necessity of collective global action to solve the unprecedented problems we face in Britain and right across Europe. There is a clear plan to stabilise our economies, prevent unemployment and build strong foundations for a recovery that is fair and long-lasting."

"This global new deal marks the beginning of a new system that has fairness at its core and we have a duty to make sure that all the G20 countries, especially those wealthy European countries, echo their deeds with action.

"While we celebrate the commitment our Prime Minister has made to work alongside world leaders to forge a way forward to protect our jobs and businesses, the Tories are isolated and could have achieved nothing. Britain is a world leader and in the European elections in June we must not allow Cameron to take us into the political wilderness."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The G20 Draft Communiqué made specific reference to the human dimension to the economic crisis:

We commit to support those affected by the crisis by creating employment opportunities and through income support measures. We will build a fair and family-friendly labour market for both women and men. We therefore welcome the reports of the London Jobs Conference and the Rome Social Summit and the key principles they proposed. We will support employment by stimulating growth, investing in education and training, and through active labour market policies, focusing on the most vulnerable. We call upon the ILO, working with other relevant organisations, to assess the actions taken and those required for the future.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Euro Labour critical of EU Cross-Border Health Care System proposal

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today Labour MEPs criticized the Commission's proposal on Cross-Border Healthcare and abstained at the final vote in committee.

Linda McAvan MEP, Member of the Health and Environment Committee said: "The numbers currently making use of this opportunity in the UK are very small (552 in 2007). It is not expected that these numbers will increase substantially after this directive is adopted. However, for those people who do want cross-border treatment abroad, we need clear rules both for the patient and for the NHS."

Arlene McCarthy MEP, Chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee commented: "Ensuring patient safety is top of our list of priorities when it comes to healthcare. Health professionals and patients, do cross European borders. We need to ensure there is proper regulation in place to guarantee a high standard of patient care and safety."

Arlene McCarthy MEP continued: "Under the last Tory Government waiting lists were the longest ever and the Tories wanted the wealthy few to get vouchers to take NHS money for their private treatment. Now waiting lists are the lowest ever but the Tories are still trying to privatise the NHS by the back door with a rebranded European health voucher."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

MEPs vote to end Spanish land grab

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Euro-MPs voted on the impact of extensive urbanisation in Spain. Thousands of European citizens continue to be victims of a system of massive urbanisation.

The process, known as ‘land grab', starts with a local authority reclassifying rural land as urban land, often without the permission of the land owner. Developers then seize land around properties and demand cash from the owners to pay for new roads, drainage and other infrastructure. Some urbanisation schemes have been excessive in scale and are not environmentally sustainable. Some schemes have subsequently been declared illegal and face demolition.

Michael Cashman MEP said, "This is an appeal to the Spanish government to do the right thing and bring the right resolution to this appalling situation. People are facing ruin, uncertainty and loss of their home. Now is the time to act before it is too late!"

A very large number of petitions have been filed concerning the abuse of the legitimate rights of European citizens to their property. There is a great deal of detail concerning environmental degradation, water provision and quality, and public procurement generally in connection with insufficient control of the urbanisation procedures by local and regional authorities.

The national Spanish framework of legislation on land law which came into force on 1st July 2007 has not changed the situation and as a result we have witnessed years of massive urbanisation, overbuilding and coastal destruction.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Consumer Chair backs rights for 'sofa burn' victims and announces new European ban on DMF

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's Consumer Protection Champion, Arlene McCarthy MEP has today raised the case of 4,000 British victims of 'sofa burn' who go to the High Court tomorrow.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg Arlene announced an EU-wide ban on all products containing DMF (dimethylfumarate), the fungicide responsible for severe allergic reactions.

Labour Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, Arlene McCarthy MEP said: "Some sofas and other household and footwear products which contain the chemical DMF have been identified as causing severe allergic reactions, including serious burns. We have acted to protect consumers and from 1^st May 2009 products containing DMF will be banned in the EU."

"DMF is already banned for use in the EU but is present in some imported products. We therefore need to urgently close this loophole to protect consumers' health."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

More than 5,000 people in the UK have now reported skin, chest and eye injuries after using imported furniture.

The UK's largest Group Litigation Order for a consumer product is now being led by Russell, Jones and Walker who are representing nearly 4,000 people.

The High Court is due hear the case on Friday 27^th March against the three retailers who sold sofas containing DMF in the UK.

Background notes

Consumer products such as upholstered furniture and footwear have been identified as the origin of damage to the health of consumers in France, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the UK, and the list of RAPEX notifications is growing.

The symptoms - itching, irritation, redness, burns, dermatitis and, in some cases, acute respiratory troubles - were caused by the chemical dimethylfumarate (DMF). This is a biocide which prevents moulds that may cause deterioration of products during storage or transport in a humid climate. DMF was contained in little pouches fixed inside the product or its packaging. It evaporated and impregnated the product, thus protecting it from moulds, but at the same time causing severe allergic reactions to consumers who were in contact with the products. It is indeed a potent sensitizer, and the treatment has required oral corticosteroids (instead of the usual topical steroids) according to a UK hospital report.

The use of DMF as a biocide is not authorised in the EU. However, there is no explicit legal restriction when DMF is present in products (or raw materials of products) that are imported into the Community. The urgency to close this loophole does not allow the Commission to remain inactive until a permanent legislative solution becomes available.

To prevent the health damage to consumers caused by products containing DMF imported into the EU the Commission intends to adopt a Decision which orders Member States to ensure that, from 1 May 2009, products containing DMF are prohibited from being placed or made available on the market.

In addition, products containing DMF already placed or made available on the market before that date must be withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers, and consumers must be adequately informed of the risk posed by such products.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEPs call for a united response to aid ailing car industry

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's Euro MPs have today welcomed a European Parliament resolution calling for a united European response to help the troubled car industry.

Since the end of last year car sales have plummeted dramatically across the EU as the economic downturn has taken effect. This is endangering millions of jobs across the continent.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "It is vital we act now to protect our car manufacturing industry and those connected to the industry as we cannot afford to let it go to the wall."

"Council and Commission need to accelerate, simplify and increase financial support to the industry and they can do this by allowing state guarantees for low interest loans and at the same time by creating EU guidelines for market incentives such as the scrapping schemes we have seen used to some success in Germany".

Some Member States have already acted to try and prop up their struggling domestic markets by taking a series of individual measures. However, due to a lack of a coordinated response the impact as a whole on the market has been distorted and arguments over protectionist policies have restricted progress.

This came to the fore last week after French carmaker Renault announced it would be shifting production back to France from its Slovenian plant after the French government had guaranteed them state aid.

The Parliament has also called for the European Commission to give clear guidance on the best use of European funds available to help support jobs, Research and Development programmes and vital re-training schemes for vulnerable workers.

"As well as initiatives from Member States there are also crucial funds available at European level such as through the Cohesion Funds, Structural Funds, Social Funds and Globalisation Adjustment Funds. It should be the Commission's job to advise and speed up access to these funds to help the industry at this time."

"This could not only help secure high skilled jobs within the sector but could help support vital Research and Development that will be needed to ensure a future transition to a greener and more sustainable automobile industry" added Glenis Willmott MEP.

Labour MEPs condemn Lib Dem support for Le Pen

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs are outraged that a Holocaust denier could preside over the opening session of the European Parliament in June 2009 and are concerned that Graham Watson, the Liberal Democrat MEP and Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament, is opposing changes to stop Le Pen taking centre stage at the inaugural session.

Labour MEPs are demanding a rule change to prevent Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted Holocaust denier, from serving as the chair for the Parliament's opening session in July. Jean-Marie Le Pen, who is 80 years old, may well be re-elected to the Parliament as part of France's National Front party. As the oldest Member of the Parliament, Le Pen would then serve as the chair of the opening session.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "I am outraged that a Holocaust denier could preside over the opening session of the European Parliament and will work with our political partners to stop him."

Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson has already said he opposes the change. "There is no reason we should treat Mr. Le Pen differently from others," he claimed, "even if we hate his politics."

Glenis Willmott MEP commented: "I am shocked that Graham Watson, Leader of the Liberal Democrat MEPs, does not see the need to stop Le Pen from being given a platform for a lengthy speech and media coverage. Le Pen is not an MEP like any other. Le Pen has been accused of being anti-Semitic and has been convicted by several courts for Holocaust denial. This Parliament was founded after Europe lay in ruins because of Fascism. We should not allow Le Pen to use the European Parliament for spread his foul views."

Only today, Le Pen repeated his view in the European Parliament that "the gas chambers were a detail of history".

Gordon Brown addresses European Parliament

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today PM Gordon Brown will debate the preparations of the G20 Summit in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, commented:

"Gordon Brown is engaging the European Parliament to build a consensus to craft a way out of this unprecedented global economic storm. Meanwhile the Tories keep on fighting amongst themselves about whether to be in or out of Europe."

"David Cameron, by withdrawing his MEPs from the mainstream centre right party of Sarkozy and Merkel, is leading his Tories to a political tundra. By putting dogma before the national interest he is even losing the support of the decent women and men in his own Party. With Christopher Beazley leaving the Tory delegation today, we can see that he does not even have the support of his own Members."

"The choice on June 4th is stark. We either give our workers and businesses the means to defend themselves in this economic storm or we allow the Conservatives to put up the shutters and say Britain is closed for business."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Mothers Day, every day

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Mothers Day, Labour MEPs in the European Parliament have added their support to the White Ribbon Alliance for Safer Motherhood.

On any day more than 1,400 women die as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth, either because they have no access to health care or cannot afford it. This is a humanitarian crisis that is affecting the poorest women in Asia, Africa and Latin America - and it is one that will continue, unless we commit ourselves to tackling the lack of effective medical care in many parts of the world.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "40% of women globally give birth without any skilled assistance. There are thousands upon thousands of grieving motherless children in the developing world. I am calling on the European Union to reach its target of spending 20% of development aid on building health care systems to make childbirth safer."

Glenis Willmott MEP added: "The current global financial crisis brings real challenges for the financing and quality of health in the developing world, but especially on Mothers Day we must not forget to support progress on making pregnancy and childbirth safer."

European Parliament says: "Vote please!"

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today the European Parliament unveiled its communication strategy for the European Elections on the 4th June.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "The launch of the information campaign will help people across Europe be aware that the June 4th Euro Elections are important to them and their families."

"The decisions made in the European Parliament make a difference. In this economic downturn we need the European Parliament to stand by the side of people and help them weather these difficult times. Voters have a choice and this is why these elections matter."

"The European Parliament's communication campaign will help voters make an informed choice."

Gary Titley MEP contributes to Fabian Society Progressive Manifesto Lecture series

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gary Titley MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe for over six years, delivered a thorough analysis of the current debate on Europe, both at domestic and European level, at a joint event on 12^th February between the European Parliamentary Labour Party and the Fabian Society.

Despite twenty years as an MEP, Titley, who stepped down as Leader in January, focused less on post-1989 Europe and more on the scale of its future challenges, including:

Will Europe ultimately exert an influence proportionate to its size and strength, or will it remain in a mood of negative introspection?

Why is there now less understanding and popularity of the European Union in Britain after the '97 election of the most pro-European government for decades?

Will the current economic crisis prove to be Europe's chance to direct the argument, or the latest missed opportunity?

In the lecture entitled 'Eight Wishes and a Warning', Titley vigorously rejected the argument that Europe was less relevant in a global age: ‘We have a global voice because we have a European voice' he argued.

Admitting that it would be an uphill battle, the Labour MEP maintained that pro-Europeans must make the case for Europe, as European action is crucial for Britain's future and governance.

Titley concentrated most on Europe's potential to contribute to its citizens and the world, but did not skirt the difficult issue of Euroscepticism within the Establishment, warning:

'We have to stop being frightened by Europe and embrace it as an essential element of winning the fight for Britain's future. That is my eighth and toughest wish but also my warning. If we do not change the nature of the debate in Britain we will lose control of the European agenda and will find ourselves fighting an uphill battle to keep Britain in the EU.'

Titley's 'wish list' is as follows:

1. Full Cabinet status for the Europe Minister, with the portfolio moving from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to the Cabinet Office, ensuring a cross-Governmental response to European issues

2. Closer military co-operation with the new US administration to end 'Europe against America' and extend multilateralism

3. European supervision of financial services, allowing for stability and growth in the internal market

4. An effective European Energy Policy, including a pan-European energy grid and strategic energy storage policy

5. A defined external policy for the Eurozone and official representation on the IMF

6. More emphasis on the social dimension of Europe, so economic and employment objectives do not overshadow citizens' welfare and social cohesion

7. The child at the heart of EU social policy

8. Demonstrate how Europe is an essential part of the governance of Britain, with Europe as part of mainstream Government policy

Following the lecture, a panel of invited speakers offered their responses. The panel consisted of Martin Kettle of the Guardian; Wayne David MP, former MEP and EPLP leader; and Sunder Katwala, General Secretary of the Fabian Society, who also chaired the event.

The full text of the lecture is available here.

"EU Commission's economic recovery plan not fit for purpose"

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the European Parliament's vote on the proposed European Economic Recovery Plan, and the EU Spring Council next week, Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, is calling on the Commission to step up its efforts to ensure that the European Union weathers the economic storm.

Glenis Willmott MEP has written to Commission President Barroso to express her concerns about the proposed European Economic Recovery Plan: "There is no doubt that the main challenge is to restore confidence in financial markets and counter rising unemployment, but the Commission's proposed recovery plan must be more ambitious. It does not offer enough clear proposals, necessary for the rapid implementation of measures to help those now and in the future."

Glenis Willmott MEP continued: "Most importantly the Economic Recovery Plan should aim to tackle the long term effects that unemployment and a shrinking economy will have on Europe, namely on young Europeans entering the job market for the first time and on working women."

Glenis Willmott MEP raised concerns that the Commission's initiative will be too little too late: "The Commission proposes direct European funding of only €30bn, a mere 0.3% of the EU GDP. I do not believe that this will be enough to ensure harmonious and coordinated measures across member states.

"The Commission must use its initiatory powers to put forward measures that can and will be implemented rapidly. The economic crises have unfolded dramatically and at times unpredictably, and we must ensure that we are both proactive and reactive in future."

Notes to editors:

Letter from Glenis Willmott MEP to EU Commission President Barroso

Dear President Barroso,

Ahead of the European Parliament's vote on the proposed European Economic Recovery Plan, and the EU Spring Council next week, I am taking the opportunity to call on the Commission to step up its efforts to ensure that the European Union weathers the economic storm.

The European Parliamentary Labour Party agrees with the Commission that the EU should present a united and ambitious agenda of reform and recovery to the G20 summit in London on 2^nd April. The G20 is an opportunity for Europe to show off its unique ability to counter economic crises through close national co-operation. We want the EU to present concrete agreements, ensuring that the summit will not be a missed opportunity.

There is no doubt that the main challenge is to restore confidence in financial markets and counter rising unemployment, but the Commission's proposed recovery plan must be more ambitious. It does not offer enough clear proposals, necessary for the rapid implementation of measures to help those now and in the future.

Most importantly it should aim to tackle the long term effects that unemployment and a shrinking economy will have on Europe, namely on young Europeans entering the job market for the first time and on working women.

In Britain we are implementing policies to prevent the return of the unemployment of the 1980s. Recession in the UK saw young school leavers unable to access jobs or training, doomed to years on the dole, and women unable to re-enter the labour market.

This European recovery plan needs clear targets for sustainable job creation and maintenance and real initiatives to address the issue of youth and female unemployment and access to labour markets for our future workforce. The effects of this recession will be felt for far longer than necessary, if the EU does not act now.

The Commission proposes direct European funding of only €30bn, a mere 0.3% of the EU GDP. I do not believe that this will be enough to ensure harmonious and coordinated measures across member states. If member states act in isolation without coordinated concrete proposals, we will all miss the chance to safeguard the future of generations to come.

The Commission must use its initiatory powers to put forward measures that can and will be implemented rapidly. The economic crises have unfolded dramatically and at times unpredictably, and we must ensure that we are both proactive and reactive in future. Therefore we wholeheartedly agree with the Commission's desire for further co-ordination and solidarity between member states.

The success of the Lisbon Growth and Jobs Strategy hinges on our ability to address the problems of youth and female employment. Now more than ever there is a need for concrete action from the Commission.

I look forward to your response.

Glenis Willmott MEP

Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

Euro Tories in splendid isolation

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday William Hague met with the chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) to confirm that Tory MEPs will leave the biggest group of the European Parliament and will try to set up their own.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, commented: "Once again the Tories have put dogma before national interest. This is a party not fit to govern.

"Just when the global economic crisis has shown the need for effective cooperation with our partners, David Cameron is showing himself to be an isolationist. This decision shows a complete lack of leadership. He is clearly pandering to the eurosceptic lunatic fringe of his own Party.

"Tory MEPs and the wider Conservative Party will have no influence and no say in the European Parliament. This cannot be good for the people of Britain, who they claim to represent in Europe" Glenis Willmott MEP continued.

"Tories in the next European Parliament will sit in splendid isolation, as it is not certain that they will find political allies. David Cameron will have to explain who he has invited to form a new political group in the European Parliament."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Eurovignette: Get freight off the road and on the railways

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour Euro MPs have welcomed a decision by the European Parliament to introduce flexibility into a new road charging report.

The proposal would allow Member States to decide whether or not they wished to introduce a road charging scheme known as Eurovignette. This scheme is allowing transit countries to press on with road charges for pollution, congestion and infrastructure damage if they so wish.

Brian Simpson MEP, Labour's Transport Spokesperson in the European Parliament, said: "There is no doubt that road transport does cause pollution and there is a strong belief amongst environmentalists that road haulage should pay more towards the cost of their infrastructure as well as contributing to improving the environment."

The Commission proposal would introduce a possible charge on Heavy Goods Vehicles in all Member States in an attempt to internalise external costs. However, Labour MEPs have made sure the decision to introduce charges is left entirely up to individual Member States.

Brian Simpson MEP commented: "Major transit countries want the power to levy charges on road users because of the damage that road transport does to their countries infrastructure. However, peripheral countries have a different view. The flexibility shown in what in reality is a compromise agreement is to be welcomed and leaves the decision to national governments."

"This legislation gives us a sensible framework that Member States must follow if they want to introduce road tolls while at the same time this gives us a valuable tool in addressing the environmental problems caused by road haulage" added Mr Simpson.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

MEPs demand more transparency in access to documents

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour Euro MPs voted today to demand greater transparency in access to documents. A report drafted by Michael Cashman MEP, Labour's spokesperson for Civil Liberties, proposes that no legislative documents should be kept secret from the public.

Michael Cashman MEP said, "In contrast with the Commission's proposal, the European Parliament is introducing measures to enhance and improve access to documents and accountability of the three institutions to citizens of the Union. Now, more than ever, people need to know what we do in their name and thereby begin to understand and participate in the EU process."

The report will promote more transparency by ensuring all legislative documents are available on an inter-institutional website, setting up common rules on the classification of documents and allowing MEPs access to documents classed as secret. A register of lobbyists would also be created and made public.

Michael Cashman MEP said, "The measures proposed are sensible, proportionate and seek to achieve a uniform approach by the three institutions, and not the least on the classification of confidential documents. Personal data is adequately protected and information officers working within the institutions can ensure that they fully comply with the obligations under the Regulation."

"We took on board amendments of the EPP restating the protection of some MEPs' documents. However, no new privileges or exemptions have been granted to MEPs, other than those contained in the Members' Statute. Claims to the contrary would be a gross misrepresentation," added Michael Cashman MEP.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Key Vote Launches EU Debate on Problem Gambling

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, Labour Chair of the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, welcomed today's vote by the Parliament in Strasbourg backing the report she initiated on gambling integrity.

Arlene said "I initiated this report to raise the concerns of sports fans and the problem of tackling the threat of match fixing, fraud and of harm to vulnerable consumers in a growing hi-tech gambling market."

Arlene added "match fixing is as old as sporting matches, but new technology opens up new risks for fraud alongside the positive opportunities it presents. Sporting bodies have described it as potentially a bigger threat than drugs in sport. Sport fans expect to see honest games, and I support tough Europe-wide action against all forms of match fixing and sport betting fraud."

Conservative Euro MPs put forward an alternative report which was overwhelmingly rejected by Euro MPs. Their report, launched alongside gambling industry representatives, emphasised internal market freedoms to provide services and removed many concerns raised with Euro MPs during their work on this report. Commenting, Arlene said:

"We agreed in discussions on the Services Directive that gambling was not like other sectors. EU Member States have the right to set their own laws on gambling. No Member State has the right to set hypocritical laws that discriminate in favour of domestic and Government owned operators but we cannot ignore genuine concerns to ensure the integrity of gambling services."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Schaldemose report on the integrity of online gambling was adopted in today's vote by the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Euro MPs approved the report by 544 to 36 votes.

The report sets out the need for Member States in the European Union to regulate their gambling markets to:

protect consumers from crime and fraud
to protect other activities such as sporting events from integrity risks such as match fixing, and
to protect in particular vulnerable consumers including children.

The report is strongly backed by all UK sporting bodies who are seriously concerned about the potential threat of match fixing.

The Gambling Commission has received 47 notifications of irregular betting patterns, which led to bets being declared void, in the last 17 months. One example from Arlene's constituency involved Accrington Stanley in their May 2008 League Two match against Bury. High-street bookmakers including William Hill and Coral closed their books after identifying irregular cash bets on Bury beating Accrington Stanley. An investigation by the Football Association is ongoing.

British Conservative Euro MPs submitted an alternative resolution saying that gambling should be seen as a European internal market issue and suggesting concerns of addiction and other gambling related problems are unproven. The Tory report was overwhelmingly rejected by the Parliament.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053 or contact Suzanne Richards in Arlene's office on 0161 909 5107 or 07811 175617 or email suzanne.richards@easynet.co.uk

Calls for Quick Adoption of Text Charge Cuts

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, Chair of the Parliament's Consumer protection Committee, has welcomed Euro MPs backing for a pro-consumer cut in prices for texting while in another European country.

Arlene said: "last year we introduced the regulation on mobile phone roaming charges for voice calls across Europe which has successfully slashed the cost of roaming calls. We gave industry the chance to voluntarily reduce the costs of text roaming or face further action."

"Consumers are being charged up to 10 times more than domestic rates for sending texts. We have been left no choice but to legislate to protect consumers and to force the industry to reduce their charges, with texts capped at 11 cents/ 9 pence. I want this legislation in force to protect consumers as soon as possible."

Commenting on rules included to ensure per second billing for consumers Arlene said "Many operators have responded to our law on roaming calls and cut their prices further, but some have tried to avoid giving consumers the full benefit by starting to round up charges to the nearest minute. This equals a 20% hidden charge for calls which consumers don't actually use. I have raised this issue with operators, regulators and the Commission over the last year and I am glad Euro MPs have clearly backed my call for a fair deal and a return to per second billing as a requirement for all operators."

The law will also introduce a new system of transparency for 'data roaming'. Arlene said "We must also tackle overcharging for data roaming. In a recent example I was given, a constituent had been charged over one thousand pounds for accessing the internet twice while on holiday. The new transparency rules we have developed are crucial for ending this 'bill shock'".

Commenting on Tory and Liberal proposals to weaken consumer protection measures in the law, Arlene said "yet again we see the laissez-faire approach of Tory and Lib Dem Euro MPs; even when faced with clear and consistent unfair charges for consumers they table proposals to put an early end to the law, to permit higher prices, and to allow operators to continue their 20% hidden charge for roaming calls".

Editors note:

The Industry Committee, voting on Monday 9 March, followed the Consumer Committee lead by approving a cap on charges for texts when 'roaming' in another EU state at 11 cents (9 Pence), and adopting transparency requirements and an extension of the cut to roaming voice call charges.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Libertas "farce" nothing more than "personal vanity project"

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Richard Corbett MEP, Labour's spokesman on EU Reform, today described Libertas' decision to run European election candidates in the UK as a "farce", adding that the anti-European group was "a personal vanity project" for founder Declan Ganley.

Richard said:

"Eurosceptics will be like kids in a sweet shop this June, with the BNP, UKIP, the Tories and Libertas to choose from, but this launch is a farce. The fact that their "party leader" has been personally appointed by Ganley demonstrates that Libertas is nothing more than a personal vanity project - a pressure group masquering as a party"

Referring to claims by Libertas founder Declan Ganley that he would not be putting his own money to back the campaign Richard said:

"Declan Ganley spent more money in the Irish referendum than Ireland's three main political parties added together. That is what he is about - slick propaganda, myth-making and playing on people's fears. If he doesn't spend his own money, then he will be using someone else's."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEP calls on Gordon Brown to ensure women get the top posts in the EU

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, on International Women's Day, Glenis Willmott, Labour's Leader in Europe, is calling on Gordon Brown to ensure that at least one of the three top EU jobs will be filled by a woman. The three high-level posts of President of the European Commission, President of the European Parliament and High Representative/Secretary General of the European Council are looking for candidates in 2009.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "The three top EU posts are up for grabs in 2009. I want to see more women considered for these posts which are traditionally dominated by men and I am calling on Gordon Brown to use his influence to ensure that one of those jobs will be filled by a woman."

Glenis Willmott MEP added: "I also would like to highlight the glaring under-representation of women in the European Parliament. While Labour is represented by over 40% female MEPs in Brussels, the British Tory MEPs only managed to include 1 female MEP in their 27 MEP strong group which adds up to a representation of 3%. UKIP could not find a single woman to represent them in the European Parliament."

"Labour has taken action to address under representation of woman in politics and I am pleased that half of our candidates for the European Parliament elections this June are women. We have managed to draw together a very strong team." said Glenis Willmott MEP.

Fayyad Resignation Challenges Hamas... and Hamas Challenges West

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today's (Saturday's) surprise resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to make way for a possible unity government between formerly warring factions, will not be enough on its own to broker Palestinian reconciliation according to members of a high-level EU delegation engaged in its own talks with Palestinian officials in Ramallah today.

British Euro MP Richard Howitt who is a member of the four person European Parliament delegation says this week's words by American and European Governments at the Sharm donors conference in favour of the peace process would need to be translated into a concrete promise of cooperation to help make the new government possible.

Richard Howitt MEP, member of the four MEP delegation advising on European policy in relation to the reconciliation process, the Gaza conflict and the recent Israeli elections, speaking from Ramallah said:

"Prime Minister Fayyad partly owes his position to the confidence of Western governments, and it will be necessary for the international community to indicate it will find an accommodation with Hamas in a new unity government, if Hamas will be able to find an accommodation with Fatah.

"The Prime Minister has bestowed an important legacy for reform and good governance which has to be protected.

"But Hamas will certainly veto Fayyad from leading a new government and Europe has to show enough flexibility in applying existing principles to avoid being part of vetoing the new government itself."

Richard Howitt MEP is part of the European Parliament delegation assessing European policy on the Middle East Peace Process in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, 5-8 March 2009. The European Union refused to directly aid the previously short-lived Palestinian unity government owing to Hamas' failure to abide by the "Quartet" principles, including the right of the state of Israel to exist.

Middle East Peace - Focus Switches to European Role

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union's role in advancing the Middle East Peace Process following the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Conference will come under the spotlight during a four-day visit of MEPs to Israel and the Palestinian Territories staring today (Thursday 5 March).

British Euro MP Richard Howitt, who was formerly an official EU observer at the Palestinian Legislative and Presidential elections, and who represents the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, says the Delegation will help shape European thinking during the crucial moments when governments are being formed on both sides.

Richard Howitt MEP says:

"We will be taking the temperature at a time when despite the statements made at Sharm, the results of the Israeli elections seem to put the two state-solution under threat.

"We will also test the political impact of the freezing of the planned upgrading of the EU-Israel association agreement, support for a negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear problem and the prospects for flexibility in the European position should Hamas join a new unity government.

"Serious questions need to be asked about the viability of Europe's 'PEGASE' funding mechanism for reconstruction in Gaza following the conflict, and about the prospects for reinstating our 'EUBAM' mission to help achieve an end to the blockade."

Richard Howitt MEP is part of the four-person mission which will meet Palestinian, Israeli and independent representatives and tour East Jerusalem to see for themselves the impact of current and planned settlement activity.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Richard Howitt MEP will be in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem and Ramallah as part of a European Parliament political mission from the 5-8 March. During the mission he will be meeting with representatives of the Quartet, Israeli Government Ministers, Palestinian politicians and members of the political parties currently involved in Government formation negotiations.

Richard Howitt MEP is Labour's Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament and a leading member of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. A Middle East Peace Process veteran, Richard Howitt MEP has served as an official EU election observer for both the Palestinian Presidential and Legislative Council elections, and more recently visited Gaza on a humanitarian mission to highlight suffering being caused to civilians by the blockade.

MEPs back Special Place for Children

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CHILDREN'S voices must be heard and children's rights considered in EU all actions, Labour MEP GLENYS KINNOCK today urged.

Euro-MPs today gave their backing to a report authored by GLENYS KINNOCK calling for the EU to ensure adequate funding to protect and promote the rights of the world's most vulnerable citizens.

The report also stresses the importance of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in order to safeguard children's rights.

It also urges:

Free basic education
More food distribution and social welfare services
The EU to firmly pursue the elimination of all forms of discrimination against girls
The participation of children in decisions about their future
A commitment to address child labour, child trafficking, child soldiers, children affected by armed conflict and all forms of violence against children, including sexual exploitation and harmful traditional practices

Speaking from Brussels, GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"Most of the world's two billion children face a daily struggle against poverty and vulnerability. Today, it is they who are most severely feeling the impact of the financial crisis, as budgets for health and education are threatened.

"That's why we need to see a political commitment to children at the highest level. The Commission has made important steps forward towards an EU strategy on the Rights of the Child but much remains to be done to put those commitments into practice.

"To identify that special place for children we need to see actions intended to match the ambition. We need substance backing up the rhetoric. And that means resources must be available, and there should be no backtracking by the EU on commitments to fund the MDGs.

"As adults we have the duty to elicit and consider the views of young people when taking decisions which actually affect their lives. "

Notes:

To view the full report please see: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A6-2009-0039&language=EN&mode=XML

For more information please contact Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175 or call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Vera Lynn is right: intellectual property right is abused

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have expressed disgust that the BNP is raising funds for their European election campaign by selling a CD titled The White Cliffs Of Dover, which includes Dame Vera's hits such as All Alone In Vienna and The White Cliffs Of Dover.

Labour Euro MPs are supporting Dame Vera Lynn in her fight against the abuse of her intellectual property rights by the BNP. They are calling for the copyrights of performers to cover the artist's entire lifetime. The Labour MEPs will vote on enhanced protection for performers this spring.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "It is shocking that the BNP can just go ahead and make profits out such iconic songs like The White Cliffs Of Dover without the agreement of the artist. Dame Vera is right to seek action against the BNP and we will do our best to support her."

Klaus's rant "short on argument, long on cliches"

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour's Deputy Leader in Europe, Richard Corbett MEP, today criticised the speech in the European Parliament by Czech President Vaclav Klaus, describing it as "short on argument, but long on clichés".

Mr Klaus was speaking as part of the six-month Czech Presidency of the EU.

Richard Corbett MEP, who is also Labour's spokesman on EU Reform in the Parliament, said:

"Klaus today spouted a set of standard eurosceptic clichés and his diatribe was disappointing and frankly embarrassing."

Responding to Klaus's bizarre claim that the EU deals with matters that should be left to the national governments and comparisons between the Parliament and Communist parliaments from Cold War era eastern Europe, Richard Corbett added:

"He seemed blissfully unaware that no EU policy or legislation is adopted without the agreement of those same national governments in the EU Council of Ministers."

By making ludicrous comparisons to communist parliaments of Cold War eastern europe, which had no opposition to the government, he brought laughter from a European Parliament most of whose members are from opposition parties in each Member State."

Drawing attention to yesterday's vote in the Czech chamber of deputies, when it approved the Lisbon treaty by 125 votes to 61 despite his efforts to oppose it, Richard said:

"The massive vote to approve the Lisbon Treaty in the Czech Parliament yesterday despite Mr Klaus's efforts to derail it shows that his stock is obviously falling."

Concluding, Richard said:

"Klaus may be attempting to style himself as the next icon around which eurosceptics can rally, but cliché-ridden rants won't win him any arguments."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Titley calls for EU financial regulation

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Gary Titley MEP stands down as the longest serving leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party he will be delivering a forward looking lecture to the Fabian Society, which will reflect on the European project and the future of Britain in the EU.

The lecture is titled "8 wishes and a warning" and Gary will call for:

the Minister for Europe to be a full Cabinet Member with the special remit to coordinate all our policy responses to European decision making;
cross border activity in finance to be subject to supranational supervision to ensure stability;
an effective European Energy Policy with a European energy grid, a strategic energy storage policy and a single market for energy;
Europe to strengthen its global role by bridging the gap between its civilian and military power.

Gary Titley has been Labour's Leader in Europe since September 2002. Immediately after being elected Labour's Leader in Europe, Gary was appointed Vice-President of the Socialist Group with responsibility for EU enlargement. In that position, he paved the way for 10 new countries to join the EU on 1st May 2004.

Notes to editors:

1. The lecture will be held at Portcullis House, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AA in the MacMillan Room today, Thursday 12th February 2009 at 6.30pm and will be followed by a drinks reception. As places are limited, please RSVP in good time to richard.lane@fabian-society.org.uk to secure your place.

2. A copy of the speech is available from silke.thomson@europarl.europa.eu

Sri Lanka - UN must intervene now to prevent bloodbath

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A leading member of the European Parliament has declared that the situation in Sri Lanka is now so critical that the UN must intervene to prevent a civilian massacre.

Robert Evans MEP, who is Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with South Asia, is calling on UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to demand that a United Nations peace keeping mission be allowed into the country as soon as possible.

"All the evidence suggests that about a quarter of a million people are not just stuck in limbo, but could be caught in a ghastly bloodbath," said Robert Evans MEP. This comes as reports say that the remaining doctors and medical staff in the LTTE (Tamil Tiger) controlled area in the north of Sri Lanka, have been ordered to leave.

Robert Evans said, "Whilst the Sri Lankan Government has urged Tamil civilians to come over to their side, there is a natural reticence and fear of such a move. The Tamil people have seen so much death and destruction. They are terrified of Sri Lankan troops and their 'holding camps', not to mention their different language. Equally there are stories suggesting that the LTTE has or might shoot anyone who tries to escape from the areas that remain under their control."

Mr Evans continued, "It is impossible to know the exact figures because the Sri Lankan Government doesn't allow independent access to the war zone, but there could be as many as 250,000 men, women and children massacred in the next few days unless the international community acts immediately."

"I am calling on the United Nations and the International Community as a whole, to demand that the Sri Lankan Government allow humanitarian aid to these people and full access for the world press and media corps," pleaded Robert Evans MEP. "Time is running out. This help must be delivered as a priority."

Robert Evans MEP has discussed the worsening situation in Sri Lanka with Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown, European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner and was in Oslo on Tuesday meeting Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim, who for years was the key peace negotiator between the Government and the LTTE.

Notes

1. Call Robert Evans MEP direct on 07785 290546 or call Ed Mayne, Media Officer to Robert Evans MEP, on 07763 305415.
2. Robert Evans is Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with South Asia .

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

European Parliament funding for Libertas criticised

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Richard Corbett, Labour's spokesman on EU Reform, today called for a review of the European Parliament's Bureau decision to recognise Libertas as a European political party, giving them access to 200,000 euros of taxpayers' money.

Richard said: "It is perverse to award public money to an organisation that has no members and has never put up candidates in an election".

Drawing attention to the statement by Estonian MP Igor Grazin that he had not, in fact, signed papers supporting Libertas, Richard added:

"This mess throws up a number of questions that need answering: did Parliament's Bureau check that the affiliates were genuine and secondly, did they get legal advice on whether an MP from a party that is already affiliated to one European party can count as an affiliate for another European party?"

Richard concluded by saying: "If the Bureau rushed into a snap decision without making these basic checks then they have let down genuine parties with real members and wasted a large amount of public money on an organisation that is little more than a phoney pressure group."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

MEPs urge Thailand not to return Rohingya refugees

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Burma Campaign patron Glenys Kinnock MEP today led a European Parliament call for Thailand not to send Rohingya refugees back to Burma to face repression and torture.

In a Parliamentary Resolution, Euro-MPs also urged Thailand to ensure the refugees were treated according to humanitarian standards.

They called on the Thai government to instigate a thorough and impartial enquiry into allegations of mistreatment of the Rohingya by the Thai military and to give the UN High Commissioner for Refugees immediate access to determine their needs.

In addition, MEPs condemned the Burmese regime for their continuous persecution of the ethic group. They demanded the junta restore the Burmese citizenship of the Rohingya, lift the restrictions on their right to education, right to get married, freedom of movement and to cease human rights violations across the country.

Speaking from Strasbourg, GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"The Rohingya have long suffered abuse at the hands of Burma's brutal military dictatorship. In desperation they have been driven to the sea only to be met with yet more cruelty and suffering.

"The conduct of the Thai military in this case is deeply concerning and the Thai government must investigate urgently to ensure no more vulnerable refugees are put at risk.

"This situation serves to underline the urgent need for recognition, protection and asylum for the Rohingya."

Notes to editors

Glenys Kinnock MEP is Patron of the Burma Campaign UK.
It has been reported that around 1000 Rohingya boatpeople were intercepted by the navy in Thai territorial waters between 18 and 30 December 2008 and were subsequently towed into international waters without navigational equipment or sufficient food and water. Many of them are missing and feared drowned while some of them were rescued by Indonesian and Indian coastguards.
The indigenous Rohingya, the ethnic mainly Muslim community in western Burma, are subjected to systematic, persistent and widespread human rights violations by the ruling military regime, including denial of citizenship rights, severe restrictions of freedom of movement and arbitrary arrests.
In recent years thousands of Burmese have fled from their home country because of the repression and wide-spread hunger and risked their lives to arrive in Thailand and other south east Asian countries. Thailand is increasingly a transit destination for Burmese refugees.

For more information please contact Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175 ot the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEPs welcome EU Commission's review of Europe's labour laws

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Labour MEPs have long been calling on the European Commission to put a stop to undercutting wages and social dumping in Europe and are delighted that Valdimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, has declared that the Commission needs to review the impact on workers and their families of these directives and of recent rulings of the European Court.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "The recent European Court Judgments make it necessary that we now have clarity on the current legal situation and within this context there is a need to review the Posted Workers' Directive, in order to avoid social dumping."

Glenis Willmott MEP continued: "We urge the European Commission to be proactive in the midst of this economic downturn, particularly in relation to its effects on workers and their families."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Abbas European Visit - Call for a Sea-Change in European Middle East Policy

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A hard-hitting appeal to Britain and the European Union to hold Israel accountable to international law, to support a Palestinian reconciliation agreement and to provide international troops to fulfil UN responsibilities to protect Palestinians requires a sea-change in European policy to the Middle East.

Leading British Euro MP Richard Howitt made the call in response to President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today (Wednesday 4 February) and in advance of the Palestinian President's visit to meet Gordon Brown in London.

Richard Howitt MEP says Britain can play a crucial role in ending the embargo against Gaza by reviewing its policy towards Hamas in the light of the Egyptian peace initiative, by seeking to upgrade the existing EU border mission at Gaza and playing a crucial role in the UN Security Council in response to attacks against civilians in the Gaza conflict.

Richard Howitt MEP, who was an official EU election monitor for both the Palestinian Presidential and legislative elections and who visited Gaza during the blockade said:

"President Abbas' description of an Islamic peace initiative giving the prospect of peace between Israel and 57 Islamic states provides a direct challenge to Europe to shift its own policy, in order to avoid worldwide divisions becoming entrenched in the quest for Middle East peace.

"I have been persuaded that the European boycott against Hamas has been counterproductive, and will have to change in line with the Egyptian peace initiative and UN resolutions.

"Britain and our European allies must listen to the Palestinian President's call to uphold Israeli accountability within the United Nations or we ourselves become accountable for our failure to do so."

ENDS

EDITOR'S NOTE:

To interview Richard Howitt MEP please ring Silke Thomson, European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer on +32 449790053 or Richard Howitt MEP direct on +32 2 2845477 (office) or +44 7768 122888 (mobile)

EURO MEPs declare solidarity with workers at Lindsay Oil Refinery

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The European Parliament Socialist Group has adopted a statement drafted by the UK Labour MEPs and Italian and Portuguese Socialist MEPs. Socialist Euro MEPs have met to express their solidarity with British, Portuguese and Italian workers in the context of the Lindsay industrial dispute, and resolved that:

"It is necessary to find a positive solution to the Lindsay Oil case. It is vital that the right conditions are created to avoid situations of tension and hostility between workers and to foster solidarity.

We must maintain the internal market and the freedom of movement of capital and labour - the principles which have given unparalleled prosperity and are key to our countries' recovery from the financial downturn.

The recent European Court Judgments make it necessary that we have clarity on the current legal situation and within this context there is a need to review the Posted Workers' Directive, in order to avoid social dumping.

We urge the European Commission to be proactive in the midst of this economic downturn, particularly in relation to its effects on workers and their families."

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "Labour MEPs, with full support of all Socialist MEPs in Europe, will not stand for undercutting wages and social dumping in Europe."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS, Belgium

MEPs combat child pornography on the Internet

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MEPs are calling for the criminalisation of all types of sexual abuse of children including "grooming" and paedophile chat rooms on the internet.

MEPs will vote today on a report this week calling for the criminalisation of internet providers of paedophile chat rooms and forums and to require national authorities to block access to or delete the domain names of the websites concerned. The report also calls for credit card companies to cooperate to block the internet-based payment systems for websites involved in child pornography.

Michael Cashman MEP, Labour's spokesperson on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, said: "We need an increased level of protection of children throughout Europe in view of the development of new technology, in particular the internet."

The report also calls for EU citizens who commit a sex crime outside the EU to be subject to standard extraterritorial legislation. Applicants for certain posts working with children should also undergo a criminal records check and those whose work involves regular contact with children should have an obligation to report situations where abuse is suspected.

Michael Cashman MEP said: "All Member States need the same definition of the sexual abuse of children to ensure that there are no loopholes for those exploiting children anywhere within the EU."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

CIA Rendition Flights & Detention

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Claude Moraes MEP, Labour Spokesperson on CIA Rendition Flights & Detention today welcomed moves by the new Obama administration to end the brutal practices used on alleged terrorist suspects.

Today, the new Obama administration issued an Executive Order which will end the use of CIA ‘black sites’ around the world to detain and interrogate alleged terrorist suspects. The Order also ends the use of ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’, widely seen as torture; stop the inhuman transport of suspects around the world and the prolonged detention of suspects with no charge or fair trial.

Speaking from Brussels, Claude Moraes MEP comments “The European Parliament and Labour MEPs were at the forefront of investigating these abuses. Often British and European citizens were subject to arbitrary capture, transport and detention and some have alleged the use of torture. British airports such as Prestwick were suspected of being used by the CIA to move suspects to Guantanamo or other secret CIA run interrogation sites.”

“In one of its first acts, the Obama administration has shown that it is serious about improving the image of the United States around the world.”

“When we were investigating these allegations, US representatives would neither confirm nor deny the existences of these sites and inhuman methods. We uncovered evidence that the CIA were using sites in Poland and Romania to interrogate these alleged suspects. With this act by President Obama it shows we were right to investigate and act on behalf of British & European citizens.”
ENDS

Notes for Editors
1. Claude Moraes is a Labour Member of the European Parliament for London. He was the Labour spokesperson on the European Parliament’s Committee investigating the alleged CIA rendition and detention of terrorist suspects. He is also a member of the Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee.

For more information please call Claude Moraes MEP on 00 44 (0)7973 185 936 or
call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Glenis Willmott is Labour's new leader in Europe

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As party head in the European Parliament, the East Midlands MEP joins the ranks of women to take the position, including the legendary Barbara Castle.

Glenis Willmott said: "I feel privileged to have been elected to lead the party. Europe has such an important part to play in making our everyday lives better and we have already achieved so much by working together.

"It is an honour to take the helm and help build on those achievements in the run-up to the European elections in June and beyond."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I want to congratulate Glenis Willmott MEP on her election today to the leadership of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. Glenis will provide excellent leadership of the EPLP as they continue to work hard for a progressive future for the EU, and I look forward to working with her as we prepare for the European election campaign in June.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding work done by Gary Titley MEP who has held the post of EPLP Leader for the last six years."

Glenis Willmott was born into a County Durham mining family and began her career in medical science before moving on to work for a Labour MP. She rose through the political and trade union ranks, becoming Secretary of the East Midlands Trade Union and Labour Party Liason Committee, Chair of her Regional Labour Party, County Councillor and senior trade union officer at the GMB, one of very few women to hold a top position in this tough working environment.

Mrs Willmott became Labour's Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands in February 2006 and was elected Chief Whip of the European Parliamentary Labour Party in July of the same year. She is currently Labour's spokesperson for Health in the European Parliament, member of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee and is both co-Chair of the European Cervical Cancer Awareness Group and a member of the Forum MEPs Against Cancer.

"From the moment I was elected I have fought for the interests of people in the East Midlands and the UK both here and across Europe.

"I have backed moves to toughen safeguards for consumers, whether to combat over-charging on their mobile phones or when downloading music, to increase protection when they are booking holidays or to end hidden airfare costs.

"I campaign to protect young people, supporting the introduction of a missing children helpline, a child trafficking advice line and the improvement of safeguards for them on the internet. I am fighting for free fruit and veg to be offered to all primary school children and have highlighted legislation to make toys safer as well as new strategies to fight obesity sooner and cut teenage smoking rates.

"I raise awareness of cervical cancer and screening and have championed a national cervical cancer vaccination programme which was launched in September.

"I have taken the region's achievements in cutting rates of homelessness to the European Parliament as an example of best practice to be used across the EU and I've supported plans to introduce climate change laws which will slash emissions and combat energy poverty.

"I introduced a raft of measures aimed at improving workplace safety, tackling third party violence, occupational diseases, workplace accidents or improving protection for working women who are pregnant and who have recently given birth.

"And I battled to save jobs for disabled people in the region, I promote active ageing and independent living for older people and work to ban the importing of products causing harm to animals.

"As the region's MEP and Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, I will continue to do all I can to support, to help and to represent the people of the East Midlands, to make Europe work for them and for people across the UK."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

10th Anniversary of the Euro

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is ten years since the euro became the official currency of the European Union, used in initially eleven of its Member States. Euro coins and notes were introduced two years later. There are now 16 Member States which have adopted the euro as their national currency.

Peter Skinner MEP, Member of the Economics Committee, said: "The Euro has become a reserve currency of some renown. In this time of economic turmoil, the Euro has provided stability for the economies of the Eurozone."

Gary Titley MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, calls the UK to have a fresh look at the single currency: "In principle we are in favour of the single currency, in practice the economic conditions must be right. We should continue to review the situation at future budgets."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Pesticides deal unacceptable

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The proposals aim to ensure that pesticides are safe both to human health and the environment and to reduce red tape by speeding up the authorisation process for new, safer pesticides. However, there is concern over the effects that this will have on crop yields.

Glenis Willmott MEP has been campaigning for a full and proper impact assessment of the proposed legislation and has also successfully helped secure a built-in safeguard in the form of a derogation clause. This ensures that where a Member State needs to authorise a pesticide necessary to control a serious danger to crops, it can be approved. The derogation is certain to get accepted as part of the final legislation.

However, the continued lack of a thorough impact assessment means that Labour MEPs will not be supporting the current deal on the table, as there is no clear indication of its impact on food production.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Member of the Environment Committee said: "Rejecting this deal is the responsible thing to do. Labour MEPs do wish to see better and safer pesticides, but we also have a responsibility to both producers and consumers to be sure what the eventual effects of the current proposals on agricultural production and food prices would be."

"Whilst the deal certainly would not have the catastrophic effects that some harbingers of doom are predicting, the uncertainty involved is great enough for Labour MEPs to be unable to support the text of the legislation in its current format."

In rejecting the deal Labour MEPs are supporting an amendment calling for a thorough and wide-ranging impact assessment.

Whatever the outcome of the vote on Tuesday, the majority of pesticides currently on the market are authorised up to 2015 and beyond and the available exemption can extend the authorisation period even longer - which should ensure that manufacturers of pesticides have sufficient time to reformulate most of their products.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 0530

Tough Toy Safety Standards on the Way

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The law, which Arlene McCarthy MEP, Labour Chair of the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, led negotiations on with the Governments of Europe's Member States, will set tough new rules and standards to protect children from toxic and dangerous toys.

Following the conclusion of negotiations and sign-off by Member States last week and in advance of this week's debate and vote in the European Parliament Arlene McCarthy MEP said:

"Our current toy safety law is 20 years old and does not deal with the new risks and threats. In particular it does not tackle the risks with imported toys given that 95% of UK toys and 80% of toys EU-wide are imported from China."

Arlene added: "After last year's toy safety scares and recalls I demanded a review of the law to target toxic toy imports. We have achieved a radical review of toy safety law."

"We have banned chemicals in toys which could cause cancer, mutate cells or be toxic to reproduction; we have banned all use of toxic elements such as lead, mercury and chromium in toy production; and we have banned the use of most allergenic fragrances in toys."

Arlene said: "Importers will now have the responsibility to ensure toys they bring into the EU are safe and they cannot simply leave this to overseas manufacturers.

"We have also raised the safety standards in the legislation and we have introduced clearer, more effective warning labels for toys.

"We want to give parents confidence in the toys on sale in the EU. Recalls like we saw last year get dangerous products off the shelf fast when dangers emerge but recalls must only ever be a last resort.

"Our new law is designed to ensure dangerous toys never make it on to the shop shelves."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

In September 2007 the European Parliament adopted a resolution proposed by Arlene McCarthy's committee calling for a new toy safety law to be brought forward as soon as possible. The Commission published its proposal in January 2008 which was then debated in the Consumer Protection Committee. The Committee voted in November 2008 for measures to strengthen the Commission proposal. Arlene then conducted negotiations on behalf of the European Parliament with the Presidency of the European Council and the European Commission which concluded on 9 December 2008 with the Commission and Council accepting all key points of the Parliament position.

The draft law is due to be voted on formally on Thursday by the full session of the Parliament in Strasbourg. If it receives backing in its proposed form from Euro MPs, the Governments of the EU Member States have agreed to adopt it without further changes, enabling it to enter into EU law within months.

The new draft law will:

make importers responsible for ensuring toys that they bring into Europe are safe;
Bring in a tough ban on dangerous elements like lead, mercury and chromium in toys;
ban the use of dangerous CMRs (substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction)
enable Europe to quickly ban toys with new risks like the potentially fatal powerful magnets behind many recent recalls;
toughen the rules dealing with choking and suffocation risks;
ban the use of most allergenic fragrances in toys, and attach warnings to those that are still allowed.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053 or Suzanne Richards in Arlene's office on 0161 909 5107 or 07811 175617 or email suzanne.richards@easynet.co.uk

MEPs support measures for effective cross border enforcement of traffic offences

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The proposal is seen by MEPs as an important step in creating a comprehensive approach to road safety enforcement across the EU.

This legislation will allow enforcement agencies, for the first time, to chase up drivers who have committed offences abroad, with a vehicle registered in another EU member state.

This will be done through the creation of an EU electronic system of data exchange which will enable Member States to trace non-resident vehicles, where a driving offence has been spotted.

The Socialist Group Transport spokesperson in the European Parliament, Brian Simpson MEP welcomed the vote saying; "It is nonsense that EU citizens cannot be punished for reckless driving simply because they happen to do it in another member state".

"We need to tighten enforcement laws across the EU if we are really serious about improving our road safety record".

Initially only four offences will be under the scope of this legislation and these will include

speeding,
drink driving,
not using a seatbelt
failure to stop at a red light.

However, Parliament's report does leave the door open for the Commission to look at extending this to other offences further down the line.

"I think it is important that we also have the possibility to extend cross border enforcement of traffic offences in future to other offences like drug driving and non payment of congestion charges" added Mr Simpson.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Euro MP celebrates victory over directory scams

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The directory scams, which target businesses, voluntary groups, sports clubs and even churches, operate by appearing to offer a free listing when in reality the true cost, hidden in the small print, is almost £900 for a so-called advertisement. The 'contract' is almost impossible to cancel and victims are aggressively pursued by the companies and their related debt collection agencies.

Richard said: "Over the years these scams have made millions of pounds and have bullied thousands of people all over Europe. This report will hopefully offer some small consolation to the victims but is a big step forward in working to eradicate the scams. It is now up to the European Commission to ensure every EU country takes these scams to task and follows the example of Austria who has outlawed the practices used by the likes of European City Guide, Construct Data, NovaChannel AG and many more."

"It's been a long battle to get the issue acknowledged at European level and I know the scams will not give up easily but today's vote sends out a clear message to the scams: the way you operate is unacceptable and illegal. We must now make sure these scams are shut down across Europe whenever they pop up."

At one of the report's hearings, the European City Guide admitted they send out as many as six million forms annually.

Richard added: "Anyone who has mistakenly signed one of these forms should explain they have been misled and refuse to pay. If you receive a form from a directory scam through the post the best thing to do is bin it!"

Arlene McCarthy MEP said: "As Chair of Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee I will bring forward hard-hitting legislative action to tackle these unfair and misleading practices and put the directory scam fraudsters out of business once and for all."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEPs welcome historic climate change deal

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It has taken nearly 12 months of negotiations between the European Parliament and national ministers to reach this agreement on the six new climate change laws. At the European Summit last week an agreement was reached between Heads of State, and following last minute negotiations with MEPs at the weekend, the European Parliament is expected to finalise this deal at tomorrow's vote in Strasbourg.

Speaking on the day of the debate on the package, Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson for climate change in Europe said "Europe has been talking the talk for a long time on climate change - but tomorrow it will begin to walk the walk. We are taking the first steps on a long road to a low-carbon society."

"Concessions have been made in the name of compromise and reaching a deal, but nothing has threatened the environmental effectiveness of the package. The package still adds up and will still deliver at least a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 20% share of renewables by 2020."

"I was at Poznan last week speaking to leaders and citizens from around the world and everyone was talking about the EU's climate change package. They were waiting anxiously to see if it is possible to reach a credible agreement during a time of economic uncertainty. This week we will show that it is possible and that climate change policies will help, not hurt, our economy. Up to 160,000 jobs are expected to be created in the UK over the next 12 years due to the renewable energy target alone."

Many of Parliament's key demands have been taken on board in the final agreement, including a new target of a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2020, a new funding mechanism worth around 9bn euros to clean up coal and gas fired power stations through carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects and a tough limit on the amount of emissions that can be offset through projects in developing countries. In addition, Parliament has introduced strict sustainability criteria for biofuels to make sure that only those biofuels which deliver real emission reductions without increasing food prices are allowed in the EU.

Notes to editors

Linda McAvan MEP is Vice-President for the 215 MEP strong Socialist Group in the European Parliament with special responsibility for climate change issues. She represented the Socialist Group in the negotiations with national Ministers on the Emission Trading System (ETS) which is the biggest part of the climate change package.
Linda McAvan MEP represented the European Parliament last week in Poznan for the international climate change talks.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Climate Change deal is needed now

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Speaking from the International Climate Change Talks in Poznan, Linda McAvan MEP said:

"It is clear from talking to delegates from all over the world that all eyes this morning are on Brussels and EU leaders who are trying to agree on the Climate Change package. Rumours are flying that some governments want to weaken the package."

Linda McAvan MEP continued: "Europe must show the same courage as it did when member states signed up to 2020 targets in 2007. The European Parliament will not back a deal that does not deliver the 20, 20, 20 targets. MEPs will keep up the pressure for a fair deal that delivers for the planet."

Linda McAvan MEP stressed: "MEPs are standing firm on our priorities: The bulk of emission reduction efforts must be made in the EU, not through offsetting credits of questionable quality. Parliament will also not compromise on the need for funding for climate change measures, both in the EU and developing countries."

Notes to editors

1. Linda McAvan MEP is part of the Parliament's negotiating team on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is the biggest part of the climate change package. She is the spokesperson on Climate Change for the 218 MEP strong Socialist Group in the European Parliament.

2. Linda McAvan MEP is currently representing the European Parliament at the international climate change talks in Poznan.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Corbett hails Irish 'victory' in Lisbon Treaty deal

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At the two day summit of EU heads of government, the Irish government has achieved a commitment to a series of legal guarantees addressing its concerns on matters ranging from abortion, military neutrality and corporation tax and, most significantly, a permanent member of the European Commission.

Richard said:

"In getting EU member states to agree to change the composition of the Commission, the Irish have scored a significant diplomatic victory.

"This solution does not ignore the Irish "No" vote. It respects and responds to it. As the Danes did over Maastricht, the Irish have identified the elements of the Lisbon Treaty that concerned them and their European colleagues have responded to these concerns by negotiating a new package".

Responding to eurosceptic claims that the Irish "No" vote should have killed off the treaty, Richard stated:

"To have entirely abandoned the treaty and its reforms would have been disrespectful to the 25 countries which have already approved it and plunged the EU into another institutional crisis.

"When we face the urgent need to take fast and co-ordinated action on climate change and the financial crisis, an institutionally hamstrung EU is the last thing we need".

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Kinnock welcomes EU action to address world food crisis

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

MEPs today gave the go-ahead to European Commission plans for a €1 billion so-called ‘Food Facility' fund to support developing country farmers over the next three years.

The fund will finance measures aimed at supporting a rapid and direct response to the volatile food prices in developing countries. As well as providing for emergency measures, it aims to improve access to essentials like fertilizer and seeds in order to preserve or improve agricultural production and meet the basic food needs of the most vulnerable people.

GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"With food riots across the developing world as poor and needy families struggle to feed their children, it is clear that we are amid a global food crisis.

"As well as providing emergency relief, we must now make sure that in those countries most urgently in need of more food, farmers can successfully prepare for next year's harvest.

"It is disappointing that the original and apt proposal to finance the Food Facility through surplus EU subsidies was abandoned. Nevertheless, about €760m is additional money and it will go some way towards helping those in the greatest need and improving the chances that in 2009 we will not see a repeat of the food insecurity and terrible scenes we have witnessed in 2008."

To ensure the aid is effective, it will be targeted on no more than 35 priority developing countries. MEPs want countries selected based on their dependence on food imports, on the level of food price inflation compared to general inflation, agricultural production capacity or political instability caused by the crisis.

Of the €1 billion, €760 million is "fresh money" and €240 million will come from the re-deployment of funds in the external relations stability instrument which had not already been programmed.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer,

Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053 or Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office, Wales on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175

Linda McAvan MEP is calling on EU member states to reach a deal on Climate Change agreement

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Linda McAvan MEP said: "We only have a few days left to reach an agreement on six new laws which will deliver the EU's Climate Change targets. An agreement can only be found if national Environment Ministers today move towards the Parliament's position. MEPs are committed to getting a deal, but not at any cost."

Linda McAvan MEP stressed: "MEPs are standing firm on our priorities: The bulk of emission reduction efforts must be made in the EU, not through projects offsetting credits of questionable quality. Parliament will also not compromise on the need for funding for climate change measures, both in the EU and developing countries."

"It is not only our constituents who are looking to us to reach a credible deal, but the whole world will meet next week in Poznan to hold international talks on climate change, and if the EU fails to reach a credible deal, then we will lose our position as a world leader on this issue" said Linda McAvan MEP.

Notes to editors

1. Linda McAvan MEP is part of the Parliament's negotiating team on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is the biggest part of the climate change package. She is the spokesperson on Climate Change for the 215 MEP strong Socialist Group in the European Parliament.

2. Linda McAvan MEP will be representing the European Parliament next week at the international climate change talks in Poznan.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Kinnock welcomes groundbreaking ACP-EU position on Zimbabwe

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Meeting in Papua New Guinea, the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly - of which Euro-MP Glenys Kinnock is Co-President - debated developments in Zimbabwe for the very first time. In previous years all attempts to address the issue have been blocked by African countries.

GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"This resolution is trailblazing in that it represents the very first time the ACP-EU Assembly has jointly addressed the issue of Zimbabwe."

"There is now a clear understanding among parliamentarians from across Africa that the situation in Zimbabwe cannot continue as it is and that we have to work together to ensure a solution which will bring stability and ease the suffering."

The Joint Resolution condemns the campaigns of violence and intimidation conducted against the people of Zimbabwe. It also:

Declares that the Zimbabwean elections held in June 2008 cannot be deemed to have been transparent, credible and fair
Calls for increased engagement of African countries and regional institutions in negotiating and monitoring a solution to the situation
Confirms that a government of national unity as the solution for ending the crisis for a transitional period permitting reform of the institutions and restoration of the rule of law
Appeals to the international community to ensure the rapid provision of substantial humanitarian aid
Calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid
Calls on the future government of national unity to set up a neutral and independent peace and reconciliation commission

The resolution was passed unanimously, by all 79 ACP Parliamentarians, including Angola, South Africa and other neighbouring countries.

Notes to editors:

The resolution was passed by the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) - European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA).

For more information please call Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175 or call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Cashman Calls for Comprehensive EU Strategy on HIV/AIDS

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though the response to HIV and AIDS across the world has seen much progress, the prevalence rates of HIV infections within the European Member States continues to increase. HIV/AIDS affects everyone; it does not discriminate.

On the 20th November 2008, the European Parliament unanimously voted in favour of a Resolution on the early diagnosis and early care for those living with HIV/AIDS, co-initiated by Labour MEP Michael Cashman. "In this resolution we are calling for the European Council and the Commission to step up their campaign against HIV and AIDS, especially to make more openly available early testing for the disease", said Cashman. "There is also a lot more to be done to combat the discrimination and stigmatisation against people who are living with HIV/AIDS. We need to say that what happens to you is as though it happens to me, or my daughter, or my son."

Cashman congratulated the French Presidency on their work to fight HIV/AIDS and welcomed the progress that the future work of the Council and Commission will contribute to the fight against disease. "The work that the European Union has done to prevent, treat and draw awareness to HIV/AIDS has been significant, but we still need to do more to achieve a leading strategy in response to the ever increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence."

The adoption of the Resolution provides a clear direction for the European Council's twenty-seven Member States to formulate a strategy to fight HIV/AIDS in the French Presidency's Conclusions in December.

For more information ring EPLP press officer Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053

Longest serving Leader of the Labour MEPs to stand down

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gary Titley MEP said: "Over the more than six years I have served as leader, I have watched the UK become increasingly influential in Europe. It has been a tremendous opportunity and an honour to fight for British people on the issues that affect their lives."

"I have previously announced that I would stand down from the European Parliament next June and so I felt it was important to stand aside at the end of the year in order to give a new leader time to prepare for the European elections."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented: "I want to thank Gary for his contribution to European Politics. Over the last six years he has done a brilliant job representing Britain and Labour in the European Parliament, and as EPLP Leader he has been a great support to me and the whole of the Labour Party."

Gary Titley MEP was first elected to the European Parliament in 1989, taking over from the legendary Barbara Castle as MEP for Greater Manchester West, a seat which at the time covered Bury, Bolton and Salford.

In September 2002, he was chosen by his fellow MEPs as Labour Leader in Europe. He is now the longest serving Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. This is in stark contrast to the Tory MEPs, who seem to drop their leader annually.

"The constant travelling inevitably takes its toll, particularly because of all the extra commitments that come from being Labour Leader in Europe," he said. "

"By 2009 I will have served as a MEP for twenty years", he added. "It has been an immense privilege to have represented Labour in the European Parliament."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Labour MEP slams EU over CAP

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Speaking in a heated debate in the European Parliament Mr Simpson accused some member states of "sticking to the old discredited system" rather than facing the challenges that exist in our rural communities. Labour MEPs will be voting to reject the weak proposals to reform CAP today.

Brian Simpson MEP wants to change the emphasis away from direct subsidies for crops to a more market orientated system that would benefit farmers in the UK and allow money to be put into rural sustainability including environmental protection.

"Shoppers are paying higher prices for their food because of the subsidies being paid to inefficient farmers in Europe through the CAP. We are even subsidising tobacco growers which is frankly unbelievable. It is a great pity that some Member States want to stick to this old discredited system rather than embrace the need for reform, but I for one am determined that in 2013 reform should take place, thus helping our farmers, our rural communities and last but not least our shoppers," said Mr Simpson.

"We are faced in 4 years time with an opportunity to radically reform the Common Agricultural Policy. Yet already MEPs and some Member States are taking positions that would make reform impossible. It's the same old problem. We are being asked to subsidise inefficient farming whilst UK farmers miss out and our food prices are held artificially higher by this discredited system." said Brian Simpson MEP.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Free fruit for school children

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The scheme is modelled on England's successful Free School Fruit Scheme, set up by the UK Government back in 2000, which has seen a wide variety of fruits, including the ever popular bananas, distributed free to schoolchildren.

The EU has pledged more than £420 million to the scheme. "With this money we will be able to extend our current scheme in England, allowing us to reach ever more children, while children across Europe will benefit from new schemes set up in their own countries."

Recent studies have highlighted a dramatic increase in obesity among schoolchildren. "Part of the problem is poor diets and this scheme is an excellent way of promoting good eating habits from a young age. I am particularly concerned with reaching children from more deprived backgrounds, as they tend to consume less fruit and veg and tend to be at greater risk from obesity."

"It is our responsibility to give all our children the best start to life, encouraging healthy diets and promoting the 5 A DAY message. Poor diets now will only store up more problems for our children later on in life, putting them at greater risk from serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes."

This scheme is being funded with money from the CAP budget. "I have long championed a CAP that takes into account the needs of all citizens and I am delighted that this scheme will help tackle what is a serious health problem in the UK and will hopefully get more children eating fruit and veg", said Brian Simpson MEP.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

European Experts advising on Manchester Congestion Charge

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

European transport experts from Spain, Belgium, Romania, Germany, France, Hungary and Greece discussed the proposed congestion charge in Manchester and future schemes across the UK and EU with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and local politicians. They also debated how the proposed scheme would fit into an integrated transport system in Greater Manchester and across the region.

The Vice President of the Swedish Parliamentary Urban Infrastructure Committee Teres Lindburg attended the meeting. Ms Lindburg came to Manchester to advise local decision makers about the Congestion Charging Scheme that is now in place in Stockholm and the political process that led to its adoption.

Brian Simpson MEP said: "Manchester has undergone a massive regeneration over the past 10 years resulting in attracting new business and creating new jobs. However, this has also led to the city battling an increase in road congestion as more commerce has been attracted to the city centre. If this battle is not won then road congestion will seriously hamper the progress of the city and the region."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Jamie Oliver invited to change law

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following comments made by the TV chef on the issue last week in the House of Commons, Glenis Willmott says that with rules on food labelling currently being revised in the European Parliament, now would be an ideal time for Oliver to give his advice.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's spokesperson for health in the European Parliament, has had talks with the consumer group Which? and with the Food Standards Agency to look at how labelling could be more effective.

"I do not think food labelling goes far enough in tackling the threat of obesity or when it comes to telling consumers where their food comes from.

"I agree with Jamie Oliver's particular concerns over country of origin labelling. Research has shown that 74% of consumers want to see the name of the country of origin on the pack. It is important people are not being misled and I am working to ensure this is not the case.

"We want to do all we can to help people make healthier choices and to be in no doubt about the origin of the food on their plate. Labelling has a crucial role to play in this.

"I would be delighted to discuss the proposals for changes in EU food labelling legislation with Mr Oliver and have been in touch with him to say I would be even more delighted to invite him to come to Brussels to meet with me.

"This would be an opportunity for Jamie Oliver to positively influence European legislation."

Notes for Editors

Jamie Oliver appeared before the House of Commons Health Committee on Wednesday 5 November 2008.

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.

Longest Serving London MEP is to Step Down

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Evans was first elected as an MEP for London North West in 1994 and was re-elected in 1999 and 2004. He has been a high profile and tireless campaigner particularly in the West and North West London.

Mr Evans, an enthusiastic supporter of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, says in his letter to members: "It has been an honour to serve the people of London since 1994 but there does come a time to seek new challenges."

He goes on to say, "As a Labour Party we have transformed this country: locally, nationally and internationally and we will continue to do so. I am immensely proud to have played my part in improving the lives of the British people and making a difference in the European Parliament."

Gareth Thomas MP for Harrow West and International Development and Business Minister said: "Robert has worked really hard for the rights of Londoners and has really championed their causes in the corridors of Brussels and Whitehall. He will be a tough act to follow."

Amongst his major achievements as an MEP Robert Evans lists the new European law prohibiting discrimination against disabled passengers on aeroplanes as his greatest achievement. Locally he has been the most active of London's nine MEPs regularly visiting schools, colleges and local groups, working tirelessly to promote the European dimension which he says "gets forgotten so often!"

EU Finance Ministers failing to achieve progress on the new EU insurance law

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the European Parliament (the co-legislator under the treaties) having already adopted a comprehensive text last month, the Member States now need to conclude their work and adopt a common position in order to be able to negotiate with the Parliament.

Peter Skinner MEP, Parliament's Solvency II Rapporteur, said: "It's unacceptable for the Council to bury its collective heads in the sand when there is a need for this law right now. Our report in Parliament is a workable document, which is the basis for agreement."

Solvency II, which was sidelined in discussions at the ECOFIN meeting in October, has now been pushed to the bottom of the pile because the Presidency has failed to commit other EU Member States on the need for an agreement.

"Solvency II is set to break new ground in the regulation of an important financial sector. Supervisors will be forced to work with each other and not act on their own as now! This is already an important lesson learned from the financial crisis and the Member States need to ensure this law becomes reality. Any delay now could cause strong misinterpretation of the commitment to seriously tackle regulatory and supervisory deficiencies."

A key aspect of Parliament's report, as adopted last month, links the investment behaviour and its risk management by setting appropriate capital limits and tough day-to-day supervision processes. The prudential approach, including the confidence level of 99.5% for insurance companies not to fail in a one year time horizon, sets a solid benchmark for other financial services sectors.

Solvency II is vital not just for the insurance industry but for banking as well. We need to ensure that regulatory and supervisory architecture including agreed models between regulators and supervisors as tested by impact studies is used as a template. This is a well prepared law, achieving maximum harmonisation, written to manage risk and avoid failure - a philosophy which should now be adopted for banking and other related industries.

"The Presidency has the option of being an "achieve nothing Presidency" with no response to the needs of the people of Europe or to broker the deal, which would make Solvency II the gold-standard for international insurance business and would give direction to the financial crisis solution."

For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.