621 Most Recent Stories From Liberal Democrat Members of the European Parliament

Tue 23rd Jun 2009:

UK Tories move from mainstream to margins.

Andrew Duff, leader of the British Liberal Democrat MEPs reacted to the announcement this morning that the British Conservatives had just formed a political grouping in the European Parliament with partner parties from seven other Member States as required by EP Rules. "It is indeed strange for British Conservatives to find themselves trapped in a bizarre cabal of ultra catholics from Poland and ultra calvinists from the Netherlands," said Duff "It is certainly not in the British interest for the Tories to be moving from the political mainstream to the political margins." "I query the credo of this new group and look forward with interest to seeing the common political programme that they will now have to put together."  

Fri 19th Jun 2009:

Duff welcomes Irish garantees on Lisbon.

IFollowing the agreement of the Heads of Government on Ireland’s legal dispositions today at the EU summit, ALDE constitutional affairs spokesman Andrew Duff said: he Irish government has done well to craft interpretations of the Lisbon treaty which are specific to the Irish case and which will not affect its interpretation in other States. The substance of the original treaty contract is untouched. But Ireland has got what it needs to clarify the meaning of the treaty so that its second referendum will be free from the distortions and confusion which marked the first referendum campaign. “Coupled with the decision not to reduce the size of the European Commission (as long as the Lisbon treaty enters into force), the pro-treaty parties have won enough to fight a self-confident, united and successful campaign to win over Irish hearts and minds in favour of a stronger and more democratic European Union.”

Wed 20th May 2009:

Why Europe's Parliament deserves a vote of confidence.

By Andrew Duff, MEP. Published: May 20 2009 09:35 | Last updated: May 20 2009 09:35 The last Strasbourg session of this European Parliament ended on May 7. Hectic negotiation between Parliament and the Council of Ministers saw a number of important laws enacted, many at first reading. One or two draft laws did not make it – notably, an important telecoms package which stalled as MEPs insisted on a prior judicial procedure to block internet access, and, secondly, the revision of the controversial working time directive. Overall, the outgoing Parliament passed about 1200 laws over its five-year term, many of them harmonising 27 different national laws for the first time, while several others re-visit earlier EU legislation with an eye to modernisation and better regulation. In several instances – the services directive, control of chemicals (REACH), the climate change and energy package – MEPs were able to broker the deals that had eluded ministers and officials in the Council. The Parliament successfully assimilated its new Members from the twelve accession countries, and adopted their languages. The House undertook some important internal reforms, including the introduction of a new regime of salaries, pensions and expenses of Members. Parliament asserted its influence over the design of the EU budget as well as tightening its grip on budgetary control. It continues to develop its scrutiny of foreign and security policy, and to grow its own expertise in the field of human rights. Citizens now petition the Parliament on all manner of subjects, some with material significance like the failure of Equitable Life and Lloyds. Parliament has also become a major and indispensable player in the constitutional reform of the Union. On 6 May the Czech Senate voted through the Treaty of Lisbon, thereby completing the parliamentary ratification processes in all 27 states. If the Irish say Yes at the second Lisbon referendum in early October, very little can impede the entry into force of the reform treaty by 1 January. What the new treaty means for the European Parliament is an immense accretion of scrutiny, budgetary, legislative and constitutional powers. Parliament as an institution deserves a big vote of confidence in the elections on 4-7 June. Will it get it? Alas, probably not. The European Parliament does very well: except at election time. There are two main reasons for Parliament’s failure to engage the electorate. The first is the lack of genuine European political parties that would stand candidates against each other and develop a debate about where the EU’s common interests lie. National parties give low priority to and spend little money on the European elections; candidates are usually selected too late to make much of a difference themselves. The second problem for the Parliament is the lack of a European media to sufficiently report it. European level politics remain a matter of very great fascination for very few. The bulk of the voters get what little they know about EU politics at third hand, distorted through the prism of national political parties and national press. Even those organisations of civil society and the social partners which play a large role in Brussels fail to project the importance, let alone excitement, of EU affairs to their membership back home. Individual MEPs, no matter how assiduous, can do very little to counter this sorry state of affairs. My information budget, of about € 30,000 a year, is barely enough to keep my own party members informed and engaged, let alone many of the other 5,500,000 electors of the East of England. Under the dual threat of the internet and the recession, local newspapers are cutting back on their already minimal efforts to report the work of MEPs. The size of the Brussels press corps has been cut, especially from the UK and France. Political programmes on regional TV are being squeezed out. Even the BBC, which should know better, persists in behaving as if the only way to cover the EU is to pitch against it. Few BBC current affairs programmes manage to move beyond the existential British European question of ‘in’ or ‘out’. As ye sow, so shall ye reap. In my constituency poll on 4 June, there are as many as twelve parties standing of a eurosceptic or europhobic tendency (as well as an independent candidate of as yet indeterminate views). Labour and the Lib Dems alone compete for the pro-European vote. The battle in Britain is given an extra edge this time because of the extraordinary decision of David Cameron’s Conservative party to divorce itself in the new Parliament from the Christian Democrat MEPs of the European People’s Party and to set up shop with as many fellow Lisbon deniers as can be found. (Under Parliament’s rules, the Tories need MEPs of six other nationalities to form a group.) The defection of the Brits from the EPP will have two consequences, one good one bad. Good is that the EPP itself will become a more coherent federalist force; bad is that the British national interest will be ill-served, especially in terms of the advancement of liberal market policies. The Tory departure from mainland, mainstream politics will not be enough by itself to change the overall balance of power within Parliament. Unless both the far right and the far left do better than expected, there should still be a solid absolute majority in the new House for the continued integration of Europe. It may be no bad thing for the image of Parliament, indeed, to have the distinction between federalists and nationalists more sharply drawn. The really important question, after all, is whether the European Union wishes to become a world power. At a time of severe economic crisis, to say nothing of climate change, the nationalist case for retreat may be counter-intuitive to an electorate which is already disillusioned by the caprices of national politics. In time of trouble, more Europe may just prove to be a better bet than less Europe. We will soon know how 375m voters have chosen 736 Euro MPs. The first job of the newly elected assembly, on 15 or 16 July, will be to endorse or reject – by simple majority - the nomination of the European Council for the new President of the European Commission. This will be Jose Manuel Barroso. There is a big irony that the late June meeting of the European Council that is supposed not only to nominate the candidate but also to agree the package of measures demanded by Ireland before its second referendum is likely to be chaired by Czech President Vaclav Klaus. Mr Klaus, of course, is the champion of the anti-Lisbon brigade. Mr Barroso’s fate is glued to Lisbon. It could all go horribly wrong. Aux urnes! Andrew Duff MEP is President of the Union of European Federalists and Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England. His new book ‘Saving the European Union: the logic of the Lisbon treaty’ is available via www.shoehornbooks.com/SavingtheEU. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2009  

Thu 23rd Apr 2009:

Parliament urges end to illegal profiling in law enforcement.

There is increasing employment by police and other agencies of new technologies and techniques for collection, storage, use and exchange of personal information about individuals as a means to fight crime or terrorism. In addition, considerable concern exists that ethnicity and race can prejudicially influence law enforcement and immigration decisions. Against this background, today the European Parliament is debating a report drafted by Sarah Ludford (UK, LibDem), which warns against the civil liberties and other dangers of 'profiling' European citizens based on assumptions. The report, to be voted tomorrow, spells out the applicable data protection and anti-discrimination standards in an attempt to uphold the basic principles that law enforcement should be based on individual behaviour and equality under the law. It furthermore questions the effectiveness of profiling in combating crime and terrorism. Sarah Ludford comments: "One major concern is the impact of stereotyping in street policing, immigration or counter-terrorism, where lazy and unfounded assumptions about propensity to crime or illegality may lead to unjustified stop and search, arrests or visa refusals amounting to illegal discrimination against black and Asian people." "The other chief area of worry is about computerised searches of vast databases of our travel records, internet use, DNA, medical records, people we work with, etc. The purpose of this ‘data-mining’ would be to analyse behaviour patterns and characteristics to look for allegedly possible criminals or terrorists. The reason that profiling doesn’t work is that to regard people as suspicious just because of what they look like or how they behave can distract from the search for the really dangerous." "We need to avoid innocent people being subjected to arbitrary stops, interrogations, travel restrictions, surveillance or security alerts. A review of current laws is needed to clarify what is and is not acceptable." You will find her report via the following link: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sidesSearch/search.do?type=REPORT&language=EN&term=6&author=4529    

Fri 17th Apr 2009:

Andrew Duff calls on federalists to define "European Interest".

In his key note speech to the Union of European Federalists on Saturday 18 April, Andrew Duff MEP will urge more attention to be paid to the definition of the common European interest. He will say: "This is a dangerous moment for Europe when the collective leadership of the European Union is weak and demoralised. The Council presidency has virtually collapsed; the Commission and Parliament are in transition; and nobody has any idea what constitutional regime will apply to the EU in the future.   "So the political parties must not fail -once again- to rise to the big occasion of the European Parliamentary election campaign. If politicians fail to campaign, the European dimension of democracy will be imperceptible and turnout will remain low."   Andrew Duff, who is President of the UEF, will tell the meeting of the federal committee that the federalist organisation is ready to combat the nationalist forces in the campaign.   "Federalists have no reason to be intimidated by the rising tide of ultra-nationalist and europhobic opinion. The financial crisis, the economic crash, the problem of climate change, the international security situation all point to the need for more Europe   more concerted leadership, more parliamentary control, and a greater capacity to act on behalf of the EU institutions.   "Today, the case for a federal Europe has never been more evident. Nationalism must be defeated. We must get to work to define more clearly the common European interest."   END Editors' Note: The UEF, founded in 1947 is a supranational political movement dedicated to uniting Europe along federal lines. Andrew Duff MEP (UK/Liberal) was elected President of the UEF last year. He also chairs the Parliament's Federalist Intergroup.  

Mon 30th Mar 2009:

European Parliament and Council of Ministers to clash over EU Working Time Rules.

Euro MPs and the representatives of EU Member States are set to cross swords on EU working time rules in a formal conciliation committee meeting this Wednesday (1st April) in the European Parliament in Brussels. The discussions come following a vote by the European Parliament in favour of proposals to scrap the opt-out from the 48 hour limit European Working Time Directive, currently being used by 15 Member States including the UK. Liz Lynne MEP, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee and the only UK shadow rapporteur on the Working Time Directive for any political party, has campaigned for years to keep the opt-out and said today: "I have always argued that the opt-out of the 48 hour limit in the Working Time Directive should be retained so long as it is truly voluntary. Workers should be allowed to earn overtime if they wish to. "Scrapping the opt-out would push people into illegal work where they are not be covered by Health and Safety legislation including the dangerous machinery directive. "For months now the Government has had to work with me on this as they couldn't get the support of their own MEPs; let us hope that the Government will hold firm and maintain this opt-out in what promises to be tough negotiations between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament."  

Thu 26th Mar 2009:

Why Britain needs the euro.

Contrary to first impressions, the European Union is coping fairly well with economic and political turmoil. The problems seem rather to lie with its member states. So far, four EU governments have had to resign as a result of the global economic crisis. (Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary and the Czech Republic). In especially difficult circumstances, Brian Cowen, Ireland’s prime minister, struggles on. In March the European Council took a number of coherent decisions to address the turbulence across the region. €5 bn will be spent on the economic recovery plan to be agreed with the European Parliament and Commission. European leaders doubled (to €50 bn) the EU’s facility to support non-eurozone member states in balance of payments difficulties. They resolved to increase EU members’ contribution to the IMF by €75bn. They gave political backing to the Commission’s proposals to increase EU level supervision of the banking, insurance and security markets - while taking a satisfying side-swipe at tax havens. They even agreed language to use at the G20 summit on keeping markets open and avoiding all forms of protectionism. The European Council reiterated its determination to return the EU to the sound fiscal discipline of the Stability and Growth Pact “as soon as possible” (although nobody should hold their breath). What nobody has yet embarked upon is a serious reappraisal of the problems and prospects of the euro. Under President Sarkozy’s leadership, the eurogroup met at heads of government level for the first time last autumn. But neither that nor subsequent meetings at ministerial level have delivered the urgently needed decision to get the eurogroup to speak with one voice within the IMF. Nor has there been progress on the matter of relaxing euro entry conditions for the growing number of hard-pressed candidates - notably Denmark and Iceland. Meanwhile, the cohesion of the single market risks being undermined by competitive devaluations of non-euro currencies, including sterling and the Swiss franc. The position of the UK, with its opt-out from the euro, needs rigorous examination. Gordon Brown, in an otherwise good speech to the European Parliament this week, said nothing about it. So he may need some help. Britain is a small, open economy heavily in debt. According to the IMF, the UK’s budget deficit next year will be 11 per cent (against a G20 average of 6.3 per cent). Its foreign assets and liabilities are four times the size of its GDP. Its currency has lost a third of its value against the euro in the last eighteen months. The UK’s performance in terms of equity markets and bond yields is deteriorating, as unemployment grows. This is the economy which Mr Brown has managed since 1997. In that year, Mr Brown devised five national “economic” tests to set alongside the Maastricht convergence criteria by which to judge whether the UK was ready to join the single currency. The Treasury last reported on these tests as long ago as 2003. In today’s critical conditions, all five tests - which concern economic cycles, flexibility, investment, the City and jobs - are either passed or null and void. Lost and gone forever too is Mr Brown’s “golden rule”. The fact that nothing further has come from Mr Brown encourages us to begin the debate about sterling’s membership of the single currency afresh. This spring’s European Parliamentary elections are a good opportunity for Britain’s political parties to revive the debate. The original claim of the proponents of economic and monetary union is proven to be good: that integration would consolidate the single market and boost trade and investment by eliminating exchange rate uncertainty. The end of devaluation within the eurozone has removed one of the main causes of inflation. Britain, on the outside, is not so protected and now faces the invidious choice between higher inflation or higher taxation. It will take a long time for the UK to live within its means again, and without the external fiscal discipline of the Stability and Growth Pact it will take even longer to return to rectitude. The reality is that Britain needs euro membership to re-build its economy in the medium term. Sterling lacks credibility. This is very dangerous for Britain’s highly leveraged economy. As a recent authoritative report has it, ’the City of London will only be able to flourish if it is supported by a lender of last resort in a global reserve currency’. Yet the argument about whether and when Britain should join the euro should take into account the much faster pace of integration which is likely to follow on from the current crisis. The economic and monetary union of 2010 will be a different one to that prescribed by the Treaty of Maastricht twenty years before. The euro did well in times of boom; lessons will now have to been learned about how it does in times of bust. Already Jacques de Larosière has proposed the tighter regulation of finance under the supervision of the European Central Bank. As the search for national credit gets desperate, the demand to float eurozone bonds is growing. If the Lisbon treaty comes into force, the European Investment Bank will get more scope to invest directly in Europe’s enterprise economy. The long-anticipated review of the EU’s financial system is bound to propose a larger EU budget more attuned to meeting the goals of the Lisbon competitiveness agenda as well as supporting the strong development of the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policies. Joint spending at EU level will provide more added value and cost efficiency than badly coordinated national plans for economic recovery. The UK rebate will go in these budgetary reform negotiations, just as France will have to accept a greater degree of co-financing of the CAP. As the Union becomes more federal in fiscal terms, so also will it in political terms. Vain efforts to coordinate national macro-economic policies will be replaced by an emerging common economic policy of the eurogroup. This move, long advocated by Jacques Delors among others, will be hastened if ever one of the existing eurozone member states has to be bailed out by the rest. As the political confidence to unite builds at home, so it will abroad. The EU could well support the establishment of a global network of prudential supervision across currency zones, with the longer term intention to create a world currency unit. In all these large matters, Britain left alone with a weak and volatile sterling would play no meaningful part. The time has come for Britain to decide to join the euro. Andrew Duff’s new book Saving the European Union: the logic of the Lisbon treaty is published by Shoehorn next month. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2009  

Mon 23rd Mar 2009:

Lib Dems: Brown still missing the point on Europe.

Commenting on Gordon Brown's speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the UK Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "Mr Brown was right to say that Britain should be in the mainstream and not the slip-stream  of  European integration. "But he spectacularly missed the chance to revive the debate on the central question now dividing Britain from Europe - that is the single currency. "Without euro membership, I fear that the UK will not be able to rebuild its economy and its influence in European and global affairs will remain impaired ." Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the pan-European Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe  (ALDE) , added: "The reality of this recession shows that those who have wilfully ignored bad practice are now suffering most. We need a European Financial Services Authority to ensure closer supervision and greater accountability. "The era of easy money is past. For future growth, making a living must not equate to making a killing. "But to achieve these things, Europe must marshal consensus - and the UK must be part of it as an active and constructive partner."       var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Text messages for 11p anywhere in Europe this Summer.

The European Parliament has come to an agreement with the European Council on a deal that will significantly cut the cost of mobile roaming sms and data charges from the 1st July 2009. Commenting, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, said "For UK consumers, the cost of sending a text message when abroad often is as high as 41p per text. Compared with just 4p with a Latvian mobile phone user, this is scandalous. This deal means that UK operators will be able to charge no more than 11p for a text message sent whilst aboard.  The actual cost to the operator is less than 1p. This is to be welcomed "The new regulation on data charges will put a stop to the nasty shocks that people have received when they return from holiday, open their bills and see they have been charged a small fortune for simply checking the football scores on their mobiles.  As well as lower charges for data, mobile companies must now offer cut off limits to stop the danger of charges silently mounting up. Once again, action at an EU level has greatly benefited the consumer." Prices for making  and receiving voice calls when roaming, which were first capped in 2007, are further reduced under the agreement.   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Wed 11th Mar 2009:

Tories take a step further towards isolationism.

Reacting to the formal decision taken this evening of the Tory MEPs to leave the centre right European People's Party (EPP-ED) after the European elections in June, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "This is a sad day. The British Conservative Party has left the mainstream of European politics and taken a turn down a blind alley. The Tories are the only important opposition party in Europe that rejects both the democratic strengthening of the European Union as prescribed by the Lisbon treaty and the completion of the single market as symbolised by the euro. "Britain's Tory Party has shown itself to be truly reactionary, flying in the face of today's consensus that a strong and reformed EU can help shape our response to global challenges. Winston Churchill must be spinning in his grave -- and what Ken Clarke is doing on the Tory frontbench nobody knows. "The next batch of Tory MEPs will have no influence in the new European Parliament. They will no longer be able to take important positions of influence within the Parliament's largest group to work in the British national interest. This will be a particular loss with respect to trade, agricultural and internal market matters where Tory and Lib Dem MEPs have frequently found common cause against protectionism and socialism. "Indeed, the Tory MEPs will be a laughing stock for having to consort for narrow nationalistic reasons with small and eccentric forces from the far right of European politics. "The Liberal Democrats believe that Britain is stronger together in Europe fighting our corner with like-minded forces from across the EU. A Tory vote on 4 June is a vote for isolationism."  

MEPs demand increased public access to EU information.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of stronger rules on freedom of information which would considerably enlarge access to EU files. The report calls for all legislative documents to be publicly available via a website shared between the main EU bodies. It also calls for a comprehensive register of lobbyists. The changes would strengthen a 2001 EU regulation of which the EU institutions and EU governments have obstructed the full implementation, resulting in several European Court of Justice rulings. MEPs have been demanding amended rules which make rights to information clearer and reduce the scope for obstruction. Working on a proposed new draft, they have extended the scope to electronic data, demanded justification for any restriction of access, a 2 week deadline for applications instead of the Commission's proposal of a month, and documents to be placed on a register. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice & Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: "The tendency towards secrecy within the EU institutions, whether actual or perceived, does them no favours at all. If European citizens are to be convinced of the value of the work and the laws that the EU produces then they must be able to follow easily each step in the legislative process. Neither legislators nor officials should be able to hide behind a curtain of confidentiality. "It is up to the European Parliament, as the representative body of Europe's citizens, to take a strong lead on transparency. It is particularly important that a majority of MEPs - though without the full support of the Socialist and Conservative groups - backed a Liberal Democrat amendment to make public, on a searchable website, information on EU spending and beneficiaries of EU grants and funds."  

Tue 10th Mar 2009:

Energy efficiency rapporteur welcomes more A To G labels.

Fiona Hall MEP, who was the European Parliament's rapporteur on energy efficiency, has welcomed proposals to extend the well-known A to G energy efficiency labelling scheme to a wider range of products. Currently, the A to G labelling scheme covers appliances such as freezers and washing machines, and is soon to be extended to a number of other energy using products such as televisions. A vote in the European Parliament's Industry Committee has endorsed plans to extend the A to G scheme to energy related products - that is, products which cause a significant waste of energy if they are badly designed. This includes household fixtures such as shower heads and windows. Commenting, Fiona said: "At a time when everyone is watching what they spend, more information about energy efficiency is a boom. "Driving up energy standards for everyday goods is also crucial in the battle to cut CO2 emissions and tackle climate change. "I am particularly pleased that MEPs voted last night to keep the A to G approach, which is widely recognised and understood. Technology is improving all the time so we want to see a date on the A to G label too." MEPs also supported the idea that, in future, information about energy usage should be included not only in the A to G label at point of sale but also in any advert giving technical data.  

Euro-judges strike down secret law banning tennis racquets and drinks on planes.

The EU court has ruled that a challenge to secret EU laws should succeed. It said that bans on taking prohibited item like weapons and liquids on planes can have no legal force if they are not published.  Liberal Democrat Members of the European Parliament have been campaigning for a number of years against secret annexes to aviation security regulations, put in place after 9/11 and after the 2006 liquids alert on London-bound planes, which contained details of the banned items, and had taken the first steps in legal action. Meanwhile an Austrian man Gottfried Heinrich was ordered to leave an aircraft at Vienna airport as his cabin baggage contained tennis racquets, deemed apparently to count as a weapon in the 'bludgeons' category of 'blackjacks, billy clubs, baseball clubs or similar instruments’. He went to court and the case ended up with the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice & Home Affairs spokeswoman, said: "This categorical judgment is a victory for democracy and openness, and a slap in the face of the European Commission and EU governments who thought Kafaesque methods acceptable. "Liberal Democrats MEPs were the first to raise the issue of the secret annex bans as well as the proposal to introduce body scanners at EU airports. The Court has now agreed with our protest that it cannot be right for 500 million EU citizens to be told to obey laws they cannot read for themselves. "Today's ruling adds to pressure that the European Parliament has already exerted through resolutions and legal argument, to put the Commission and Council of Ministers on notice that they cannot take shortcuts through passing 'emergency' legislation. Legally binding rules need full consideration and proper publication."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Libertas: "no" seems to be the only word.

Reacting to the establishment of Libertas in the UK, Andrew Duff, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "Anti-European voters in Britain are being spoiled for choice. "Mr Ganley, like Mr Cameron, wants the EU to stick with the present, clumsy and inefficient Treaty of Nice. "Lib Dem voters want a stronger and reformed European Union that can salvage the economy and play a leading role in facing global challenges."        

Mon 9th Mar 2009:

Roaming charges will come down once again.

This evening the European Parliament's Industry Committee will vote on whether to extend the current roaming cap on voice calls and also on whether or not to extend the regulation to sms and data charges. Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, said:  "I am disappointed that mobile operators are still fighting cost caps.  In 2006, they were warned about the cost of roaming voice calls but failed to bring the charges down until MEPs forced them to. Similarly, they were warned about excessive text and data charges to no avail. So now it is time to act again to slash the cost of using a mobile abroad. "For UK consumers, the cost of sending a text message when abroad often is as high as 41p per text. Compared with just 4p with a Latvian mobile phone user, this is scandalous. This report means that UK operators will be able to charge no more than 9p for a text message sent whilst aboard.  The actual cost to the operator is less than 1p.  "The new regulation on data charges will put a stop to the nasty shocks that people have received when they return from holiday, open their bills and see they have been charged a small fortune for simply checking the football scores on their mobiles.  As well as lower charges for data, mobile companies must now offer cut off limits to stop the danger of charges silently mounting up. Once again, action at an EU level has greatly benefited the consumer."     var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

European asylum system needs overhaul.

The European Parliament is set to adopt a report on the future of European Union asylum policy. The aim is to have by 2012 a genuinely 'Common European Asylum System' with a single common procedure for assessing refugee claims and uniform status for refugees, and increased cooperation between national governments. Since 1999 EU countries have agreed minimum rules but there have been too many opt-outs and variations to secure a true level playing-field with equal standards of protection. This means both that asylum-seekers may have an incentive to seek protection in one country rather than another and that standards are way too low in some EU states. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice & Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: "EU asylum policy at present seems to achieve the worst of all worlds. It is not efficient in terms of processing, there is too little coordination, and many claimants have their human rights trampled on by poor treatment, or not being able to put in claims or be assessed fairly. "Access for those in need of protection must be guaranteed. The Tories wanted to impose a quota on refugees, but that is an absurd concept since under the UN convention every claim must be evaluated. Europe must set an example. "Recognition rates vary hugely for people from the same country of origin. A European Asylum Support Office will help in harmonising country information and providing practical assistance for decisions on asylum applications. "Only a common system can bring an end both to pass-the-parcel between governments and shopping around by claimants. But there should be no transfers of asylum applicants to EU countries where adequate standards of protection cannot be guaranteed."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Thu 5th Mar 2009:

EU age ruling disappointing but Government must now act to end UK's mandatory retirement age.

The European Court of Justice this morning ruled that the UK was not in breach of EU law by retiring people compulsorily at a certain age. Liz Lynne MEP was the European Parliaments draftsperson for the Liberal and Democrat Group for the original Employment (Age) Directive 2000 which ensured that age discrimination in employment was outlawed across the EU and was being interpreted by the court in this case. Liz, who is the Vice - President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, supported the legal challenge, which has been taken forward by Heyday. Commenting after the ruling today, Liz said: “This is a bitter blow for older people. It is the UK Government which must now act and put an end to the unfair and discriminatory practice of mandatory retirement ages. "It has always seemed wrong to me that just because someone reaches 60 or 65 they can be thrown on the employment scrapheap. “We must continue to work to end the sudden cliff edge of retirement that forces people to stop working at a certain age whether they want to or not, whilst ensuring that individuals still remain entitled to a state pension at an agreed statutory age."  

Wed 4th Mar 2009:

EU Courts set to rule on UK's mandatory retirement age.

The European Court of Justice will tomorrow decide on whether allowing UK employers to retire people compulsorily at 65 breaches European law. Liz Lynne MEP was the European Parliaments draftsperson for the Liberal and Democrat Group for the original Employment (Age) Directive 2000 which ensured that age discrimination in employment was outlawed across the EU and is now being interpreted by the court in this case. Liz, who is the Vice - President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, has since supported the legal challenge, which has been supported by Age Concern and taken forward by Heyday. Commented ahead of the ruling tomorrow Liz said: “I sincerely hope that tomorrow’s judgment by the European Court of Justice concludes that the UK is failing to properly implement the Employment (Age) Directive and that the court finally puts paid to the unfair and discriminatory practice of mandatory retirement ages. "It has always seemed wrong to me that just because someone reaches 60 or 65 they can be thrown on the employment scrapheap. “We must end the sudden cliff edge of retirement that forces people to stop working at a certain age whether they want to or not, whilst ensuring that individuals still remain entitled to a state pension at an agreed statutory age."   

Sun 22nd Feb 2009:

Bristol in the running for Green Capital of the Year.

Bristol is one of 7 shortlisted European Cities for European Green Capital of the Year, the first British city to ever be one the finalists. Welcoming this news, Bristol MEP Graham Watson has said: "I very much hope tomorrow that the name coming out of the envelope is Bristol. Either way, Bristol should be proud that it is the first UK city to be shortlisted in the history of this very prestigious award. "Whether we win or not the effort to make Bristol a greener city has been worthwhile. I hope it will be continued. "Credit should go to the Liberal Democrat group on Bristol Council whose initiative it was to go ahead with the action plan back in 2007 and make Bristol a real contender. "towns and cities across Britain should take note of Bristol's pioneering work on cleaning up its transport system, particularly our excellent bus network, waste management and parks that has considerably improved the well-being of all Bristolians and led the way in the fight against climate change."  

Thu 19th Feb 2009:

Strengthening NATO and Europe's Foreign and Security Policy.

The European Parliament today adopted a series of significant positions on the future development of its security and defence architecture and its links with NATO. The reports conclude that the future collective defence of the EU should be organised in cooperation with NATO and new security risks require closer coordination in the areas of planning, technology, equipment and training. Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroek (Open VLD, Belgium), ALDE spokesperson on foreign affairs said: "A vibrant EU and NATO partnership should allow for greater maximisation of the assets of both organisations and ensure effective cooperation by putting an end to institutional bickering. In order to work towards security within the EU, cooperation between ESDP and NATO has to be intensified." The ALDE group believes that the EU should further strengthen its civilian crisis management capabilities and use its experience to guarantee stability, the rule of law and the principles of good governance in countries that are facing conflict and urges the EU to use and further extend its considerable post-conflict institution-building and nation-building experience to deal with situations of regional instability, terrorist threats and humanitarian emergencies. Andrew Duff (Lib Dem, UK), who closely followed the report on the future role of NATO, believes that a strong and effective foreign, security and defence policy is essential to the future of the EU. "The EU should not be reticent in becoming a superpower. Its good offices are greatly needed in many parts of the world. NATO's relative decline -- and even possible failure in Afghanistan -- makes it even more important that the European Union develops very quickly its own security dimension. In a strengthened EU, ESDP missions will become a regular and important feature of EU action. Whether the Lisbon Treaty finally enters into force or not, the security and defence demands of the 21st century require collective planning and preparation from those Member States who are politically willing and militarily capable of doing so."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

MEPs back EU action on whaling.

A new report backed today by the European Parliament has called for the current moratorium on commercial whaling to be upheld by the international community. Along with the moratorium, the report supports a ban on international trade in whale products, the elimination of whaling for scientific purposes and the creation of marine sanctuaries where whales are specially protected. At the same time it respects the needs of communities that have traditionally engaged in whaling for their sustenance but maintains that such whaling should only take place under scientifically based quotas and controls and that there should be more research into humane killing methods. The report also calls on the European Commission to bring forward proposals to do more to protect whales from threats caused by ship strikes, fishing gear and anthropogenic noise in Community waters or from Community vessels. The report by Elspeth Attwooll MEP (Lib Dem, UK) also emphasises the need for international agreement to be reached if effective measures for the protection of whales are to be developed and implemented successfully. Speaking after the vote Ms Attwooll, vice-chair of the Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, said: “It is clear that the issue of whaling and the protection of whales have to be addressed comprehensively and according to rules based on sufficiently broad agreement to be implemented effectively. It is crucial, too, that the European Union plays a constructive role in negotiations that bring such an agreement, helping to establish a framework that will allow whale conservation to be maximised. If this is not done, whale populations will continue to be at risk in the short and longer term”. The report is available on: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A6-2009-0025&language=EN   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

EU states must accept co-responsibility for torture crimes.

MEPs are today set to adopt a new resolution calling for full accountability for European collusion in CIA torture flights and secret prisons in the light of further information coming to light. This comes 2 years after they adopted a report which laid out the evidence for up to a dozen European countries having been complicit. The resolution welcomes President Obama's executive orders on closing Guantanamo and ending rendition - although it notes there are still ambiguities which might allow loopholes - and calls for a transatlantic return to tackling terrorism on the within the framework of human rights law.  Reaffirming that under the UN torture convention any victim has a right to redress, it insists that the EU, Member States and US authorities must investigate and fully account for the violations of human rights and denials of fair trial perpetrated in the “War on Terror”. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman and co-author of the resolution, who was vice-chair of the 2007 inquiry said:  “The adoption of this resolution will send a strong message that MEPs will not give up the search for truth and justice over the abuses committed after 2001. As the International Commission of Jurists, and former UK top spy boss Stella Rimington have recently stressed, if we stoop to the terror methods we are fighting, we lose both our moral power and our effectiveness against the bombers. "I hope MEPs such as British Labour ones will not take a line of shielding their own national governments from scrutiny. We already know enough about UK complicity in extraordinary rendition, in revelations about the use of Diego Garcia and MI5 facilitation of British citizens and residents like Binyam Mohammed being tortured, for any self-respecting parliamentarian to want to get the whole truth out. "Why should countries like Jordan - to which the law lords have ruled Abu Qatada should be returned - stick to unenforceable pledges not to torture when they know the UK is implicated in torture in Pakistan and outsourced rendition countries like Morocco?"   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Wed 11th Feb 2009:

Time to raise awareness of Europe-wide emergency number -.

Speaking on the European emergency number - '112' day, Diana Wallis MEP, who campaigns to raise awareness of the number, said: "With people becoming increasingly mobile throughout the EU, this is clearly an issue which affects us all. The figures revealed by the latest research are worrying to say the least. Less than one in four citizens know the "112" number - and this falls to one in twenty for the UK, Italy and Greece. "The written declaration I piloted through the European Parliament achieved historic support amongst fellow MEPs. The Commission has understood this and has included 112 in several recent initiatives, but Member States are still not showing the necessary enthusiasm to take this issue forward. Indeed several have even gone to court over the matter rather than making the necessary investments. The European emergency number was introduced across the EU over 15 years ago, so it is about time national authorities and European institutions start raising awareness of it, and evaluating how appropriately 112 calls are handled in the Member States."  

Thu 5th Feb 2009:

EU states must cooperate to help citizens in trouble abroad.

In a debate in the European Parliament MEPs have called EU governments and the European Commission to account for their failure to make a reality of the promise of 'European citizenship' through consular protection for all EU citizens who get into trouble or a crisis abroad. EU law says a passport-holder of any EU country such as the UK is entitled to go for help to the embassy or consulate of any other EU state if their own authorities are not represented there. But, as the experience of MEPs caught up in the horrific terrorist violence in Mumbai last November showed, the practical implementation of this promise is at best patchy. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, who has helped many people receive justice abroad, such as the British plane-spotters accused of spying in Greece and is a patron of the organisation Fair Trials International, said:  'It is clear that even when some of their citizens were  kidnapped, tortured and imprisoned illegally at Guantanamo, some EU states including the UK have failed in their duty to insist on fair treatment or trial. But thousands of travellers and holidaymakers need to be able to rely on an EU country to rescue them in a disaster or protect them from oppressive governments abroad. "While there have been some successes such as the 2004 Asian tsunami and 2006 Lebanon joint EU evacuation operations, there need to be legally binding rules on individuals' rights to consular assistance, and practical measures put in place such as accessible websites with information and stickers in passports. "The UK government claims that no British citizen has a right to consular help, and that it is at the discretion of the government. Even the courts have not been able to force action. Of course the taxpayer cannot be expected to pay all the costs which should properly be covered by travel insurance, but official support in dealing with red tape and emergencies should be a clear right, and from any EU embassy."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Wed 4th Feb 2009:

MEPs call for sanctions on employers of illegal immigrants while UK opts out.

MEPs are set to endorse today a new EU law obliging Member states to have measures penalising employers of illegal immigrants. But the UK government intends to invoke its 'opt-out' and therefore the legislation will have no effect in the UK. Penalties would include fines, being forced to pay wages in arrears at legal levels, and bans for up to five years from bidding for public sector contracts or receiving state aid. Repeat offenders could attract criminal sanctions. There are also provisions for unpaid taxes to be recovered, for liability of sub-contractors and effective inspections by Member State authorities. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: “It is imperative to crack down on rogue employers. They commit a triple whammy: encouraging the traffickers who bring in illegal migrants; exploiting vulnerable people with pitifully low wages and atrocious conditions; and cheating legal workers and the tax system by undercutting the legitimate labour market. “The UK government’s refusal to sign up to this law, on a skimpy pretext, calls into question their credibility in vowing to tackle illegal immigration. It is like Gordon Brown's two-faced pledge of 'British jobs for British workers' while lauding globalisation. The Labour party's credibility on fair working practices is being shot to pieces. "     var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Tue 3rd Feb 2009:

MEPs to call on EU states to resettle ex-Guantanamo detainees.

MEPs across the political spectrum are set to unite in a call on EU Member States to resettle some former Guantanamo Bay detainees. There are 62 men cleared for release, but unable to return to their own countries because they are stateless or would be persecuted in their home countries. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman and co-sponsor of the resolution, said: "The main responsibility for Guantanamo Bay closure and the resettlement of its detainees undoubtedly lies with the US government. But Europe needs to recognise the political reality that the US cannot manage this alone. We must accompany our goodwill towards President Obama and commitment to transatlantic relations with some practical assistance. “There are several other reasons why EU countries must help. The first is simply humanitarian, to rescue these men from the hell-hole they have suffered for up to 7 years. The second is that Europe loses credibility if it fails to act consistently with calls to close Guantanamo. The third is that our own self-interest demands an end to the terrorist recruitment pretext this prison supplies. Furthermore, Europe has a moral responsibility because a dozen EU countries colluded in the whole scandalous saga of CIA rendition and torture. "No single Member State would be asked to take more than a handful of men if many participated. I hope David Miliband will take a lead, despite some unhelpful recent comments. The claim that tens of released prisoners became involved in terrorism is largely baseless, as the definition covers those who just gave media interviews criticising Guantanamo, but any security worries can be addressed with the help of the lawyers and NGOs like Reprieve."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

MEPs work to tackle online child risk.

MEPs are set to endorse a report by the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee which calls for tougher action to combat child abuse on the internet. It calls for 'grooming' and paedophile chat rooms to be criminalised, for internet providers to block these sites, for credit card companies to put a stop to payments, and for criminal record checks for posts working with children across the EU. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, is a member of the Civil Liberties Committee and visited Cambodia in 2008 to look at ways of tackling child sex tourism.  Commenting on the recent report she said: “This report rightly calls for more effective European responses to protect children from pornographers and paedophiles. There are few crimes more disturbing than the abuse of children. "While the UK already has some legislation in place, these problems are international and must be tackled with stronger cross-border cooperation. There must be urgent progress on the EU wide anti-trafficking hotline which I successfully fought for last year and on a European 'Amber Alert' scheme for missing children. “It is not good enough that a quarter of EU Member States have failed to sign the European Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse, and about the same number have failed to ratify a UN measure against child prostitution and child pornography. They must stop delaying on such an important matter."   var addthis_pub="Bruxelles Congrès";

Thu 15th Jan 2009:

Oops.

Open Europe Blog According to Europolitics, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek has let slip to the European Parliament that he thinks the Lisbon Treaty is "worse" than the Nice Treaty. This is the man, don't forget, who is pushing for ratification of the Treaty, while the Czech President opposes it. He said: "Personally, I find that it is a bit worse than the Nice Treaty", but "I negotiated this text on behalf of the Czech Republic, we approved it, I signed it and I will vote for it; however, the fact of telling all member states that they are obliged to ratify a document and that they do not have the right to decide for themselves is quite absurd". He added: "if a referendum were to take place in the Czech Republic, according to all indications, it would also not pass". Eurpolitics writes: "Later, having understood that he had gone too far, the EU's president in office explained that he was just kidding at that he just wanted to say that this treaty 'should not be forced upon the Union'." He said: "There was some very harsh criticism of Václav Klaus, but I am proud of him, he is the icon of the economic transformation of our country. If the EU loses its capacity to hold a civilised political debate, if we no longer have the capacity to freely express our opinions, this will no longer be the Europe that I am fond of". UK Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson responded saying: "Europeans are your friends, if Václav Klaus compares the EU to the Soviet Union, we should not be concerned by it".  

Wed 14th Jan 2009:

No experiments with fingerprints for EU passports.

Today the European Parliament adopted a report on security features and biometrics in EU passports. Biometric passports, including a digital photo and two fingerprints, will be introduced in the whole EU (+ Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) at the latest by 28 June 2009. To make the fight against child trafficking more efficient, children should have their own passport. The EP has decided that children under 12 should no longer have their fingerprints included on passports issued in the European Union. However, countries already taking fingerprints from children under that age (but not below 6) can continue to do so for four more years. Sarah Ludford (LibDem, UK), the European Parliament's rapporteur on the amendments to the Common Consular Instruction to incorporate the taking of biometrics for visas comments: "This Regulation is meant to facilitate controls at the EU's external borders. Since the UK is not part of Schengen, it is excluded from it. We need to prevent experiments with fingerprinting if it is going to achieve its purpose. There are serious concerns relating to the reliability of fingerprints taken from 6-12 year olds as fingerprints still grow rapidly between those ages. We have successfully pushed for an age limit of 12 years for fingerprinting children, the same as in the Common Consular Instructions. At the same time we have convinced the Commission do an in depth study on the reliability of juvenile fingerprinting. "The Regulation does not provide a legal basis for setting up or maintaining national fingerprint databases, which, however, does not exclude the possibility of them setting up these databases under national law. I am concerned about what other uses Member States can make of the fingerprints once captured. Generalised police access to fingerprints of innocent people would in my view violate human rights."

Mutual recognition of same-sex partnerships welcome and necessary.

Sharon Bowles MEP has welcomed the adoption of a key European Parliament report on fundamental rights which calls for mutual recognition of same-sex partnerships by EU members. Bowles authored a written declaration in September calling for mutual recognition of same-sex partnerships by EU member states, which has gained cross-party support and closes for signatures on Thursday.  Commenting, Sharon Bowles said:    “I am delighted with the inclusion of this important clause into Parliament’s report. This situation has been overlooked for too long, to the cost of too many ordinary people.   “As my own campaign for mutual recognition ends this week, this report is a highly appropriate response to an issue many of us feel very strongly about.   “One of the best things about the EU is the liberty it affords all of us to live and work wherever we like in Europe. This fundamental right should not be conditional on what kind of marital or civil partnership anyone chooses to enter.   “A huge part of the problem has been that many couples simply aren’t aware that their partnerships may not be recognised in other member states. Often they only find out after one dies, and a few weeks later the widowed partner finds a five-figure inheritance tax bill hitting the doormat.   “Hopefully with the publicity this issue has gained – and the resolution Parliament adopted today – we can see an end to this situation in the near future.”  

Tue 13th Jan 2009:

The Euro on turning 10.

An official ceremony in the European Parliament this week marks the 10th anniversary of the Euro. Sharon Bowles MEP, Liberal Democrat Economic Affairs Spokesperson, said:  “It was predicted that the establishment of a single European currency would never happen.  On the eve of the Euro launch back in 1998 such sceptics were proven wrong.  Critics then turned to predict the currency’s disintegration; ten years later these critics have been proven wrong again.  Not only is the Euro now well-established, it has widely been viewed as a sanctuary to weather the global financial crisis and offered smaller countries, which might otherwise have been in grave difficulties, real stability.  “This was evident in the back-end of last year when capital was pulled out of potentially risky currencies.  As the financial markets in Iceland and eastern European states folded, countries in the Euro-zone with broadly similar set-ups looked on in relief, relatively protected from the credit crisis.           “Most of the criticism thrown at the Euro is because it does not behave exactly the same as a national currency. Some would say that is the point, it is more stable, and as a package it is certainly not inferior. The ECB has shown that it is no slouch during the turmoil, in the early stages responding faster and better than the Bank of England, broadening the scope of the securities that it accepted and injecting cash into the markets.  “There is no doubt that the Euro is being tested. There is no doubt that many smaller countries have survived potential disasters because of the Euro. I believe the Euro will continue to show it is an asset for both the Eurozone and the wider EU, and I still regret UK did not, and still doesn't, have the courage to join."   var addthis_pub = "Bruxelles Congrès";

Mon 12th Jan 2009:

MEPs take further step towards transparency.

Diana Wallis MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of transparency who has championed the issue of openness and access to documents in the European Union, welcomed the Parliament's decision at her instigation to publish on its internet site in collated form information about all Members' attendance at plenary and committee meetings. Speaking after the vote in plenary on the Cappato report, Diana Wallis said: "Making such public information more accessible is a modest step for the Parliament to take, but it is an important one, particularly ahead of the next elections in June. Citizens need to have the tools to keep their elected representatives to account. "It is good that this report is exactly in line with the decision taken by Parliament's Bureau at my instigation on Monday of this week. We now have the politics and administration of transparency in step in our institution - in stark contrast with many national parliaments."  

Sun 11th Jan 2009:

MEP hoping Barak Obama acts on Guantanamo campaign vow.

Sunday Mercury WEST Midlands MEP Liz Lynne hopes the seventh anniversary of the Guantanamo Bay prison today will mark the last year that it remains open. The politician, a member of the European Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Human Rights, looked forward to seeing incoming United States President Barack Obama uphold a campaign promise to close the prison. Obama has said that those detained will finally be able to face a fair trial or, where there is no evidence against them, be released. Liz told the Sunday Mercury: “Seven years is far too long for this appalling breach of human rights to have continued. “I sincerely hope the President-elect will ensure the Guantanamo Bay prison is closed as one of his very first acts upon being sworn in. “We are all agreed on the importance of fighting terrorism but we cannot surrender the basic human rights and values of Europe and America. “If we do, the terrorists will have won. Those released from Guantanamo, who have no case to answer in court, should be given the right to apply for asylum.”  

Tue 30th Dec 2008:

Financial.

Financial Times.com The ebullient performance by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the European Parliament in mid-December rather glossed over the complexity of how to salvage the Lisbon treaty. On the face of it, Mr Sarkozy had done well at the European Council the previous week. The Irish premier Brian Cowen committed his government to a second crack at ratifying the treaty. This commitment had been demanded by Mr Sarkozy during his trip to Dublin in July, in the immediate aftermath of the Irish referendum. He had caused some affront on that occasion. Since then, Mr Cowen and his Fianna Fail party have had a difficult time as the embers of the lost referendum were raked over and the financial storm broke over Ireland. The agreement between the Irish Taoiseach and the French President was a surprise to those who had been led to expect the European Council merely to scope the options of a deal, invoking a bit of seasonal melodrama. This would have left the embattled Irish leader to declare his struggle victorious only in June or July, once the municipal and European Parliamentary elections were out of the way. But the strong leadership of Mr Sarkozy forced the deal to be done there and then. Or did it? The package agreed by the European Council consists of four elements. First, contrary to the provisions of the current Treaty of Nice, the European Commission is to continue to have one member from each of the EU’s state nationalities. Such a radical departure from the decision to reduce the size of the Commission to 18 is technically possible under the terms of the Treaty of Lisbon. But this reversal of policy is a big concession by those more federalist EU states which have long argued that a smaller Commission will be more efficient and less likely to be dominated by vested national interests. It also marks a concession by the larger member states which had already traded in a second Commissioner and accepted fewer seats in the European Parliament as their contribution to the Union’s overall constitutional settlement. There are, of course, respectable arguments on both sides. Commission Vice-President Margot Wallstrom, in a departure from the official line, has long believed that what a small Commission would gain in efficiency it would lose in legitimacy. It is certainly true that the formula of Lisbon, which was for equal rotation in the Commission among member states, would have left the college from time to time without a French citizen inside it. It is, in truth, quite difficult to conceive of a Commission that would work well without a Frenchman. It is also true that Ireland’s representatives in the constitutional talks have always complained about their possible exclusion from the Brussels executive. Yet it would be foolish to think that December’s summit has resolved the issue of large versus small in the Commission for all time. A Commission of more than 30 members will not work unless a hierarchy is established within the college. Guess whose Commissioner will never be a senior member ? The second part of the Cowen-Sarkozy deal is that “necessary legal guarantees” will be formulated with the aim of ensuring that Ireland will continue to be free to make its own decisions in matters of taxation, neutrality and family law. Nobody knows what these necessary legal guarantees are. Over-interpretation can lead to misinterpretation. The treaty already means what it says, giving ample safeguards to Ireland by way of opt-outs on defence policy, Schengen, justice and home affairs. The treaty confers on the EU only certain competences, which are clearly defined. The Charter of Fundamental Rights is binding only within the scope of those conferred competences and within the limitations of the institutions’ treaty-based powers. Mr Sarkozy declared with brio that a protocol or two can be glued on to the next EU treaty after Lisbon, which is expected to be the Croatian accession treaty. But the procedures for the EU’s enlargement to Croatia are less ponderous than those for a constitutional revision of the type required by Ireland. A hybrid treaty that attempted to deal with both Croatia and Ireland would risk being knocked down by the European Court of Justice. On the other hand, an Irish protocol bound as an afterthought to the Lisbon treaty would trigger a new intergovernmental conference (risking a wider renegotiation) followed by national ratification, yet again, in all 27 member states. In 1992, when a Danish referendum had blocked the entry into force of the Treaty of Maastricht, an elaborate package was concocted, involving a decision of the heads of government made under international law (rather than EU law), alongside two declarations of the European Council and a unilateral declaration by Denmark. But the Danish precedent is not wholly apt because Denmark was seeking, and getting, real opt-outs – a course not open to Ireland today. So instead of Mr Sarkozy’s legally binding protocols, Mr Cowen will have to settle for appropriately solemn declarations which the EU and Irish courts may use in the future to interpret accurately certain treaty clauses hitherto, at least in Ireland’s populist democracy, interpreted erroneously. A further element of the deal at the European Council is that “high importance” will henceforward be attached to social progress and the protection of workers’ rights. This was a hard nut for Britain’s Labour prime minister Gordon Brown, in particular, to swallow. Negotiations went on all night between officials before the British were reassured that this new posture of the European Council would not materially affect the standing of the EU in domestic labour law. At the same time, the Irish had to be given satisfactory confirmation that the treaty does not mean that the right to deliver public services will be surrendered to Brussels. Lastly, as always at these events, seats in the European Parliament were traded to sweeten the deal. The Parliament elected next June will have 736 MEPs. Thereafter, once Lisbon comes into force, the extra seats foreseen in that treaty will simply be added, making an eventual total size of 754. A tricky agreement will have to be reached about how to choose these lucky extras. Moreover, the principle of degressive proportionality which is supposed, under Lisbon, to guide the distribution of seats between states is comprehensively abused. Parliament will have to insist that the derogation from primary law is only temporary, until 2014, by which time a radical overhaul of Parliament’s electoral procedures will have to be agreed. MEPs will also be bound to take a hard look at the timetable and procedures for the appointment of the new Commission. Parliament will be unhappy to begin the election of a new Commission in July without knowing what the competences of the Union and the powers of the institutions are eventually to be. And it will only be once the Irish have voted again in October that we will know whether one of the new Commissioners is to be Portuguese. So there are still choppy seas ahead for the European Union, steered from 1 January by the Czech Republic - which, with Ireland, is the other country not yet to have ratified Lisbon. Happy New Year. Andrew Duff MEP (Liberal/UK) is the European Parliament’s rapporteur on electoral reform. www.andrewduff.eu Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008     var addthis_pub = "Bruxelles Congrès";

Thu 18th Dec 2008:

Report on e-justice will improve legal efficiency.

Diana Wallis, Liberal Democrat MEP, has welcomed today's adoption of her report on e-justice in the European Parliament which received the overwhelming backing of fellow MEPs. The report sets out an action plan for future work on improving the use of information technology in Europe's judicial and legal systems to enhance their efficiency and accessibility for citizens, businesses and practitioners. Diana Wallis, speaking after the vote, said: "There are already some very commendable projects and cooperation by certain Member States on the use of IT in Europe's judicial system, but there is still a need for greater coordination and, in particular, a greater emphasis on the citizen in all of this. "Further work on e-justice should focus on facilitating access to justice for European citizens particularly in a cross border context through the availability of a European 'e-justice portal' for citizens. Such a ‘portal’ could, for example, facilitate applications for legal aid cross-border and ensure the availability of citizen friendly legal information resources in all Community languages. "Ultimately, we would expect small claims to be able to be filed and processed cross-border through the Internet, thus offering real borderless justice." Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, added: "Information technology can and should also be used by European citizens, and their defence lawyers, confronted with the criminal justice system of other member States. This might be because they are a suspect of crime, a victim or they simply want to know the law applicable to them if they trade and live in another Member State."      addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

EU working to protect bank savings.

Sharon Bowles MEP, Liberal Democrat Economic Spokesperson, hailed today's vote on Deposit Guarantee Schemes in the European Parliament as proof that Europe can act "quickly, effectively and ambitiously". The Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive proposes raising the coverage level for depositors in the event of a bank collapse, from the current minimum of €20,000 to €100,000 by the end of 2010. Additionally, the delay of payment compensation for depositors has been reduced from 9 months to 35 working days. Thanks to work by MEPs, the proposal also encourages national governments to provide emergency payouts for depositors and to emphasise continuity of banking which can keep a bank functioning and therefore, maintain depositor's access to funds. Commenting, Sharon said: "This directive marks a vast improvement for ordinary depositors, injecting confidence into the system in the midst of the financial crisis. The knowledge that deposits of up to €100,000 will be guaranteed by governments will help avoid bank runs such as those seen outside branches of Northern Rock. "The European Parliament, Commission and Council have worked closely together and within 9 weeks secured a deal. This has shown that Europe can act quickly, ambitiously and effectively in dealing with problems that effect all of us." However in her speech to Parliament, Sharon warned that there was still room for improvement: “The timeframe of payouts has been agreed at 35 days. This is longer than was hoped and leaves citizens without access to funds for some length of time. “Whilst committing the Commission to investigate provision for higher protection for temporary increased balances, I am disappointed not to get an unreserved commitment at this stage. For example, if a constituent has recently sold their house and needs to temporality bank this money, this will only be protected to the minimum. These kind of unhappy losses were seen following the collapse of the Icelandic banks. "We need to learn from these events by ensuring that we have in place special protections so that people can not loose lifetime funds.”  

Wed 17th Dec 2008:

Europe to enforce driving penalties across borders.

Today, the European Parliament backed the cross-border enforcement of penalties for speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and running a red light. These four offences are responsible for most fatalities on European roads. At present, sanctions for traffic violations in Member States other than the driver's country of residence - especially the automatically recorded ones - are mostly not followed through. This relative impunity encourages irresponsible driving and undermines road safety.  Commenting, Graham Watson MEP, European Liberal and Democrat Leader, said: "Today's vote is not about harmonising the rules of the road or the penalties for traffic violations. Instead are putting in place an efficient system of cross-border enforcement of penalties for the four most dangerous offences. Drivers think twice before breaking the rules if they know that fines will follow them home." The cross-country data exchange network through which European countries will identify and notify offenders is accompanied by data protection safeguards. It will be evaluated after two years when its scope can be extended to cover other violations as well.  "We expect Member States to follow up swiftly and endorse this bill. We will no longer be taken for a ride by drivers exploiting the loopholes in the system", added Watson.  London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford, who has campaigned with Transport for London for proper cross-border enforcement, said: “I hope that in the future we can build on this legislation to end all cross-border fine dodging as well. London taxpayers currently lose millions of pounds a year because of inadequate systems to make foreign drivers pay fines for less serious breaches like parking, breach of the congestion zone or illegal use of bus lanes.”   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Labour MEPs let down UK on Working Time.

Liz Lynne MEP, Shadow Rapporteur for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, speaking after the vote on the Working Time Directive today said: "The UK Government should have been able to rely on all their own MEPs to support them in the retention of the Opt Out but that was not the case. "For months now the Government have had to work with me on this as they couldn't get the support of their own party. "This result is a bitter blow for businesses and workers alike. I have always argued that the opt out should be retained so long as it is truly voluntary. Workers should be allowed to earn overtime if they wish to. Scrapping the opt would push people into illegal work where they are not be covered by health and safety legislation including the dangerous machinery directive. "Let us hope that when we go into discussions with the Council of Ministers on this that they will not give in to the Parliament's view and maintain the opt out. "As far as on call time is concerned it should all be classed as working time. It is unfair to count time a doctor spends on call in an on call room in hospital for instance in any other way but as working time. I am delighted that the Parliament has voted in this way. I now hope that the Council will look at this again."  

MEPs vote for historic deal on climate change.

The European Parliament has today endorsed the energy/climate change package. Although Liberal Democrat negotiators ideally would like to have seen a more ambitious package, they have voted in favour. The compromise is an important step in the European fight against climate change.   Liberal Democrat group spokesperson on the environment and rapporteur on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Chris Davies MEP (Lib Dem, UK) claimed as a victory the European Council's decision to back his proposals for the use of 'surplus' emissions trading allowances to support carbon capture and storage demonstration projects: "CCS has vast potential to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial installations.  It is vital that we develop the technology and this decision will enable an early start to be made on construction of major demonstration plants across Europe." Liberal and Democrat shadow rapporteur on the renewables package Fiona Hall MEP (Lib Dem, UK) said: "The renewables part of the climate package will bring radical change to how EU energy is sourced. The renewables industry is offered legal certainty and the sweeping away of current barriers such as lack of connection to the grid.. If Parliament had had its way, certain requirements would have been more stringent. But this text deserves our full support, because it represents a giant European step forward in the fight against climate change and energy dependency. The EU will lead the world on renewable energy."       var addthis_pub = "edouardmeier";

MEPs call to right the wrongs of extraordinary rendition in fundamental rights report.

MEPs will today call for an end to what a report by the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee describes as a ‘high number of violations' in EU countries of the European human rights convention. The report includes a specific demand for a frank response and pledge of 'never again' by EU states to the European Parliament's 2007 report on 'extraordinary rendition', The report found that up to a dozen European countries colluded with CIA kidnap, torture and secret prisons in the 'war on terror'. Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: “Last week saw 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It would be an apt tribute to that anniversary if EU member states which helped stain the West's moral reputation now came clean and promised steps to ensure that they will now fully uphold international law in dealing with terrorist suspects. “Revelations are bound to come out of Washington with the end of the Bush era. The US Senate has already reported that Donald Rumsfeld was directly responsible for torture and other cruel interrogation methods like 'waterboarding'. European capitals will not be able to keep their dirty secrets much longer. “A start must be made to right some of those wrongs by helping President Obama close Guantanamo Bay and bring prisoners to trial fairly or release them. As the first court-ordered releases take place, more EU countries including Britain must join Portugal in granting residence - with any necessary monitoring - to those freed detainees unable to go home."

Tue 16th Dec 2008:

French presidency has been a success for Europe.

Graham Watson, ALDE group leader, addressing President Sarkozy in the Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg concluded a broadly favourable evaluation of the last six months, despite the unfavourable circumstances of the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, Russian military incursion into Georgia and a financial crisis threatening the collapse of the banking system. "The challenges faced by this Presidency have been met with energy, enthusiasm and creativity," said Watson." Mr. Sarkozy has shown the power of European solidarity." "The EU Summit deal on climate change / energy package does not fully match what Liberals and Democrats had hoped for but it does make some headway in maintaining our targets of 20% of energy saving by 2020 and financing the capture and storage of carbon. It may come to be judged more harshly in the future for the blizzard of concessions to private sector interests which push down the price of carbon and reduce the money for investment in renewable energy."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Working Time Directive: Opt out must stay and on call time should be working time.

Liz Lynne MEP, Shadow Rapporteur for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe, speaking on the same day as the massive demonstration against the opt out by European Trade Unions and the day before the vote said: "I believe it is important that we retain the opt out of the working time directive as long as it is truly voluntary. Workers should be allowed to earn overtime if they wish to. My fear as well is if the opt out goes more people could be pushed into illegal work and therefore will not be covered by Health and Safety legislation including the dangerous machinery directive.   "As far as on call time is concerned it should all be classed as Working Time. It is unfair to count time a doctor spends on call in an on call room in hospital for instance in any other way but as working time."     addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

European Parliament concludes long-awaited statute for MEPs assistants.

Last night, final negotiations between Parliament and Member States concluded years of attempts to place the arrangements for the employment of parliamentary assistants on a proper legal footing. The result was confirmed, overwhelmingly, in a parliamentary vote this morning in Strasbourg. Diana Wallis MEP (UK Lib Dem), ALDE Legal Affairs Committee coordinator who negotiated the deal on behalf of the ALDE political group, welcomed the positive outcome: "I am delighted that after many years of delay, an agreement has eventually been reached under the French Presidency within a few months. Given Parliament's growing role as a co-legislator, it is all the more important that MEPs benefit from assistance of the highest possible quality. The new common rules will provide certainty for accredited parliamentary assistants in terms of social security, taxation, representation, pension and unemployment rights. Parliament has acted swiftly to implement the recommendations of its internal auditor creating a system that is fairer and more transparent, whilst preserving the free choice of Members to choose their own staff." Under the new statute, Members will choose their assistants, and Parliament will employ them directly and deal with all relevant aspects such as taxation, pension and medical insurance. "This is a pragmatic solution which will enable Parliament to go into next year's European elections with confidence that it has dealt with allegations of misconduct and abuse." Notes: The Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities will be amended to provide for an extra category of "accredited parliamentary assistant". The legal basis of the proposal is Article 283 EC. The new rules should apply to around 1500 assistants working in Parliament's three official places of work (Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels). Other assistants ("local assistants") working in the Member States of election of the MEPs remain employed under national law contracts. The new system is scheduled to enter into effect in July 2009, once the implementing provisions have been drawn up next Spring.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Mon 15th Dec 2008:

MEPs to debate Working Time ahead of key Wednesday vote.

Members of the European Parliament will this evening hold a key debate on the Working Time Directive, ahead of the crucial vote on Wednesday that could decide whether the UK can continue to opt- out from 48-hour week legislation. Liz Lynne, the lead UK MEP on the directive, as the shadow rapporteur for the Liberal and Democrats group in Parliament, is leading calls for the retention of the opt-out, which is under threat from the Socialist grouping of MEPs, which includes the UK’s Labour party. Speaking in the debate, Liz will say: “The deal reached by the Council on the Working Time Directive is not ideal, but I am well aware that it has taken many years of negotiations by the Member States to get this far. Most of us involved with the directive in the European Parliament have also been working on this for a number of years as well. “I have always supported the retention of the opt-out but I wanted it tightened up so that it would be truly voluntary. I am pleased that now, with the Council Common Position, the opt- out cannot be signed by a worker at the same time as the contract and that you can opt-out of the opt-out at any time. "This is a far more transparent way of protecting workers rights than by using a definition of autonomous worker that is so loose it could apply to anyone, as it does in some Member States, or the use of multiple contracts whereby an employer can employ the same employee on one, two or even three separate contracts, which is used in some other Member States. "If there is an abuse of the opt-out by the employer then the worker can take them to an employment tribunal. I also fear that if we lose the opt-out it will force more people into the grey economy and that they will not be covered by health and safety legislation, in particular the dangerous machinery directive. All legal workers are covered by this directive whether they opt-in or opt-out at the moment. "In these difficult economic times it is also very important that workers are able to earn overtime if they want to and that employers also have flexibility. "With regards to on-call time not being considered working time in the common position I have more difficulty with this. That is why I tabled an amendment in the Employment Committee to say all on-call time should be working time. "Unfortunately I didn’t get the support from the Socialist or EPP groups. What we now have in the Rapporteur's text is that on-call time should not be classed as working time but allowing collective agreements or national law to rule otherwise. This is not a major change from what is already in the Council Common Position, just a slight difference of emphasis. I didn’t re-table my amendment because I knew the EPP and Socialists would not vote for it. "I suspect we might have to go to conciliation on this directive, but I also suspect that Council will not move. If there is no agreement then I hope that the Council will think again and that the health sector will be dealt with separately which I have long called for. "To my mind the revision of this directive was only really necessary to deal with the Simap and Jaeger judgements by the European Courts and this is all that it should have looked at."      var addthis_pub = "edouardmeier";

Thu 11th Dec 2008:

Parliament rapporteur salutes Council recognition of financing deal for CCS.

The European Council's backing for proposals from the European Parliament to use 'surplus' emissions trading allowances to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects has been warmly welcomed by MEPs negotiating on the file. Chris Davies MEP, the British Liberal Democrat who introduced the idea and has negotiated the CCS legislation, described the number allocated as "the bare minimum," but said that it would enable work to proceed with a range of demonstration projects." He said: "CCS is absolutely vital if we are to abate the enormous volumes of CO2 emitted by coal power plants. The allocation agreed today (300 million tonnes of carbon allowances) could provide support funding of €6-7 billion. It won't be enough to ensure that the full range of CCS technologies and applications are tested but it will allow us to proceed with the bare minimum number of projects needed. "At their climate change summit in March 2007 the same European leaders pledged to have 10-12 CCS demonstration plants in operation by 2015. What's been agreed today won't deliver on that promise but it's a very good step in the right direction." Chris Davies also praised Gordon Brown and the UK Government for the efforts made to increase their allocation: "At the very last minute the British dug in their heels and obtained an increase in the number of allowances from 200 to 300. This was hugely important and for once I am very happy to praise the efforts and leadership of the UK Government."      var addthis_pub = "edouardmeier";

Libertas Anti-European Party will galvanise pro-Europeans to defend the EU.

As the leader of the Irish no campaign launches his anti-European party in Brussels today, Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament actually believe it will serve to get the issues out in the open, expose the deceit and untruths of the Libertas campaign and encourage pro-Europeans across the continent to be more vocal in support of the European Union. Graham Watson MEP, leader of the strongly pro-European political group of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in the European Parliament, welcomed the challenge posed by a party representing diametrically opposing views to his own:   "Far from condemning this initiative of Declan Ganley, he is doing Europe a favour by stimulating interest and debate about the EU which may result in a higher turnout at next year's European elections.   "As democrats, we must recognise that Libertas represents a strand of political thought in several countries and it is only in open debate that we can address the myths and falsehoods that they are perpetrating in their campaigns."   "Pro-Europeans should not be afraid to confront such anti-European arguments head on. I personally would welcome an opportunity to debate the merits of the European Union directly with Mr. Ganley early next year."   Andrew Duff MEP (UK, Lib Dem), ALDE constitutional affairs spokesperson and President of the Union of European Federalists, was also unequivocal in his denunciation of Mr. Ganley and his anti-European movement:   "We note the formation of yet another anti-European party peddling simplistic and demagogic opinions. Libertas will have a tough time competing for europhobic votes in what is already a crowded field.   "At least, now that he has formed a political party, Mr Declan Ganley will have to come clean about his finances."     var addthis_pub = "Bruxelles Congrès";

Tue 9th Dec 2008:

Agreement reached on Renewables package.

A deal has been struck in the negotiations between the European Parliament and the representatives of the 27 Member States over the Renewable Energy Directive. This package is the first of the four parts of the original "climate change package", announced by the European Commission in January of this year, to be agreed by all the institutions involved. The Renewable Energy Directive sets the goal of increasing renewable energy's share of the market to 20% by 2020, from around 8.5% today, by means of binding national targets (15% for the UK).  For all countries, 10% of energy used in transport will have to come from renewables.  Criteria for biofuels have been strengthened by MEPs compared to the original proposal, with tighter protection of habitats and biodiversity and a requirement that biofuels achieve a real improvement of up to 60% in CO2 emissions by 2017. The effects of indirect changes to land use will be factored in.  Electric cars will count double as will advanced technology biofuels. Member States will be required to promote energy efficiency as a way of reducing their total energy requirements and making their renewables targets easier to achieve. Commenting, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson, who was involved in the political negotiations with the Member States, said: "The target whereby 20% of the EU's total energy consumed must come from renewable sources by 2020 is safe and cannot be opened up by the review in 2014 of how well various mechanisms are working. "I am very pleased that biofuels will only count towards the target if they fulfil much-strengthened criteria. "Furthermore, at a time when unemployment is rising everywhere, this deal is positive for industry. Member States will now have to invest seriously in renewable technology to achieve their targets and this will lead to the creation of many green collar jobs, particularly in the UK which has lagged behind to date and indeed sought loopholes during the negotiations. "Getting agreement on the renewables part of the climate package is a welcome boost. But what must absolutely not happen is for the French presidency to renege on the agreement reached this morning by reopening up the issue in the European Summit later this week. It might be tempting to placate more reluctant Member States to accept the more difficult parts of the climate change package, notably the Emissions Trading Scheme, but that would jeopardise a deal that has been long in the making and is an essential element in the fight against climate change and energy insecurity."    

Wed 26th Nov 2008:

Following the positive decision of the Czech Constitutional Court: "Prague must immediately ratify the Lisbon Treay".

Commenting the positive decision of the Czech Constitutional Court on the Lisbon Treaty, Andrew Duff (LibDem, United Kingdom), ALDE spokesperson for Constitutional Affairs, made the following declaration: "The decision of the Czech supreme court is very welcome, although hardly a surprise. The quality of the Senate's six questions to the Court, as well as the intervention of President Klaus, was erratic. Neither the Senate nor the President showed a sure grasp of the realities of the legal constitutional order of the European Union, or of the fact that when the Czech Republic signed up to become a member state of the Union it was subscribing not only to the acquis communautaire of the past but also to all future obligations." "Now is the time for all member states to bury the stale existential question about 'Europe: yes or no?'. At this time of global crisis, it is truly absurd to go on arguing about the relevance of a reformed and strengthened European Union. Europe needs to unite if it is to prosper -- and the Czech Republic can now make an important contribution to European unification." "The Czech Parliament would be wise to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon immediately, before the end of this year. The Czech government will lack credibility and authority as the serving presidency of the EU unless and until it can secure the ratification of the Treaty at home."    var addthis_pub = "Bruxelles Congrès";

Wed 19th Nov 2008:

EU Member States must sign UN Cluster Bombs Convention.

Liz Lynne MEP, Liberal Democrat member of the European Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Human Rights, will today be taking part in a debate in the European Parliament that will seek to ask the European Council what steps have been taken to encourage Member States to sign the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions when the documents opens for signatures in December. Liz has been a long time campaigner for an end to the use of cluster bombs and in October 2007 co- authored a resolution before the Parliament calling on Member States to sign the UN Convention. The text of the Convention was agreed by over 100 countries at a summit in Dublin in May this year, but since then some countries have backtracked on their support for the text, which seeks to outlaw the use of all cluster munitions. The UK had previously been one of those countries seeking to water down the Convention, but the Government has recently confirmed its intention to sign and begin destroying its cluster bomb supplies. Today’s debate will ask what the European Council has done to ensure that EU countries sign up to the Convention and pledge their support for outlawing the use of these horrific weapons. Speaking before the debate Liz said: “It is absolutely essential that we ban the use of cluster bombs. They cause untold suffering for thousands of men, women and children across the world and kill indiscriminately. Ninety percent of all cluster bombs casualties are civilians and we simply cannot allow the use of these weapons to continue. “I am very pleased that the UK have said they will be signing the Convention, I hope that the Government will also set about ensuring that the UK ratifies the Convention as quickly as possible. “It is also very important that we continue to encourage other countries to sign so that the Convention has real impact. If all EU Member States were to sign then it would send a clear signal to the rest of the world that the countries of the Europe Union are totally in favour of this initiative. “I very much hope that come 3rd December, when the Convention officially opens for signatures we will see EU countries be the very first to pledge their support for the ban.”   var addthis_pub = "Bruxelles Congrès";

Tue 18th Nov 2008:

Lib Dems call on Brown to re-launch single currency debate.

In a speech in the European Parliament today regarding the outcome of the g-20 summit, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "The financial crisis will have a dramatic effect on the eurozone. Denmark and Sweden should join sooner than anyone expected. But in the UK, too, it is high time that the debate on the single currency is revived. "In 1997 Mr Brown set five so-called economic tests to judge sterling's accession to the eurozone. Suddenly, all these criteria are met. The pound has fallen to a competitive exchange rate level. The City risks being pushed aside as supervision and regulation is strengthened inside the eurozone. And the economic cycles of Britain and the eurozone are now completely in sync as they both plunge into recession together. "Mr Brown's cleverly disguised appearance at the eurogroup summit in Paris was a notable achievement of the French presidency. But unless he now changes the terms of the British debate about EMU, the pound will be the ping pong ball bouncing beyond control between the giant footballs of the dollar and the euro."    addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Women's pay and pensions must be equal to men's.

A key European Parliament report on women's pay has been amended by UK Liberal Democrat Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Liberal group in the European Parliament, so that it calls for women's pensions to be equal to men's. Graham was acting on the initiative of the Plymouth Senior Citizens Forum who had brought a petition to the Parliament pointing out the inequalities between the basic pensions for women in Great Britain (£49.15) and those for men (£82.05). They seek redress with the Parliament, underlining that women pensioners should not be at risk of poverty, should enjoy a decent standard of living and share in the well being of the country. Commenting, Graham said: "It is sad that my constituents from Plymouth had to come looking for help in Europe because they could not get it at home. The British government should be ashamed. "Having said that, I am glad that my Liberal colleagues and I could be of assistance. It is now up to the European Commission to bring about measures that will help us close this inexcusable gap."    addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Duty free shopping conditions improved.

The European Parliament has today updated rules that would improve and facilitate the current duty free shopping at regional and national airports. Sea and air travellers having an intermediate stop to destinations outside the EU will be able to buy goods in any duty free shops during their journey. For instance, if you fly from London via Madrid to Buenos Aires, you will be able to buy duty free whisky in London and take it with you instead of having to wait to buy it in Madrid. Travellers to destinations within the EU who are buying tobacco and alcohol with duty paid in one Member State, can now transport it to another Member State without having to pay further duty there as long as the quantity can be considered for personal use. Moreover, in a separate point, shops at external land borders, for instance in Greece, which were threatened with closure, may now remain open and hence save numerous jobs for the local people. Bill Newton Dunn MEP, Liberal Democrat Internal Market Spokesperson, said: "I am delighted that today we voted in favour of preserving the essential ability for regional airports, whether it be East Midlands airport or Bristol, to sell duty free goods. This will generate needed revenue and help local communities. Otherwise, selling duty free would have been a prerequisite of major airports only and thus increase unfair competition for smaller airports." The Parliament's position will now be forwarded to the European Council which, because it is a tax matter, will have the final say on the issue.    addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

We need to stand by CAP reform.

Liz Lynne MEP has today said that her European parliamentary colleagues need to stand firm on the notion of real reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Lib Dem European Agricultural Spokesperson for England and Wales made her comments in the run up to a crucial vote on the CAP Health Check in the Parliament that will see some MEPs attempt to draw back the reform agenda and constraint efforts to change those CAP rules that distort competition Proposals by the European Commission would see an increase in decoupling measures that seek to break the link between production and subsidy which in the past has lead to ‘food mountains’ as farmers are paid to produce unneeded food. The proposals would also see a transferral of money between the three pillars of the CAP, with more payments going towards rural development than towards production. However, amendments voted on in the Agricultural Committee in the Parliament have sought to curtail the Commission’s plans, with a scaling back of decoupling measures as well as a far smaller increase in milk quotas than the Commission proposed as a way of gradually phasing out the scheme by 2015. Members of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Group, of which the Lib Dems are part, on the Committee opposed the amendments but were outvoted due to a coalition between the Socialist Group and the European People's Party, of which the Labour and Conservative MEPs are part of, respectively. Speaking today Liz said that it was vital that the Parliament does not retreat from the goal of trade liberalisation, but instead allows for a proper health check that will seek to create a fairer, more free-market CAP: “The Commission’s proposals are, in general, very good ones, as they seek to uphold the free trade values that form the bedrock of why the EU was founded. It is deeply unfortunate that many of those MEPs on the Agricultural Committee have sought to undermine this stance in favour of short-sited panic legislation.  “Measures such as decoupling will, in general, help farmers, both in the UK and the rest of Europe, as it breeds greater diversity of products and an end to over production. We do of course have to be careful to ensure that smaller areas, such as the hill farming sector, are given a smooth transition towards a free agricultural market, but the principle of decoupling should be at the fore front of the CAP health check. “We cannot afford more years of government-led trade distortion, which undermines the liberalisation agenda and will ultimately be bad for farmer’s right across Europe. Acting now to curtail wasteful production, complicated payment schemes and pointless quotas will mean a more productive, more profitable farming industry in future.”     addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Fri 14th Nov 2008:

Federalists call for a new international monetary system.

In the light of this weekend's G20 summit, Andrew Duff MEP, President of the Union of European Federalists, calls for the creation of a new international monetary system on the basis of a world standard. In a statement today (Thursday), Duff says: "The full scale of the financial and economic crisis has now become apparent. While European governments have done well to act jointly in the last weeks to re-capitalise Europe's banks, concerted action must now be taken on a global scale and on a genuinely multilateral basis. "The summit should lay the foundations of a new international monetary system that would manage the relationships between the world's major currencies. The powers of a reformed IMF should be boosted to enable it to scrutinise and supervise the macro-economic policies of the industrialised world. The eurogroup should have single unified representation at the IMF. "External supervision of the EU's economic and monetary policies would put useful extra pressure on EU governments to control their deficits more strictly. World leaders must be bold and clear-sighted in addressing issues of global economic and financial governance. The EU, led by President Sarkozy, should take the lead. "At home, supervision of credit institutions should be reinforced at the EU level, and made much more transparent. Risk management cannot be left to market forces. "The eurozone should be readied to expand more rapidly than expected. Over the medium term it will be essential once again to respect the disciplines of the Stability and Growth Pact -- but from now on there must be real political measures to reform the structure of the least competitive European economies."     addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Mon 10th Nov 2008:

Czechs raise the stakes on Lisbon.

Financial Times All being well with Europe, the Treaty of Lisbon would now have been ready to come into force on 1 January. All is not well. Sweden has been lazy, and will only complete its parliamentary ratification process next week. The Polish president refuses to sign the ratification instrument despite the fact that his parliament has ratified the treaty. The German president is constrained from signing until a challenge in his constitutional court has been seen off. The people of Ireland saw fit to reject the treaty last June in what has come to be seen as their first of two referendums on the matter. And ratification by the Czech Republic has stalled irritatingly. The Czech problem matters because its government takes over the presidency of the European Union for six months on 1 January. One of the main jobs of the Czech presidency will be to help Ireland implement the plan, supposedly to be agreed by the European Council in December, to salvage the treaty. So instead of being part of the solution, the Czechs have become part of the problem. The Czech presidency will lack all credibility and authority unless and until its government secures the ratification of Lisbon. In good times, a weak EU presidency may not matter very much. These are bad times, and we are fortunate to have had France’s superman President Nicolas Sarkozy in charge since July. The contrast with Mr Sarkozy’s successor, Czech prime minister Mirek Topolanek, could not be greater. It is a contrast sharpened by the entirely coincidental arrival on the scene of America’s own superman, Barack Obama, with an agenda of change. To many, Europe’s leadership will seem to be going in just the wrong direction at a time of acute global crisis - mumbling ’sorry, no, we can’t’ as it leaves the stage. It is not that middling sized countries such as the Czech Republic cannot run good EU presidencies: many have. And there is a good crop of energetic Czech ministers entirely capable in normal circumstances of managing the routine business of the EU Council and of properly being held to account in the European Parliament. The issue is, rather, whether the Czech Republic has yet come to terms with its membership of the EU. As the first of nine ex-Warsaw Pact countries to take the helm of the Union, the question has rather wide ramifications. Last week in Prague I heard one leading Czech senator liken Mr Sarkozy’s mini-summit, at the height of the financial meltdown last month, to a ’gathering of the four Powers of Munich’ - that is, Messrs Chamberlain, Daladier, Hitler and Mussolini in 1938. The author of this slander against the current crop of Europe’s top leaders was a senior member of the governing Civic Democrats (ODS). The remark produced no reaction at all from other Czech senators, most of whom seemed to be labouring from deep illusions about the Lisbon treaty heard otherwise only on the wilder shores of rightwing europhobia. One has come to expect the parliaments of former communist states to be assertive. Slender majorities and febrile political parties make governing difficult in Central Europe. The Czech senate has raised a petition in the constitutional court against the Lisbon treaty, requesting a judgment on whether the EU treaty conforms with the constitutional character of the Czech Republic ’as a sovereign, unitary and democratic, law-abiding state’. The notoriously eurosceptic Czech president, Vaclav Klaus, founder of the ODS, has joined the case against the ’dead document’ of the treaty and the ’useless document’ of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (which Lisbon makes mandatory). In a somewhat erratic submission to the court, Mr Klaus inveighs against the creation of a European federal state, which, he asserts, will be advanced by Lisbon. He attacks some general principles of European integration, including that of European citizenship. For Mr Klaus and his fearful senators, it appears that democracy can only be national and sovereignty is not to be shared. They reject the concept of deepening interdependence between EU member states. The President of the Republic has mounted a veritable attack on Czech membership of an EU governed by the Treaty of Lisbon. Mr Topolanek’s government has made a full and fluent response to the constitutional court which should be able to convince any fair-minded judge that the Czech national interest is best served by strengthening rather than weakening the EU. The court’s judgment is, alas, postponed until 25 November while President Klaus goes on a state visit to Ireland. In Dublin Mr Klaus intends to raise the stakes by (outrageously) meeting the anti-European demagogue Declan Ganley, who led the ‘No’ campaign in the first Irish referendum. Mr Ganley is trying to woo the ODS into joining a parliamentary group of rightwing nationalist MEPs after next June’s European elections. Mirek Topolanek, meanwhile, needs to work hard on his party and parliament. A critical Congress of the ODS is to be held on 6 December, at which the party will decide on whether to link the deployment of the US anti-missile radar system with the Lisbon treaty. In the parliament, where the radar issue divides government and opposition, a three-fifths majority is needed for the treaty ratification in both Houses. The government should focus on how the Treaty of Lisbon improves on the present Treaty of Nice. It can promise always to ask parliament’s permission before agreeing in the European Council to the deployment of the treaty’s flexibility clauses which allow for more qualified majority voting. It must explain and defend the principle whereby the Union only enjoys competencies expressly conferred on it by treaty. It should keep the ODS party firmly within the ranks of the mainstream centre right in the European Parliament. Above all, the Czech government must shatter the widespread delusion that if Lisbon is sunk there will be something better around the corner. There won’t. Lisbon is as good as it gets for Czechs and us fellow Europeans. If Mr Topolanek does all this he will rescue his term as EU president. If he does not, the four Powers of Munich may be back with a vengeance. Andrew Duff MEP is President of the Union of European Federalists. www.andrewduff.eu Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008     addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Liz Lynne launches European Parliament Group on Sikhs despite Sikhs being barred from Parliament.

Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne has today launched the All- Party Sikh Interest Group in the European Parliament, despite many of the Sikh delegates being denied access to the main Parliament building due to wearing Kirpan daggers. Liz Lynne, whose initiative it was to launch the new interest group, and who is now one of the Co- Chairs, said that they had hoped to hold their first meeting in one of the Parliaments main rooms, but that the Parliamentary Authorities had ruled the Kirpan dagger to be a security threat and denied the Sikh members entry. This is the third time that leading Sikhs have been denied entry to the Parliament due to wearing the ceremonial Kirpan dagger. The Kirpan is seen as an article of faith by the Sikh religion and not as a weapon. Speaking today Liz Lynne, who is also a member of the European Parliament’s Sub- Committee on Human Rights and has campaigned on a variety of Sikh issues, said that it was outrageous that the European Parliament was discriminating against the Sikh community in this way: “This new Parliamentary group is intended to look in particular at how Sikhs are treated within Europe. Unfortunately it would seem that we do not have to go very far to find examples of the discrimination that many Sikh’s face everyday. “I am deeply disappointed that the European Parliamentary authorities refuse to recognise the right of Sikh people to wear the Kirpan. The Kirpan is not a weapon, it is a religious symbol. This is not a question of security but one of religious freedom. “In the UK the right to wear the Kirpan is enshrined in law. This includes allowing Sikh’s wearing the Kirpan to enter the Palace of Westminster. Therefore I do not see why the rules should be different in the European Parliament. "I very much hope that now we have this all party interest group on Sikh issues that a number of problems facing this community across the EU can be addressed" To see more pictures, click here   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Another disappointing annual report from the Court of Auditors, but national Governments to blame.

In its Annual Report the European Court of Auditors will today (Tuesday), for the 14th consecutive year since new procedures were introduced, refuse to deliver a positive Declaration of Assurance concerning the legality and regularity of EU financial transactions. Chris Davies MEP, a Liberal Democrat member of the European Parliament’s Budget Control Committee, commented: "This report is very disappointing for the European Union, but we shouldn't forget that national governments are responsible for 80% of EU spending. "The finger of blame should be pointed towards EU finance ministers, Alastair Darling included, who have refused to accept responsibility for the money spent by their own administrations. "The public will again assume that fraud is widespread and the Brussels bureaucracy incompetent but in fact the EU administration is now subjected to greater scrutiny than that of any government in Europe."     addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Wed 5th Nov 2008:

UK's opt out of the EU 48 hour week scrapped by Socialist MEPs.

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne, shadow rapporteur on the Working Time Directive for the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament, has today criticised UK Labour MEPs who voted today with Socialist MEPs from other EU Member States to axe the UK's opt out from the Working Time Directive, in the first stage of the Parliament's review of the latest agreement reached by EU Member States. The UK reached an agreement in June with other Member States whereby Britain would support an agency workers directive, which is due to give temporary workers the same pay as permanent staff after only 12 weeks in a job, in return for being allowed to keep its opt-out from the 48 hour week. But Socialist MEPs have now overturned this deal in the European Parliament. Liz believes that the end of the opt would harm those who rely on overtime pay to boost their earnings as well as UK businesses and has been a vocal supporter of the UK’s opt- out, so long as it is truly voluntary. Commenting after the vote on Wednesday morning Liz said; "Today's vote plays politics with people's pockets and runs the risk of sinking the Government's hard won deal to retain the opt out. "Scrapping the opt out would be a bitter pill to swallow for businesses and many hard working people who are tightening their belts and who want to boost their earnings in difficult economic times. "Gordon Brown now faces a huge test of his leadership in securing the support of his own Labour MEPs, who have consistently voted to remove the UK's opt out of the 48 hour week. "The retention of the UK's opt out with more stringent conditions on its use is vital, anyone whose work does not have a direct consequence on life and death decisions should have a free choice as to what hours they work, so long as this is truly voluntary. Workers are already covered by existing health and safety legislation, including the one covering working with dangerous machinery."   addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Tue 4th Nov 2008:

UK's opt out of the EU 48 hour week under threat.

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne, shadow rapporteur on the Working Time Directive for the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament, has today warned the UK's opt out from the Working Time Directive is likely to be scrapped in a vote tomorrow by Socialist MEP's, including by British Labour MEPs, in the first stage of the Parliament's review of the latest agreement reached by EU Member States on the Working Time Directive. The UK reached an agreement in June with other Member States whereby Britain would support an agency workers directive, which is due to give temporary workers the same pay as permanent staff after only 12 weeks in a job, in return for being allowed to keep its opt-out from the 48 hour week. But Socialist MEPs now want this deal overturned and have tabled amendments to delete the UK's opt out of the 48 hour week. Liz has been a vocal supporter of the UK’s opt- out, so long as it is truly voluntary, and believes that ending the deal would seriously damage UK businesses as well as harming those who rely on over-time pay to boost their earnings. Commenting ahead of the vote on Wednesday morning Liz said: "The Government's hard won deal to retain the opt out now runs the danger of being ripped apart by Socialist MEPs who have for years been waiting for this controversial dossier to return to the European Parliament. "The retention of the UK's opt out with more stringent conditions on its use is vital, anyone whose work does not have a direct consequence on life and death decisions should have a free choice as to what hours they work, so long as this is truly voluntary. Workers are already covered by existing health and safety legislation, including the one covering working with dangerous machinery. "Scrapping the opt out would be a bitter pill to swallow for businesses and many hard working people who want to boost their earnings in difficult economic times. "Gordon Brown now faces a huge test of his leadership in securing the support of his own Labour MEPs, who have consistently voted to remove the UK's opt out of the 48 hour week."    addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Mon 27th Oct 2008:

EU Commissioners' Code of Conduct must be tightened up.

The Leader of the Alliance of Liberal and Democrats for Europe, Graham Watson MEP, is pressing for the EU Commissioner's Code of Conduct to be tightened up in light of allegations regarding the relationship between former EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska. Commenting, Graham said: "Nobody is alleging that Peter Mandelson has been unduly influenced in his decision making by Mr Deripaska. "However, the rules suggest that any hospitality received by a Commissioner in his or her private life should be declared in the same way as in his or her public life. Peter Mandelson cannot hide behind an excuse of it being a holiday. "It was Liberal Democrat pressure, in light of the Edith Cresson affair, that resulted in the Code of Conduct being established. We will press to have them tightened to clear up any future grey areas in this regard:"     addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Wed 22nd Oct 2008:

Body scanner 'virtual strip search' use requires privacy debate.

MEPs are expected to secure a resolution tomorrow demanding that body scanners which reveal passengers’ naked bodies at security check points must not get an EU go-ahead without a full public debate on the implications for privacy and human rights. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: "Travellers need to know exactly what the images display, their right to opt for an alternative search, and how they can have confidence that intrusive and sensitive images will not be misused. Although claims are made that the images are not of photographic quality, they seem to be quite explicit about portrayal of genitalia and intimate medical details like breast implants and colostomy bags. I'm sure Commissioner Tajani would not like it if pictures of his body scan were circling the internet. “So the introduction of 'virtual strip search' cannot be treated as a purely technical matter as these body scanners pose serious issues of civil liberties and personal dignity. Fears arise about the images finding their way into the press and onto the internet, maybe through payment to employees, unless bans on storage are strictly policed. "The fact that the European Commission proposes to authorise their use without advice from data protection watchdogs on necessary safeguards is a disgrace. The European Parliament would be neglecting its duty if it failed to insist on a transparent and open debate on an issue affecting the fundamental rights of millions of citizens. "Furthermore, the attempt by the Conservatives to put off a vote on this matter shows up the hollowness of their claim to care about privacy threats."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Temporary Workers Directive not ideal but could have been much worse.

Liz Lynne MEP, the Vice- President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee has said that the vote today by the European Parliament adopting a report regulating rules on temporary agency workers is not ideal, but could have been much worse. The report, which approves the deal made on temporary workers by EU Member States, is intended to give workers from temp agencies the same rights as permanent staff from day one, though the UK have secured a derogation so that this only applies after 12 weeks in a job. Liz Lynne has long argued against one size fits all temporary worker legislation at EU level as there are many different traditions between the EU Member States. For instance, Greece only made temporary worker agencies legal a few years ago, where as the UK has a strong tradition of temporary agencies. However, Liz has said that the current deal is the best deal available to the UK. Speaking after the vote Liz, who is shadow rapporteur of the Liberals and Democrats Group in the European Parliament on the issue, said: "The UK Government agreed to back the temporary agency workers directive, but only in return for being allowed to retain it's opt out of the working time directive. It is vital this link is retained and that attempts by Labour MEPs and others to separate the two directives and end the UK's opt out of the European 48 hour week are fought tooth and nail by Gordon Brown." Most temporary agencies and businesses say that the temp agency directive is just about liveable with but the problem of the opt out in the Working Time Directive is crucial. Liz added: “Therefore, while I do not think that the measures within the report are by any means perfect, I do regard it as the least-worst deal for UK businesses and employees. "We must now put pressure on the Government to ensure this directive is implemented in a way that recognises the concerns of employers and recruitment agencies and avoids adding unnecessary bureaucracy and cost to the provision of agency workers."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

No more rip off time shares and holiday club bandits.

Diana Wallis MEP, Liberal Democrat Member of the Internal Market Committee, has warmly welcomed a key European Parliament legislative report that will greatly benefit those who use time shares and holiday clubs. The UK has more time share users that any other country in Europe and more than 75% of complaints are from UK consumers. Commenting, Diana said: "With this legislation, the nightmare stories we used to see on Watchdog about British holiday makers and the cries for help that have filled MEPs' post bags should be a thing of the past. No longer will consumers be forced to pay exorbitant amounts of money up front to companies that then disappear off the face of the earth. Customers will have 2 weeks to withdraw after signing any agreement and companies will not be able to take deposits during that period. With a compulsory fax back form to now be included with all contracts, it will be very easy for customers to get out of any agreement should they change their minds. "Many time share holders and holiday club members who go abroad to the Mediterranean for their summer holidays will now have the right to choose which language their agreement is presented in, meaning an end to dodgy contracts in foreign languages that British holiday makers could never understand. Companies who offer these products will also be forced to provide pre-contractual information so holiday makers know exactly what they're getting into before anything is signed."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Mon 20th Oct 2008:

Solid start from Ashton.

Commenting on this evening's confirmation hearing of Commissioner designate Baroness Ashton in the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, Graham Watson MEP, Liberal and Democrat group Leader, said:    "It is refreshing that we have someone who isn't afraid to ask questions rather than someone who already assumes they know the answers. No one can be expected to master every detail of trade policy, but Baroness Ashton has shown an ability to think, learn and a capacity to take on a complex brief. "It is disappointing that some would wish to play politics with this confirmation. UKIP would rather try to score cheap political points and derail the Commissioner's confirmation than moving forward with the crucial Doha trade talks." Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, added: "I hope that Commissioner Ashton will play a prominent part in Britain's domestic debates about the country's European future. The Commission should campaign for the UK's fuller involvement in all aspects of the European Union, and for the British to realise their full potential in Europe."   addthis_pub = 'Bruxelles Congrès';

Mon 13th Oct 2008:

ALDE congratulates Andrew Duff, newly elected President of the Union of European Federalists.

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe are proud to count among their ranks, the President of the Union of European Federalists, Andrew DUFF (LibDem, United Kingdom), elected during the XXII Congress of the UEF, held on 10-12 October in Paris. Duff has been rewarded for his years of work, notably in the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, where he is ALDE coordinator and for his tireless efforts toward lasting political integration. This election is a show of support for this tireless advocate for Europe in the the United Kingdom, a true mission ground for the proponents of federalism. Mr Duff outlined the Federalists' response to the current events: "Above all, the European federalists are truly engaged to combat the rise of nationalism. At a time when Europe is facing security challenges at home and abroad, when the financial system's stability is at risk, and when the consequences of climate change are becoming real, the need for European unity is greater than ever. 'Sauve qui peut' policies will be ruinous. Only a united response as advocated by federalists' makes sense. The UEF is well placed to articulate solutions and to campaign for their urgent adoption and effective implementation." In this context, Mr Duff emphasized the key priority for the federalists in 2009 remains to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon".   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

MEP: 'Radical' electoral reform 'badly needed' for 2014.

EuroActiv :13 october 2008 A radical overhaul of European Parliament elections was proposed last week by the MEP Andrew Duff, the Parliament's rapporteur on electoral reform. The Duff report recommends the creation of "semi-open" transnational lists, where voters choose between candidates on party lists, not simply candidates of different parties. "Semi-open" lists already exist in the electoral systems of Belgium and Finland, for example. In effect, this would mean that any given candidate in any country could be elected by all European voters.  Duff acknowledged that the proposal was "quite federalist" and would be "controversial". But he argued that "in the context of quite a profound democratic crisis, we badly need such bold proposals to connect the citizen to the post-national parliamentary democracy we are trying to construct here".  As well as creating transnational elections, the Duff report would set the minimum voter age at 16 and the minimum candidate age at 18. It would also strengthen the Parliament's powers in assessing the eligibility and credentials of candidates.  "At present, we are obliged to accept member-state decisions on the candidates eligible for European elections," said Duff, "but the Parliament is of sufficient authority and experience that it should have its own autonomy to decide who should and shouldn't be here".  Duff accepted that in order to be adopted, the system would require unanimity in the European Council as well as treaty changes. Member states have previously blocked similar initiatives, and it remains to be seen what sort of reception the Duff report will receive in European capitals.  Meanwhile, the report received a mixed reception from Professor Cees Van der Eijk, an expert on European Electoral Research. Van der Eijk praised the boldness of the reforms, but was less enthusiastic about Duff's idea of making the elections more "candidate-based", saying that such systems tended to become "beauty contests" where voters are less knowledgeable about relevant policy issues.  Duff hopes the report will be approved by the Parliament before the 2009 elections, drawing the Council's attention during the Swedish EU Presidency from July next year. He hopes to have the new system in place for the 2014 elections. addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Sun 12th Oct 2008:

Scrapping cars now a problem.

Burytimes.co.uk The number of cars reported abandoned in Bury has dropped by 83 per cent. However, it is being linked with an increase in illegal dismantlers, profiteering from the rising price of metal. The figures of abandoned cars were revealed by the Local Government Association and North West MEP Chris Davies believes the illegal scrapping of cars for their valuable metals has become a serious environmental problem. Under the end-of-life vehicles directive, 2003, owners are required to obtain a certificate of destruction from an authorised treatment facility to show that the vehicle has had all potential contaminants removed. Although residents may welcome fewer abandoned cars on the streets, the long-term consequences of the activity, according to Mr Davies, are extremely damaging: “Ministers are allowing illegal operators to run rings around them at the expense of the environment and allowing legitimate businesses to go to the wall,” he said. addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Fri 10th Oct 2008:

Sri Lanka slams EU report on country.

DailyMirror Sri Lanka has slammed an EU report on the country saying it contains unsubstantiated allegations, deliberate distortions and blatant falsehoods.The draft report, prepared by an EU delegation which visited Sri Lanka recently, was discussed at the Session of the South Asia Delegation of the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday. The meeting co-chaired by Robert Evans, Chair of the South Asia Delegation and Baroness Sarah Ludford, Vice Chair of the Sub Committee on Human Rights, was attended by members of the South Asia Delegation, including those who visited Sri Lanka recently, diplomatic representatives from South Asian countries, Dr. Peter Schalk and Dr. John Neelsen, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian, Padmini Sithamparanathan, and a large number of members of the British Tamil Forum. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the EU, Ravinatha Aryasinha said the report underlines the patent bias of its authors against Sri Lanka and seeks to merely highlight negatives, ignore positives, and disregard the context of a country fighting one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world - the LTTE. Ambassador Aryasinha has said that contradictory messages communicated to different audiences by Robert Evans, Chairman of a visiting European Parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka in July 2008, were “an attempt to sully the good name of Sri Lanka in the European eye, while at the same time scoring brownie points with a constituency due to vote in the upcoming European Parliamentary election”. The Ambassador said that while at a Colombo press conference, Mr. Evans had claimed that “despite repeated assurances, endless complications resulted in the party being turned back from Ratmalana Airport”, at a pro-LTTE rally in Harrow, he took credit for having prevented the visit because “I (Evans) refused to give only a photo opportunity of shaking hands with Pillayan, the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province”. Observing that “it would seems obvious that by avoiding the visit to the East, members of the delegation were deprived of experiencing first-hand, one of the proudest achievements of Sri Lanka in recent times”, Ambassador Aryasinha referring to the dramatic developments in the Eastern Province, said “the draft report makes no effort to contribute to the winds of change; instead it prefers to stand against the tide of history”. He also noted that on “GSP+ issues”, in comparison to the strident  statements made by MEP Evans in Colombo “that if he had the choice, Sri Lanka would not be given GSP+” and, at the pro-LTTE rally in Harrow where he stated that “Sri Lanka would lose its GSP+ concessions”, the observations made in the draft report are more measured. Referring to the draft report’s questioning of the applicability of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Sri Lanka, he said it was clear that they were “ill-informed”, in March 2008, upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa seeking its opinion, the Supreme Court expressed the view that adequate recognition was available in Sri Lanka to the civil and political rights contained in the ICCPR and that the rights recognized in the ICCPR are justiciable through the medium of legal and constitutional processes prevailing in Sri Lanka. addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

'Sovereignty threat' after European parliament adopts flag and anthem.

Telegraph.co.uk The European parliament has officially adopted an anthem and flag which were left out of the Lisbon treaty for fears they appeared federalist. Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the final movement of his choral ninth symphony, will be used to open the parliament after each election and for formal sittings where heads of state are present. The blue flag with 12 gold stars will be flown on all parliament buildings and displayed in parliament meeting rooms and official events. While the symbols were agreed on in 1985 by EU heads of state, they have not been formally enshrined lest the union appear too like a sovereign state. Timothy Kirkhope, a Conservative member of the European parliament, said he would refuse to stand for the anthem at sessions. "Ode to Joy may be a very nice tune, but so is Jingle Bells and like Jingle Bells it heralds a fantasy - the fantasy that the EU is good for you," he said. "But unlike Jingle Bells, it will damage your national sovereignty and the right to control your own destiny." Supporters of the symbols said they would send "a political message to our citizens". The Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew Duff, a European federalist, said opposition to the move was nothing but "petty nationalism". The Labour MEP Richard Corbett said Conservative MEPs who voted against the symbols were going against the wishes of Baroness Thatcher, who helped choose them in 1985. addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Thu 9th Oct 2008:

Rescuing the Lisbon treaty.

By Andrew Duff, MEP - Published: October 9 2008 15:13 Much to French President Sarkozy’s evident frustration, the Irish are stalling for time. By the time the European Council meets in Brussels next week four months will have passed since Ireland’s referendum blocked the ratification of the Lisbon treaty. Those four months have been almost entirely wasted.   Ireland’s beleaguered government made great play of mounting yet another survey of public opinion to find out why the naysayers won. In fact this poll, conducted by Millward Brown IMS, added very little to what close observers of the referendum campaign, supplemented by Eurobarometer polls, already knew. IMS began their survey in July, by which time a certain sobering up had taken place. The most interesting feature of the IMS inquiry is that as many as 20 per cent of the 862,415 people who voted No were ready to concede that the result had weakened Ireland’s position. Much now rests on the political evolution of that chastened 20 per cent. A considerable factor determining the outcome of the referendum was the constant bickering during the campaign among the five pro-European political parties. That bickering has since descended into open warfare, with spokesmen from the opposition Fine Gael and Labour parties calling on the government to demand substantive changes to the Treaty before a second referendum is held. Only now has agreement been reached to set up a new cross-party parliamentary committee to consider Ireland’s treaty options in a more considered way. Recriminations have also taken place within the government itself, putting more pressure on Taoiseach Brian Cowen to save his own skin first and the Lisbon treaty only second. Mr Cowen and his finance minister, Brian Lenihan, missed a good opportunity in September to appeal to their EU counterparts for urgent help in shoring up Ireland’s fragile banking system. On the assumption that such an appeal would have been met with a quick, coordinated and constructive response from Brussels and Frankfurt, the Irish people would have been given an impressive demonstration of the EU’s mission and value. Instead the Dublin government opted for panicky unilateral measures, ignoring EU state aid constraints, by offering full state guarantees for the total liabilities of Irish banks, estimated at €400 bn. Thus Ireland established a new EU low for beggar-thy-neighbour policies. In addition to sending the wrong signals back home, this performance hardly instils confidence elsewhere in the EU about the capability of the Irish government to do the right thing by Europe. Nicolas Sarkozy is determined to have a collective decision by the European Council in December about the fate of the Lisbon treaty. The special committee of the Oireachtas (the Irish houses of parliament) will try to build a new consensus between the parties by the end of November. Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin promises MEPs a definitive roadmap at that stage. Mr Cowen will have to build on that pledge next week when he meets his fellow heads of government, and should also include a commitment to running a more professional pro-treaty campaign than last time. So far at least, the coalition of the 26 member states which have ratified or intend to ratify remains intact, rendered even more solid in the teeth of the financial maelstrom. One supposes that the banking crisis will lead directly to more harmonised supervision and a toughened regulatory framework at the federal EU level. Peter Mandelson’s astonishing reincarnation as a member of the British cabinet should also kick-start the debate about sterling’s eventual membership of the euro. Things could even get better, on the European front at least, for Gordon Brown. Yet all hangs on whether the attempt to rescue the Lisbon treaty is successful or not. As a first step, Ireland’s partners should make it crystal clear that there can be no renegotiation of the treaty. They can even spell out unofficially the elements of the concessions they are preparing themselves to make at their next meeting in December in a bid to win the Irish electorate around. The main elements in that package are already fairly clear: interpretative declarations galore – but no protocols that would need ratification by other member states, Irish withdrawal from the European Defence Agency, and, most difficult to swallow, an agreement to postpone the eventual reduction of the size of the Commission sine die (or at least until 2019). On their side, the European Council, Commission and Parliament should ready themselves to make an emotional appeal to the Irish people’s legendary good nature. European solidarity matters in these uncertain times. But the EU institutions should also begin to dramatise the seriousness of the consequences for Ireland and for the rest of Europe if the Irish fail to change their mind. Certainly, the Irish are unlikely to change their mind unless they understand that the consequences of not doing so are indeed serious. Yet here lies a risk. One possible scenario, in the event of a second No, consists of a multiple opt-out, semi-detached but still viable EU membership for Ireland. The danger is that such semi-detachment might be just the thing that appeals to the Irish, who would then again vote No to the Lisbon treaty. If, on the other hand, an alternative scenario threatens a more complete exclusion of Ireland from the EU, Ireland’s voters will be likely to react very badly not only by refusing to leave the Union but also by rejecting Lisbon again – leaving them, and everyone else, stuck with the present discredited Treaty of Nice. The Nice option is preferred by the British Conservative party. At its annual conference last month, David Cameron, the leader, and William Hague, shadow foreign secretary, made their position crystal clear. They expect to get back into government in spring 2010. If Lisbon is not in place by then – in other words, if Ireland has failed to change its mind – the Tories will hold a referendum in the UK which will, without much doubt, bury the treaty for ever. If Lisbon is in force by then, the Tories will insist on a renegotiation of the UK’s terms of EU membership, pitched at multiple opt-out semi-detachment. There is a most unfortunate precedent for a British renegotiation. In 1976, the then Labour government sought to overthrow the original terms of membership which had been negotiated by a Conservative government and confirmed, just one year beforehand, by a referendum. Labour’s renegotiation was ill-conceived and badly handled by foreign secretary David Owen. Nationalistic sentiment was fired up by the tabloid press at home, and many enemies were made abroad. Then, in 1979, came Mrs Thatcher - and the rest (more or less) is history. Back to the future, and what in 2010 would be acceptable to a europhobic Britain could also be irresistible for a nationalistic Ireland. The puzzle for Mr Cowen and his party, therefore, is how to avoid being forced into a post-colonial, mid-Atlanticist pact with the British Tories. We have not got long before we find out what his answer is.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

EU countries to recognise same-sex partnerships.

Pinknews.co.uk European Parliamentarians are urging EU-wide recognition of same-sex partnerships or marriages created in member states.  At present some EU nations, such as Spain and Belgium allow gay marriages.   The UK has same-sex partnerships, a system that will be introduced in the Republic of Ireland. Other nations such as France have registration systems that give gay and lesbian couples some rights. The French pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) is fully recognised in Britain, but France does not recognise UK partnerships. There is also hostility to any form of legal recognition in some new EU nations such as Poland. Now the issue of cross-border recognition is to be raised in the European Parliament. A declaration has been tabled on the issue. If it is signed by more than 50% of MEPs it will be adopted as a resolution. It calls for "Member States with existing same-sex partnership legislation to recognise the arrangements of other Member States that have also made provisions for same-sex partnerships," and for "guidelines for such mutual recognition by Member States with existing same-sex partnership legislation." Resolutions are formally adopted by the European Parliament and forwarded to the Commission, Council and Member State governments for consideration. The declaration was tabled by Lim Dem MEP Sharon Bowles. Today her colleague Sarah Ludford, the party's European justice & human rights spokeswoman backed the initiative. “Legislative changes which have enabled legal partnerships for same-sex couples have greatly improved the quality of life of many in the LGBT community," she said. "But free movement rights which are supposed to belong to all EU citizens remain a fiction for gay couples if they are regarded just as two single people abroad. "The current system whereby EU states 'pick and choose' when to grant recognition is causing inexcusable havoc for gay couples trying to exercise their right to move. “The European Commission must act swiftly to end this anomaly of second-class status, and drag the member states into the modern world by proposing legislation for mutual recognition of same-sex partnership legislation.” However, marriage is a family law issue that falls outside the competence of the Commission. Any EU-wide agreement on the issue of same-sex recognition would require a consensus among member states. GIven that politicians in Latvia, Poland and Lithuania are openly homophobic, such an agreement seems unlikely. Last month PinkNews.co.uk spoke to Fernando Soares, a resident in France, who discovered that his UK civil partnership with his late partner was not recognised in that country. This meant that Mr Soares would have to pay 60% inheritance tax on their property, unlike a heterosexual married couple or civil partners in the UK, and so was forced to sell their home. Oliver Hepworth and his partner had a partnership ceremony in 2005. The couple bought a property in France ten years ago, but have since discovered that their relationship is not fully recognised in France. Mr Hepworth told PinkNews.co.uk: "Our British CP is not recognised in France at all and we have no legal rights as a couple over in France. "We thought the solution would be to have a PACS over here but we were refused from doing this because we were already in a CP in the U.K. "The registrar in France required the British embassy to issue a certificate de coutume to say that we are not in a legal civil partnership in the UK. Obviously we are. "It seems that the tribunal recognises our civil partnership but not the French tax authorities or the French legal system. "It seems really discriminating to British nationals since the French have a same sex partnership called the PACS, and they also give gay Dutch married couples full legal recognition. "Alas British gay couples are discriminated against." There has also been confusion over whether or not Spain recognises civil partnerships formed in the UK.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';    

Wed 8th Oct 2008:

EU climate plans get the nod from MEPs.

EurActiv.com The Parliament's environment committee yesterday (7 October) voted largely in favour of three separate reports on emissions trading, greenhouse gas reduction 'effort' sharing and CO2 capture and storage in a show of support for the EU's ambitious climate change policy. On the EU ETS proposal, the environment (ENVI) committee gave its backing to all but one of the compromise amendments introduced by Parliament's rapporteur, Irish Christian Democrat MEP Avril Doyle. The main elements of the Doyle report (adopted with 44 votes in favour, 20 against with one abstention) include: The power sector should be obliged to obtain 100% of CO2 permits at auction after 2013; Energy-intensive industries should be required to obtain 15% of emissions permits at auction in 2013, with a gradual phase-in towards 100% auctioning by 2020 (a 5% decrease compared to the Commission's initial proposal for a 20% auctioning requirement); 500 million spare emissions allowances, normally reserved for new entrants into the EU ETS scheme, should be made available as an incentive/financing measure for large-scale commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plants; The threshold for installations affected by the EU ETS should be raised from 10,000 to 25,000 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions; 100% of member states' auction revenues should be set aside or 'ring fenced' for climate-related purposes, whereby half of the money should be earmarked for developing countries; Installations should be able to achieve at least 40% of their targets through the financing of emissions reductions projects in third countries under the Kyoto Protocol's Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanisms (JI/CDM), but stricter rules on the validity of CDM projects would need to be respected; Up to 5% of emissions reductions could be obtained through the preservation of forests in developing countries under the condition that an international climate deal is in place.   Scuffle over carbon leakage Doyle was credited for having carried the file through to completion despite infighting and an attempted 'mutiny' within her own political group, the European People's Party (EPP). An 11th hour attempt by a group of EPP MEPs, led by Christian Democrat MEPs Karl-Heinz Florenz (Germany) and Eija-Rita Korhola (Finland), to change the order of voting on amendments to the report was rejected by the president of the ENVI committee on procedural grounds. In what was widely considered a blow to several industry lobbies, the committee then voted down a set of consolidated amendments co-authored and tabled earlier by Florenz and Korhola, who had the backing of a number of EU energy-intensive industries concerned about exposure to competition from producers in third countries with less stringent CO2 reduction policies. Three quarters of MEPs from the EPP-ED group ended up voting against the Doyle report as a result. By voting in favour of Doyle's compromises, the committee endorsed the rapporteur's position that sectors eligible for 100% free emissions allowances should be identified only after the conclusion of international climate talks in Copenhagen in December 2009. Doyle's report also sets stricter criteria on the use of benchmarks for determining which sectors could receive free emissions permits. Going for 30 The committee also gave nearly unanimous backing to the Finnish Green MEP Satu Hassi's report on the Commission's 'effort sharing' proposal concerning the distribution of CO2 reduction measures between member states in non EU ETS sectors such as transport, agriculture, home heating and waste management. Hassi's report calls for an automatic increase of the EU's target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 from 20% to 30% in the event that an international climate change deal is reached in Copenhagen. Her report also paves the way for possible financial penalties on member states that fail to realise their commitments, and it limits by one third (compared to the Commission's initial proposal) the amount of external credits member states can obtain through the funding of emissions reductions projects in developing countries.  The 'Schwarzenegger amendment' In their last major vote of the day, ENVI committee MEPs signed off a report on a legal framework for CCS, authored by UK Liberal MEP Chris Davies. MEPs backed an amendment in the report that would require member states to set limits on the CO2 performance of power stations: after 2015, power plants' emissions cannot exceed 500 Kg of CO2 per kilowatt hour (Kwh).  The amendment, based on a similar measure introduced by California's governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is designed to oblige power companies to install CCS equipment in particular on their coal-fired power plants, which produced the highest amount of CO2 compared to other types of electricity-generating installations. Davies and Doyle had collaborated closely in the months leading up the vote, whereby Doyle's amendment on the use of funds from the EU ETS new entrants reserve combined with Davies's amendment for a CO2 limit on power stations are meant to drive the commercial development of CCS technology. Positions: The Commission breathed a sigh of relief after the vote. "It is important that the committee, while approving a range of amendments, has voted to keep the broad architecture of our proposals unchanged," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a statement. Speaking to reporters after the vote, one Commission official also praised the outcome as "fantastic", saying it provided a sound basis for further negotiations with the Council. German Christian Democrat MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz was less enthusiastic. "We have missed the chance to come up with a practical solution. Europe will face a tough burden in the internal market, while America and China's industry will enjoy a light regime. This is going to cost us jobs," he said in a statement. UK Socialist MEP Linda McAvan, the group's vice-chair, congratulated her colleagues for defeating what she called a 'right wing' attempt to water down the EU's climate package. Green MEP Caroline Lucas, also from the UK, was "delighted that the environment committee saw off attempts by industry to completely derail the ETS," but criticised the committee's support for the use of ETS funds to support CCS.   The European Association of Metals (Eurometaux) was dismayed by the outcome and warned that the ETS could destroy the EU's metals industry. "Today's vote opens the door to a significant delocalisation of energy-intensive industries, like ours, to regions without restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions," Guy Thiran, the organisation's secretary general, said in a statement. Cefic, the European chemical industry association, said it was pleased that the environment committee accepted the use of benchmarking "as a concept" for distributing CO2 emissions rights. "What is needed is a fair and rewarding system for world-class industry performers who develop new low carbon processes and who receive free allocations on this basis," Cefic said in a statement. "Without such benchmarking processes, the European Union faces the risk of relocations because of a loss of competitiveness," it added, saying a balance needs to be found to "preserve European industries’ competitiveness and jobs". But the association regretted that auctioning was finally kept as the preferred option. "Increasing the costs of emissions rights through auctioning is not an effective way to tackle climate change. Without a truly international agreement with the same rules across the board, the auctioning system will place a unilateral and costly burden on the European chemical industry." Sanjeev Kumar, ETS coordinator for the WWF, congratulated Doyle on warding off "the most horrible rebellion she could possibly have within her own party," and was positive that the use of auctioning for the power sector and for energy intensive industries was maintained in the basic architecture of the climate package.  Greenpeace lamented that the committee supported the push towards CCS technology. "EU taxpayers should not be asked to pay for so called 'clean coal', diverting resources and attention away from renewable energy and energy efficiency," Joris den Blanken, the group's climate and energy policy director, said in a statement.  Oxfam  welcomed the notion of using 50% of ETS auction revenues towards climate change related efforts in developing countries.  But Irish Christian Democrat MEP and rapporteur Avril Doyle expects the amendment to get a rough ride in the Council. There will be a "battle royale" on the issue of how to spend member states' auction revenues, she said.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Tue 7th Oct 2008:

MEPs back €10 billion fund for CCS.

A €10 billion EU fund to support the development of a major technology to slow global warming was proposed by MEPs in Brussels today. Scientists claim that carbon capture and storage (CCS) could halve total CO2 emissions from power stations and major industrial installations by 2050. The technology requires the separation of CO2 from the fossil fuel for permanent underground storage in depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers. EU Heads of Government promised in March last year to ensure construction of up to 12 commercial demonstration projects by 2015 but none have yet been identified. Power plant manufacturers believe that CCS will be commercially viable within 15-20 years but say that a funding mechanism to promote the technology is essential during the development stage when it could double the cost of conventional power stations. The European Parliament's Environment Committee today backed a cross-party plan to use up to 500 million allowances from the emissions trading scheme to meet the additional costs of CCS installation. The value of the support mechanism will depend on the price of CO2 when the gas is eventually buried underground but could easily exceed €10 billion. MEPs will now commence direct negotiations with the EU's French Presidency with a view to securing a deal between the Parliament and the Council of Ministers before the end of the year. ALDE environment spokesperson Chris Davies (Liberal Democrat, UK) who tabled the proposals together with MEPs Avril Doyle (PPE) and Linda McAvan (PSE) said that the parliament had laid down a challenge: "EU governments must now either back this proposal to kickstart CCS development or produce a realistic alternative. At present the ideas from the Parliament are the only show in town. "CCS development has the potential to make an enormous contribution to the fight against climate change. We can afford no delay and no more construction of conventional coal-fired power stations It is time now for Ministers to back their fine words of last year with some practical action." MEPS meeting in the Environment Committee may this afternoon take a major step when they vote on framework legislation for the safe storage of CO2. It is expected that they will back proposals to prevent the construction from 2015 of any new coal-fired power station unless equipped with CCS technology.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Pakistan vital partner for UK: Lord Malloch.

Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation Terming Pakistan as a vital partner for the United Kingdom and fundamental to its security, British Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lord Malloch Brown said the recently launched Friends of Pakistan Group is a commitment by the international community to South Asian country’s long-term development and help the Government tackle the serious development, security and economic problems it faces. The minister was speaking in the House of Lords debate on Pakistan held last evening on the initiative of Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne. Among those who took part in the debate were Lord Nazir Ahmad, Baroness Falkner of Margravine, Lord Avebury, Lord Astor and the FCO Minister who responded to the various remarks of the participants. He said UK was committed and bound to Pakistan’s success and stability because of the personal ties binding one million British-Pakistanis to their land of origin. Speaking about the current situation in Pakistan, Lord Malloch said it was important to recognise the resilience that the  Pakistani people have shown over an extraordinary turbulent 12-month period.  “They have seen a state of emergency, the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto, a deteriorating security situation, most recently the shocking attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the transfer to civilian rule through democratic national and provincial elections in February and the appointment of a newly elected President in September.”  The Minister also noted that President Asif Zardari has committed himself and the Government to strengthening the parliamentary democracy and to countering extremism. He assured British Government’s full support in pursuit of those aims and added engaging with the new Pakistani government for a priority for them. Speaking about the ‘Friend of Pakistan Group’, Lord Malloch said:” We are trying to put in place broad support that can both deliver more balanced international community support to Pakistan and mobilise resources to address the issues of poverty and the gaps in health and education that have been referred to.” He said the international community recognise the formidable challenges that Pakistan Government face. Pakistan’s macroeconomic situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. It has been exacerbated by elevated world fuel and food prices, together with the political uncertainty that has led to growing balance-of-payments and fiscal deficits, along with rising inflation, the depreciation of the exchange rate and the downgrading of Pakistan’s credit rating.  “ An intensive programme of economic reform supported by the IMF and other institutions is vital to avert a full economic crisis,” the Minister pointed out. On the tribal belt, too, he said the British Government applaud President Zardari’s recognition of the problems there and the recognition that the threat from extremism, reflected by the grim and tragic attack on the Marriott Hotel, needs to be tackled by a process that combines the extending of Pakistani military action into the tribal belt to deal with terrorist groups with an attention to political reconciliation and to development.  He described this as a balanced approach, which the President has supported and promoted, that allows the British Government to support him strongly in that. Lord Malloch spoke of a striking improvement in Pakistan’s development performance and said the number of people living in poverty has declined over the past five years from 35 per cent of the population to 22.5 per cent.  The UK development assistance has helped save 200,000 children’s lives, stopped 800,000 children from becoming malnourished and increased from 53 per cent to 76 per cent the percentage of children being immunised.  He called building on this democratic opening to erect a strong, accountable, legitimate Government which can steer Pakistan through the difficult months and years ahead. Lord Ahmad said in the past five years, the Pakistan Government’s initiatives to improve health, education and the economy which are the three major factors for assessing the development for progress of a nation have not worked. The British Peer further said billion of dollars given to the country over the past seven years have not really changed the lives of ordinary citizens. He called for genuine reconciliation in the country. “What is needed is a genuine truth and reconciliation commission where the Bugtis,the Mengals, the Marris, the Maulanas and the Khans can sit and where every citizen of Pakistan can feel respected and equal citizens of the country.” He criticised the action on the Red Mosque in Islamabad and claimed that this has led to further radicalisation of the society. Lord Ahmad called for steps by the international community and by the Pakistani leadership itself to ensure that the country is not destabilised further.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

UPDATE 1-EU vote backs tough carbon caps for power plants.

REUTERS EU lawmakers voted on Tuesday for such strict carbon curbs on power plants that, if enacted, they would rule out coal power from 2015, unless fitted with untested carbon-trapping technologies. The vote was part of a series on Tuesday which laid the EU Parliament's position in climate and energy negotiations with EU leaders, for final agreement later this year or early in 2009. In a carrot and stick approach, the European Parliament's environment committee also voted on Tuesday to supply billions of euros to help test carbon capture and storage technology (CCS), which many scientists view as the nearest thing to a climate change silver bullet. The money would come from selling on the EU carbon market emissions permits originally intended for newly built factories and power plants. The surprise CCS measures will face stiff opposition from across the lobby community, including greens who reject the idea of funding a technology which aids high-carbon coal, and industry depending on cheap energy during a downturn. CCS involves trapping the heat-trapping greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal and gas-fired power plants and then piping and burying it underground, for example in depleted oil and gas fields. The lawmakers supported carbon caps on power plants so ambitious that it would prevent new-build coal-fired power without CCS fitted -- at 500 grammes CO2 per kilowatt hour. "This effectively prevents the building of new coal-fired power plants from 2015 unless equipped with CCS," said Chris Davies, the MEP responsible for guiding CCS legislation through the European Parliament. Average CO2 emissions from coal plants are nearly 1,000 g/kWh, analysts say, and no coal plants can beat about 700g. The proposed 2015 timetable is tight, both to pilot and then roll it out as standard an untested technology which analysts do not expect to be demonstrated on a commercial scale before 2012 or 2013 at the earliest. It could face stiff opposition from member states heavily dependent on coal, including much of eastern Europe. The vote backing up to 10 billion euros for CCS tests will almost certainly face opposition from greens who would prefer the money was spent on renewables like wind and solar power. "We won't put the coal age behind us if we give carbon capture and storage a blank cheque," said Joris den Blanken, Greenpeace EU climate and energy director. "This technology has a part to play, but so do many other new and exciting renewable technologies," said Green MEP Caroline Lucas. "We should not be articificially boosting CCS and prioritising coal at the expense of these - especially bearing in mind that CCS will not reach commercial stage until at least 2020, yet the science tells us that emissions must peak and begin to decline by 2015," she added. -- Additional reporting by Dan Fineren in London (Reporting by Pete Harrison; Writing by Gerard Wynn; Editing by James Jukwey)   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Lowering of voting age touted.

EuropeanVoice.com Proposals aimed at boosting turnout at European Parliament elections include an end to closed voting and a change in scheduling.  To read this article   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Mon 6th Oct 2008:

Lord Thomson of Monifieth.

Reacting to the untimely death of Lord Thomson of Monifieth, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament are much saddened by the death of Lord Thomson of Monifieth. George was the perfect European Commissioner: loyal, courteous and successful. The EU's regional development policy was created under his leadership, and there was a powerful synergy in his equal commitment to Scottish devolution and to European integration. He was a key ally of Roy Jenkins in abandoning the Labour party to its anti-European mood, and in creating the SDP. He remained a loyal Liberal Democrat peer, and was hugely interested in and supportive of our work in the European Parliament.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

MEP demands funding for carbon capture technology.

New Energy Focus MEP Chris Davies has called for coal-fired power generators to invest in expensive carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, as he leads negotiations at the European Parliament to secure subsidies to help with the substantial initial costs, writes Rachel Johnson. The appeal came as Mr Davies is set to lead negotiations in favour of CCS at the European Union's "Super Tuesday" tomorrow, when several pieces of climate change legislation will go before the EU's influential environment and energy committees. Mr Davies hopes to secure a 10 year €10 billion (approximately £8 billion) Europe-wide fund from the European Union to assist with the substantial costs of developing CCS technology and retrofitting it to existing coal-fired power stations. However, he said that the coal giants must invest too, and they will "bear some pain". "That's something that they're all balking at," he told press ahead of the negotiations. "They don't want to be the first to pay that kind of money, even though they're making windfall profits." According to the MEP for the North West, the initial manoeuvres will be expensive, potentially amounting to €100 (approximately £80) per tonne of carbon dioxide produced. However, he predicted that once the power plant manufacturers built up an expertise in carbon capture, prices would "tumble" to between €30 (£24) and €40 (£32) per tonne. At that point, he said, CCS would be competitive with carbon credits, which will are predicted to cost up to €40 (£32) per tonne of carbon dioxide produced. Highlighting the need to fund this technology, Mr Davies said: "No one wants to develop CCS. It's commercially very unattractive. It's not difficult to argue for renewable energy because it's clean and green and it goes on forever and the costs will come down in time. "But there's no argument in favour of CCS, except that we have to deal with the problem of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It is just a headache that everyone has to deal with, which is why we need to throw money at it," he explained. Regulation But if funding is granted it will carry a substantial amount of regulation. One likely amendment to the European Directive on the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide will toughen up the requirements for "capture ready" coal-fired plants. Under current law all new coal-fired power plants must be capture ready, but this only requires operators to provide space for any future equipment. But under new rules, plant operators would be required to provide more specific information, and carry out surveys, relating to the storage and transport of liquid carbon dioxide. Furthermore, a second amendment, pioneered by Arnold Schwarzenegger in California, would ban any power plant that emits more than 500g of carbon dioxide per kWh of electricity generated. According to Mr Davies, this would effectively ban coal-fired plants that don't have CCS installed. "I want to get these boardroom directors locked into the idea that retrofitting of coal-fired power plants in going to happen in a relatively short time," he said. Mr Davies also called for leadership in Government, at both national and European level, stressing that the issue is not party political. In particular he referred to the commitment made by European leaders in March last year to set up 10-12 commercial demonstration CCS projects. Although the UK Government announced a four-plant shortlist for the scheme in July, which included the controversial Kingsnorth plant proposal (see this New Energy Focus story), the Lib Dem MEP stressed the need for urgency on CCS development. The North West MEP, citing the latest report on CCS, drafted by strategy consultants McKinsey & Co, said that "any delay, even just a year or two's delay on development of the technology will have very significant consequences." But, speaking to New Energy Focus, Mr Davies said he wasn't worried that CCS would undermine the progress of renewable energy: "One way or another, CCS is going to put up the cost of coal-fired power generation for many years to come. That can only favour renewable sources because it changes the cost balance in favour of renewables."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Rugby Union: Crossleyans send Sandal packing.

EveningCourier A fast, furious and well matched contest saw Old Crossleyans gain a well deserved North Two East victory over last year's Yorkshire One champions. Positional changes in the backs achieved the desired results in this first meeting between the two sides since 1995, with better cohesion between them and with a thundering pack who matched their bigger opponents in the loose and overpowered them in the set scrums. Fly half Chris Jones and full back Jonathan Davies were particularly outstanding, combining well in attack and interchanging middle-back positions to successfully confuse Sandal's defence. However, Crocs made a stuttering start, missing two straightforward penalties before finally converting one to take the lead, then the game began an end to end period with a great Chris Jones tackle thwarting the visitors then prop Mark Palmer being held just short as the home side struck back. Crocs eventually extended their lead when recycled ball reached centre Ryan Hammond who stretched over to score, but there was no further scoring form either side up to the break. Ian Greenhough replaced the injured Manny Riaz in the back row at the restart and the fast pace was resumed with captain Richard Wheale setting up a good chance for Crocs only for a rushed tap penalty to be knocked forward. Sandal had the advantage of the wind in the second period but struggled to make it pay, though they did get on the scoreboard with a penalty. Crocs were unlucly when the visiting flanker dived through a scrum to prevent Crocs touching down and the unsighted referee failed to award the deserved penalty try, but Davies took the three points to put his side ahead 11-3. The lead was extended 10 minutes from time when Jones took two tacklers with him and slipped a great pass to the supporting wing James Wainwright who went over under the posts, Davies converting. Both sides could have added to their total in the closing minutes and though Sandal grabbed the last score when their winger went over with the home defence stretched, it was a mere consolation.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Brussels readies for 'Super Tuesday' climate vote.

EurActiv.com Vote on key legislation designed to slash the EU's CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020. But the vote comes amidst a worsening economic crisis, with several member states indicating that they want to put the brakes on any rapid adoption of the measures. Three reports will be subject to votes by the Parliament's Environment (ENVI) Committee. The first and most controversial for heavy industry relates to the revision of the EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (by Avril Doyle, an Irish EPP-ED group MEP). The second, prepared by Finnish Green MEP Satu Hassi, will determine how much each EU country should take on of the bloc's "burden" to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.  The third and final report, prepared by UK Liberal MEP Chris Davies, establishes a legal framework for the geological storage of CO2 captured by coal-fired power plants during electricity generation. Growth first, climate later? Following the collapse or bail-out of several key banks in the US and in the EU, the 'usual' controversies surrounding the climate proposals have been eclipsed by concerns about grave economic recession, which overshadow Tuesday's vote and are casting doubt on whether Brussels will be able to push through its ambitious CO2 reduction programme (EurActiv 26/09/08). The climate and energy package is in "deep trouble", The Economist reported on 4 October. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a "green champion" in March 2007, "now sounds like a lobbyist for German business," the weekly commented. Merkel has indeed indicated that she may not support an "ill-advised climate policy," and Germany's foreign minister last week admitted that the economic crisis "changes priorities," the Financial Times reported. "One cannot rule out that interest in protecting the climate will change because of such a crisis," the minister said. Stern warnings Advocates of ambitious policies to reduce climate change say this logic is faulty, drawing on findings and recommendations submitted in October 2006 to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair by Sir Nicholas Stern. The 'Stern report' argued that keeping global warming under control through massive investment today would cost the global economy far less than coping with the damage it will cause (EurActiv 31/10/06). But many of Europe's industries say paying too much for emitting CO2 means they cannot stay competitive internationally and will be forced to move production and pollution outside the EU's borders, leading to a 'leakage' of carbon that would be environmentally counter-productive. To prevent such a scenario, they say, certain industrial sectors like aluminium and cement producers should be given up to 100% free emissions allowances. The issue is the cause of an internal rift in the EP's largest political group, the Christian Democratic European People's Party (EPP-ED) party. Doyle, an EPP-ED member, is fighting to gain support in advance of the vote in the face of opposition from some MEPs, who say a stricter EU ETS would undermine European industries, according to ENDS Europe reports.     The coal equation Competitiveness concerns are also at the heart of MEP Davies's report on carbon capture and storage (CCS). While the Davies report in itself has not been the focus of extreme controversy, the issue of how to pay for CCS has.  Davies has worked closely with Doyle in recent months to link CCS financing to the ETS proposal. The two rapporteurs have drafted an amendment that, if accepted by other MEPs and by the Council, would see the transfer of massive sums from a special ETS reserve fund to select CCS demonstration projects. CCS is considered a vital tool in the fight against climate change, including by a number of environmental NGOs (with the exception of Greenpeace). It remains unclear how the expensive technology could be funded and made competitive, though a recent report by the business consulting firm McKinsey indicates that CCS could become commercially viable by 2030 (see EurActiv 24/09/08).  The votes are preliminary and need confirmation by the full plenary of the Parliament. But they will give an indication as to where the package as a whole is headed, and lay the basis for negotiations with the Council. Positions: The Commission has given mixed signals on the issue, pointing to what is widely believed to be a significant divergence in views between EU Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen and EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. Dimas has said that while the financial crisis "is here one day and it is gone another day," the "climate crisis will be there always and we must face it". Verheugen, on the other hand, has already given assurancesthat 100% free CO2 permit allocation "should be possible" for select industries and governments, and the industry commissioner's cabinet has already leaked to the press a Commission 'non-paper' that gives an indication of which sectors could be likely to receive an exemption from the EU ETS (EurActiv 22/09/08). Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, has sent a letter to MEPs in the ENVI Committee, asking them "to give the green light for a system of performance objectives (benchmarks) that will reward with free allowances the companies that invest to reach this target".  Cefic, which is against the use of full auctioning, argues that such an award scheme based on benchmarks will lead a "much more cost-efficient, reliable [ETS] without the risk of speculation".  Christian Democrat MEPs Karl-Heinz Florenz (Germany) and Eija-Rita Korhola (Finland) support the use of such benchmarks and have tables a series of amendments to this effect.  UK Green MEP Caroline Lucas, meanwhile, argues that the use of free allocations will "completely undermine what is supposed to be the EU's flagship instrument for addressing climate change". Climate Strategies, a European network of climate policy experts, argue that giving some industries free allocations in the EU ETS will be detrimental to the wider economy. "Free allowance allocation creates distortions for the carbon price signal and reduces the efforts of some sectors to reduce emissions which in turn increases the costs for the remaining economy," the network said in a 6 October statement. The view is backed by Sanjeev Kumar, ETS Coordinator at the WWF in Brussels. "The Environment Committee must not cater to the needs of the polluting few at the expense of the many citizens who wants to improve the long term health of the European economy as well as environment," he said.   The Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, a grouping of major companies including Philips, Shell, Tesco, Vodafone, Allianz, Holcim, Kingfisher and Skanska, are giving their support to a successful vote in the committee. "We recognise that issues of European competitiveness and concerns about a global economic downturn will influence the debate, but we are confident that the adoption of a strong and effective climate package will ultimately be good for European business," the group said in a 6 October open letter to MEPs.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Wed 1st Oct 2008:

British Tories risk destroying Britain's membership of the European Union.

Reacting to the speech at the Conservative Party conference by shadow foreign secretary William Hague, Andrew Duff MEP, Liberal Democrat Constitutional Affairs Spokesperson, accused Mr Hague of undermining UK membership of the European Union. "Mr Hague is now openly threatening Britain's European partners with a renegotiation of the country's terms of membership if the Lisbon Treaty comes into force. "He is determined to defeat the Lisbon Treaty yet offers no positive alternative European strategy for the UK. What he does not say, in his nationalistic fulminations against Lisbon, is that Tory policy, if successful, will condemn us all to have to live with the Treaty of Nice which he himself condemned at the time of its signature in 2000 when he was Tory leader." Duff, who helped to negotiate the Treaty of Lisbon, added: "It is ridiculous to pretend that Lisbon is in any way worse then Nice. How can we rectify the present problems and weaknesses of the EU without a thorough reform of its structure and a strengthening of its democracy? "Unless the Tories can be defeated, and unless the Irish change their mind about ratifying Lisbon, we face the alarming prospect of a Tory government taking Britain to the margins of European reality. "To play with Britain's European membership at this time of global insecurity is worse than irresponsible."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Mon 29th Sep 2008:

Rescue plan essential.

Sharon Bowles MEP, Liberal Democrat Economic Affairs Spokesperson, has welcomed the US and UK rescue packages. Commenting, she said: “This is a huge amount of money and if it were just bailing out irresponsible bankers one would be inclined to say no. However, it is bailing out people from the effects of the credit crunch which will benefit the UK as well as the US. Not taking any action would be worse. “The UK rescue plan for Bradford and Bingley was also necessary. With both Northern Rock and Bradford and Bingley the taxpayer is getting something for their money and I do not expect it all to be lost. Again, the consequences of no action would be far more dangerous. “It was right to sell on the deposit business of Bradford and Bingley because having a nationalised bank taking deposits with unlimited guarantees is not fair competition, nor fair for depositors elsewhere. “The Government should move quickly to increase the general level of deposit guarantees. Those saving for retirement or for deposits for homes could easily have more than the present £35,000 on deposit with a single institution. It is ludicrous that they should have to spread it around or not be able to invest in small banks for fear they would be allowed to go bust because they do not pose a systemic risk. “We can all see now that there is even more consolidation into large and cross border banks. In time this will present us with problems of maintaining the possibility for new entrants to the market, and ensuring a grip on EU wide systemic risk and equal treatment for cross border investors.”  

Thu 25th Sep 2008:

MEPs defeat car lobby.

 "A good day for democracy", that's how ALDE´s environment spokesperson Chris Davies describes today's vote in the Environment Committee on CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars. "A good day for democracy", that's how ALDE´s environment spokesperson Chris Davies describes today's vote in the Environment Committee on CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars. Despite an enormous lobby from the car industry to relax calls for major reductions in CO2 emissions from new cars, and a deal negotiated at the highest level between the Socialist group (PSE) and the Christian Democrats (EPP), ordinary members of the Environment Committee voted to strengthen the original Commission proposal. Chris Davies (Lib Dem, UK) explains: "The lobby from the car industry lost. MEPs today stood up for tougher measures to combat global warming and sent a strong message to corporate lobbyists to back off.  "The package is weaker than the Parliament proposed last year but very much better than might have been expected given the amount of arm twisting and political threats that has taken place.  The deal struck between the EPP and PSE Groups to weaken Commission proposals was defeated. There will be no loopholes and no reduction of the fines. Today's vote is a victory for people who believe we have to fight climate change." "We now go into negotiations with the Council of Ministers with the aim of putting the legislation on the stature book before the end of the year." Car manufacturers will have to limit the emissions to 130 CO2/km by 2012. MEPs also agreed to set a long term target of reducing vehicle emissions to 95g CO2/km by 2020. The report is part of the Community's integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light cars and commercial vehicles. Some 13% of all Europe's carbon emissions stem from passenger cars.  Absolute volumes of CO2 continue to rise because of the growing number of cars on the roads and a shift towards the sale of larger and more powerful vehicles, including 4WDs. The call for regulation follows the failure of European car manufacturers to meet the reductions promised in a voluntary agreement made ten years ago.  Average emissions from new cars are thought at present still to be close to 160g C02/km. addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Cross border health directive must put patients first.

Public health campaigner Liz Lynne MEP (ALDE, UK) has today welcomed the proposed cross border health directive, but warned the directive must benefit all Europe's citizens. Public health campaigner Liz Lynne MEP (ALDE, UK) has today welcomed the proposed cross border health directive, but warned the directive must benefit all Europe's citizens. Her comments come as the European Parliament debated cross border healthcare proposals that would give all EU citizens a framework of rights to seek medical treatment in other EU Member States. The proposal follows a 2006 European Court of Justice ruling that the NHS could not refuse to refund costs of overseas treatment if patients waited longer than clinicians advised, even if waiting list targets were met. The proposals will allow any patient facing a delay who has the funds to pay for an operation upfront to seek treatment abroad and later reclaim the costs from the NHS. Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP and Co-Chair of campaign group MEPs against Cancer commented today: "Why should a patient have to lose their sight waiting for a cataract operation in the UK, for instance, when it could be done in another Member State? If a clinician advises treatment and this cannot be provided at home, then we need a legal framework to ensure that they can seek it elsewhere.  "All too often it is the poorest people that face discrimination and inequality in access to healthcare. And that is why we must ensure that Member States can authorise treatment in another country prior to that treatment.We must not restrict cross border health to those who can afford it. Equally, this new directive must not compromise standards of care for those people who choose to stay in their home country.   "We must also ensure there are safeguards in place that put the rights and safety of the patient first. That is why it is vital that a mechanism is developed to share patient's records between the patient's home country and the country where they receive treatment. Apart from that, we need to develop a system of compensation for patients who suffer avoidable harm when being treated in another EU country. "With regards to sharing of best practice, all too often, whether we look at Healthcare Acquired Infections or Cancer screening guidelines, the answer is on our doorstep. It is about time that we started learning from each other more effectively and this directive has the potential to help us achieve that." addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Tue 23rd Sep 2008:

Roaming text charges: Operators still to learn lessons.

Commenting on today's expected announcement from the European Commission that the price of roaming text and data charges will be dramatically reduced, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, said: "The arrogance of the mobile phone operators is galling. As in 2006 when they were warned about the cost of roaming voice calls and failed to bring the charges down, they have once again been forced to slash the cost of using a mobile abroad, this time with text and data charges. "For UK consumers, the cost of sending a text message when abroad often is as high as 41p per text. Compared with just 4p with a Latvian mobile phone user, this is scandalous. Today's announcement means that UK operators will not be able to charge no more than 9p for a text message sent whilst aboard. When one factors in that the actual cost to the operator is less than 1p it is hard to feel any sympathy with the industry. Once again, action at EU level has greatly benefited the consumer"  

MEP disappointed by European Court ruling on mandatory retirement age.

The MEP who first helped to ensure that age discrimination in the workplace was outlawed across the EU has said that she is extremely disappointed by the initial opinion of the European Court of Justice, which supported the retention of UK 's Mandatory Retirement Age. The Advocate General of the Court, who is charged with offering preliminary opinions on cases, said that the EU directives preventing age discrimination do not prevent Member States allowing employers to dismiss staff once they reach retirement age. Following the decision today, Liz Lynne MEP, Liberal Democrat Employment Spokesperson in the European Parliament and shadow rapporteur for the Employment Directive 2000 that forced the Government to introduce anti age discrimination legislation in the UK, said: “This decision is certainly a setback on the road to ending age discrimination. However, it is important to remember that this is only the opinion of the Advocate General, and is not binding on the Judges who will make the final ruling. “The Advocate General himself said in his opinion that in a perfect world everyone would be judged individually and according to their merits. Unfortunately he shied away from moving towards this goal. I hope that the European Court itself will not make the same mistake. “I sincerely hope that the formal ruling of the Court will put an end to the sudden cliff edge of retirement that forces people to stop working at a certain age whether they want to or not. "It is also vital that this formal decision comes soon; there are now over 260 employment tribunal cases in England and Wales awaiting a final ruling, while thousands of people continue to lose their jobs unfairly every year. This cannot be allowed to continue.”   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

MEPs unite to fight child trafficking.

The European Parliament is calling on Member States and the EU institutions to toughen their fight against child trafficking. A cross-party Written Declaration has achieved an absolute majority of signatures (currently 409 out of 785). The document will now be formally forwarded to the Council and Commission for further action. It calls for the fight against child trafficking to be made a priority in national child protection policies, for greater exchange of information and cooperation between Member States, EU institutions, and NGO. The Written Declaration's sponsor for the Liberal group, Diana Wallis MEP, said "I am delighted that we are sending such a strong message to Commission and Council on this pressing issue. It is outrageous that certain Member States are still dragging their feet on the related question of the cross-border missing child alert, or "Amber Alert" system. Together with the French Presidency, we in the European Parliament hope to reach an agreement despite such national resistances to this common sense, practical improvement."  

Hedge Funds: Transparency, not over-regulation, is way forward.

The European Parliament is set to approve a report on hedge funds later today that, despite efforts from Socialist and Labour MEPs, will not introduce top-down regulation. Sharon Bowles MEP (UK, Lib Dem), ALDE Shadow rapporteur, was instrumental in ensuring that the report urges more transparency and information in capital requirements, rather than singling out hedge funds and private equity specifically. Commenting, Sharon said: "It is important that the Parliament does not adopt a reactionary, knee jerk response to recent events. To target hedge funds and private equity specifically for regulation is not the right approach. Regulation must be non-discriminatory and must be part of a broader overall package of monitoring risk. A smart, forward looking approach is needed if we are to prevent not only the recent crisis but also any other potential mishaps. Voluntary codes have only very recently been adopted by hedge funds and must be given more time before we make any determinative judgements. "The first draft of Mr Rasmussen's report was not acceptable to the majority of the parliament with its old school top down regulatory approach that would stifle any growth in the sector. Thankfully, many Liberal Democrat amendments that have softened the approach have been accepted and we can now look forward to the vast majority of the report to be included in the Commission's upcoming legislation on capital requirements and credit ratings agencies, expected next month.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

MEPs boost online privacy rights and child safety.

The European Parliament is set to toughen up consumer rights and privacy protection for phone and internet customers as well as to make children safer. In amendments to current EU telecoms regulations, new provisions will toughen online security requirements and require phone companies and internet service providers (ISPs) to warn users of security breaches resulting in possible malicious use of their personal data. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman and a consistent campaigner for tougher measures on data protection, said: “It's high time that phone and internet users were informed when their personal details are hacked into. Coupled with a related new obligation to inform customers of security safeguards, this will give firms an incentive to keep breaches to a minimum by beefing up their own investment in security. "MEPs are also right to boost child safety by making compulsory the provision by EU states of a 116000 missing child telephone hotline number, since most of them have disgracefully failed to honour a voluntary agreement reached 18 months ago. This would then be part of a Europe-wide missing child amber alert system for which Liberal Democrats are on the way to securing EU funding. " Other improvements contained in the new directive cover more transparent information on prices and contract terms; better services for disabled users; and 'public service' warnings about online hazards like risks of copyright infringement and counterfeit medicines.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

EU rules on use of personal data for policing lack safeguards.

In its response to a proposed new EU law on privacy protection in use of personal data for policing and law enforcement, the European Parliament is demanding much stricter safeguards than EU states are willing to give. Commenting, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokesperson, said: “In emptying the original proposal of much of its protective content and settling on a lowest common denominator agreement, EU government ministers are stupidly undermining the effort to create public confidence in EU cross-border police cooperation." Loopholes include applicability only to exchanges of data between Member states and not to processing of data within them as originally envisaged, lax rules on transfers to foreign countries, possibility to access sensitive details like race, political opinions or religious affiliation and too-wide scope to justify use of data for new purposes. Sarah Ludford added: "We have seen the outrage in the UK of local councils having access to personal details, ostensibly kept for purposes of tackling terrorism and serious crime, to check up on eligibility for school places. If this does not stop, European citizens will not trust measures like the European Arrest Warrant that we do in fact need in order to catch real criminals. "It is illegitimate to go on making laws like this without MEPs having the full right to co-decision. This is the price of the non-ratification of the Lisbon Treaty which will at last make EU policing laws transparent and democratic."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Tue 16th Sep 2008:

Lib Dem Europe paper : a necessary refurbishment of pro European Values.

Commenting on the adoption of a new policy paper on Europe at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth this afternoon, Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said: "Whilst scurrilous press reports have attempted to distort basic Liberal Democrat values on the European project, today's overwhelming backing of the motion proves otherwise. We move forward to next year's European election campaign with renewed vigour and a reaffirmation of our position as Britain's European party. The true British interest lies in building a strong Europe." Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, added: "It is high time we campaigned in European elections on European issues that are of fundamental importance to British citizens. Climate change and combating cross border crime are areas where Liberal Democrats have led the way in the European Parliament and we should not be afraid to tell the British public that we are proud of our achievements in Europe."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

MEPs reject fingerprinting of 6 year olds.

The European Parliament's Justice and Civil Liberties Committee has backed a European Liberal Democrat amendment to set the minimum age of fingerprinting for EU passports at 12 years old rather than the European Commission's proposal of 6 years old. The author of the amendment, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman, commented: "This is a sensible and precautionary position. Even aside from civil liberties objections of principle, there are many practical obstacles to the feasibility of using fingerprints of children from such an early age. That is why I argued for fixing on 12 initially while studies are done, and I am gratified that the committee has followed my advice and aligned with the European Parliament plenary position on EU visa fingerprinting. "Fingerprints of young children change as they grow, and despite assertions about a 'juvenile growing process' to predict changes, there is a complete lack of empirical evidence about whether this really can ensure reliability of those fingerprints several years after capture. With the normal rule of five-year validity of passports and of stored visa data, this becomes more than an academic question. "A failure to have all the mechanisms and safeguards in place would just mean turning the EU passports and visa schemes into vast biometric experiments, with severe implications for data accuracy, privacy protection and individual rights." Notes to Editors: 1. Sarah Ludford is currently in negotiation with the Council of ministers about handling of visa applications and collection of biometrics to make the Visa Information System agreed last year operational. In July the European Parliament backed her recommendation for an age of 12, with a 3-year study to examine the issue of fingerprinting children. The committee vote on passports is in line with that position. 2. The UK is not legally allowed to join either the EU passports or visa schemes as we choose not to be part of the Schengen zone, but the UK government tends to shadow EU developments and even lets it be thought that they are under an EU obligation. In fact UK decisions on fingerprinting for passports and visas are autonomous. Children from the age of 5 have been fingerprinted for several years for UK visas, but fingerprints are collected on every application, not stored. While this avoids the 'growth' problem, it must entail extra cost and inconvenience for all parties.  

Wed 10th Sep 2008:

Stronger action urged against undeclared work and employers recruiting illegal immigrants.

Today in Brussels the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs adopted two closely related reports on the fight against undeclared work and on sanctions against employers for employing illegally staying third-country nationals. It is estimated that undeclared work exceeds 20 % of GDP in some Member States in the EU and poses a serious threat to the distortion of competition and destabilization of labour markets whilst illegal immigration itself contributes also to undeclared work. Several MEPs consider that sanctions against EU employers benefiting from undeclared work may be necessary to tackle the problem. ALDE shadow rapporteur on undeclared work, Liz LYNNE (LibDem, United Kingdom) said: "Undeclared work only benefits unscrupulous employers. Europe's labour market needs more flexibility but not anarchy." "By ignoring the phenomenon of undeclared work we encourage a race to the bottom in standards in the European workplace, put employees health and safety at risk and harm the wider economy through tax evasion and undermining social security. The EU should be pushing Member States to raise their standards and not just turn a blind eye." In parallel, the committee examined the case for sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants ALDE shadow rapporteur Ona JUKNEVICIENE (Lithuania) said: "I believe that the proposed directive could serve as an effective deterrent for employers using illegally staying third-country nationals, because it provides for very strict sanctions, such as cutting off subsidies and EU funding both at national and European level, or the withdrawal of business licences and even criminal sanctions in serious cases." "I am convinced that both legal and natural persons must also bear some responsibility in the exploitation of illegal third-country nationals whether at the workplace or in the home", notes Jukneviciene. Estimates on the number of third-country nationals in the EU vary between 4,5 to 8 million whilst illegal employment is mainly concentrated in certain sectors: construction, agriculture, cleaning, and hotel/catering.   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

9/11 reminder of need to return to core values of liberal democracy.

On the eve of the 7th anniversary of the terrible terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, Liberal Democrat European justice and human rights spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP is calling for the future US President and Congress to resume co-leadership of international efforts to protect freedoms and civil liberties with an EU which needs to practice what it preaches on fundamental rights. “Massive terrorist attacks ended the comfortable belief that liberal democracy was safe from attack after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However the 'war on terror' has been invoked to chip away painfully acquired fundamental freedoms such as habeas corpus, freedom of expression, privacy and non-discrimination. This has squandered the west's most precious legal, ethical and moral assets." "Mass surveillance, secret prisons, rendition flights, torture and profiling based on religion and ethnicity are only the most notorious examples of this trend. Many campaigners have challenged these policies and stood up for a more balanced approach to tackling terrorism.” "Early US leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin wisely warned that if liberty was traded for security, both would be lost. A new American leadership from November should not only regain respect for this truth, but remind European governments of it too." "The EU is at a turning-point. As it decides the direction of a new 5-year programme in justice and security with new surveillance measures proliferating, EU leaders need to remember that security cannot exist without liberty."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Tue 9th Sep 2008:

European Parliament signals the end of reckless driving abroad.

Today, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament backed, with an overwhelming majority the cross-border enforcement of penalties for speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and running a red light. At present, sanctions for traffic violations in Member States other than the driver's country of residence are mostly not followed through. This relative impunity encourages irresponsible driving and undermines road safety. Commenting, Graham Watson MEP, European Liberal and Democrat Leader, said: "Today's vote is the first step towards ensuring that speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and running a red light elsewhere in the EU will follow you home. Having one for the road while holidaying abroad will be pricey and deservedly so. Those four offences are to blame for most fatalities on the European roads and it is time the joyride ends." Under the proposed legislation European countries will identify and notify offenders by swapping electronic data. The authorities in the country of residence will be empowered to follow up on the penalty decisions in case of non-compliance by the offenders. "European Liberal Democrats supported the legislation and we are ready to see it through the full House next month. Member States are still dragging their feet but today's vote sends a clear signal that we will no longer be taken for a ride by drivers exploiting the loopholes in the system", added Watson.

Wed 3rd Sep 2008:

EU court delivers landmark 'Kadi' judgment on fundamental rights.

The annulment by the EU's top court of an EU regulation which rubber-stamped a UN blacklisting decision by freezing the assets of alleged terrorists without information, redress or appeal represents a landmark in the development of European fundamental rights.  Commenting on the ruling concerning Yassin Abdullah Kadi and the Swedish-registered Al Barakaat International Foundation, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, said: “This marks the coming of age of a European Union which really does guarantee fundamental rights instead of just talking about them. I look forward to the ECJ getting full jurisdiction regarding security matters so that European citizens are better protected from abuses of human rights and civil liberties. “The fight against terrorism is difficult, but if we erode our fundamental freedoms in the process, we simply destroy the values we are battling to protect. Suspected terrorists must be brought to justice on the basis of a fair trial and normal rights of defence."   addthis_pub = 'mplusw';

Tue 2nd Sep 2008:

Tory opposition to stronger EU prosecution capacity undermines their anti-crime claims.

The European Parliament has endorsed plans to strengthen the ability of the EU's 'Eurojust' body of national prosecutors from the 27 countries - chaired until 2007 by the UK's Michael Kennedy, now boss of the Crown Prosecution Service - to coordinate prosecutions for serious and organised transnational crime.   British Conservatives however are opposed, as they were to the successful European Arrest Warrant, which has speeded up cross-border extradition. Commenting, Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman, said: "EU police and judicial cooperation is increasingly successful, notably through the European Arrest Warrant, which saw one of the July 2005 bombers brought swiftly back to UK justice from Italy. The powers of Eurojust need to keep up with the ever-increasing mobility and communication of criminals. MEPs are also right to insist that the fight against child pornography and paedophile abuse should be a top Eurojust priority. "Tory opposition to this strengthening of the EU capacity to put major criminals behind bars shows up the hypocrisy and hot air of their bluster about 'law 'n order'. It is impossible to tackle cross-border serious crime successfully while torpedoing EU cooperation." The present proposal is for an improvement in Eurojust's operational capacity by setting up an Emergency Coordination Cell to work 24/7 and enable it to intervene in urgent cases. It will also give national police/prosecutor representatives at Eurojust more powers, including the ability to issue search and seizure warrants in their own Member state and allow them to access their national criminal databases for Eurojust investigations. Sarah Ludford is backing this plan but calls in addition for an equivalent effort to better protect defendants in cross-border cases: "As Eurojust prosecutors acquire more investigative powers and access to personal information, it is also important to ensure appropriately stronger protection of personal data and defendants' rights and address the problems encountered by defendants and defence lawyers in the light of the growth of European criminal justice legislation and cooperation. Where European prosecutors cooperate across borders, European defence lawyers should do so as well, and we need to examine whether a 'Eurodefence' body may be needed."

Plans to eliminate VAT fraud backed by European Parliament.

The European Parliament has backed a report by Sharon Bowles MEP (UK, Lib Dem) that aims to break the prolonged EU deadlock over fighting VAT fraud. The report's key recommendation is to levy VAT of 15% on all cross-border EU trade on goods and services. Under the proposals, Member States would charge a top up rate to bring the total VAT charge in line with current levels within their own countries. For example, the UK which has a VAT rate of 17.5% would charge 2.5% on all imports under the new system. The 15% levied by the exporting Member State would also be paid to the UK. Commenting on the vote, Sharon said: "Member States alone cannot deal with tax fraud because fraudsters are exploiting cross border loopholes. Only through the EU can a solution be found and it is clear by the overwhelming majority that backed the report today that this issue has transcended political and geographical boundaries. Clearly, many people have been motivated by the sheer loss of revenue that fiscal fraud causes governments every year. The total annual loss, estimated at around EUR 200-250 billion, is double the annual budget of the European Union. Fiscal fraud costs 2.5% of GDP and a huge chunk of the tax base. If any politician here or in a Member State campaigned on the basis of putting up tax by 5% to pay for nothing they would not get very far, but that is what tax fraud costs the honest taxpayer and why politicians must act. "VAT fraud alone is said by the European Commission to cost exchequers EUR 40bn (£31bn) a year, roughly the same as the EU spends on the Common Agricultural Policy. In the United Kingdom, HM Revenue and Customs estimate that in the tax year 2005-2006 VAT revenue losses amounted to £14.4 bn. "It is now for the European Council to stop dragging its feet and show genuine political will in achieving the elimination of such costly fraud. We need greater trust between national administrative authorities when it comes to sharing information on fiscal fraud, and a real will to change the cross border VAT system. This is simply not a problem that can be solved at member State level and it is for this reason why I am highlighting it as a priority for the EU."

EU anti-discrimination proposals welcomed by MEPs.

The eagerly awaited European Commission proposal for a new anti-discrimination directive has been welcomed by the MEP who together with colleagues and NGOs fought the objections of some EU Member States and called on the Commission to honour its plans.    Promised by the Commission in its 2008 Work Programme, the directive will outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services covering all areas presently excluded, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  Liberal Democrat Liz Lynne MEP whose own-initiative report on the need for the new directive was adopted by the European Parliament earlier this year, said the proposals were not perfect, but very welcome, in a debate on the EU’s new social package in Brussels today. She added:  “For years I have campaigned with others for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services for disabled people and older people. For years, we were promised action and then nothing happened. “Today we can say that we are on the brink of achieving that legislation, not just covering age and disability but also sexual orientation and religion as I called for in my recent report. I would like to thank the Commission for bringing it forward and Commissioner Spidla particularly for his tenacity. “The proposed legislation is not perfect, we know, and we will want to see some changes. It would have also been better if it had been subject to co-decision. “But having said that I am delighted to be able to stand here and say that we are at long last on our way to seeing all EU citizens treated equally. “However there is still a long way to go, we still have to convince all Member States. The European Union was founded on the basis of equality and human rights and I find it amazing that anyone could possibly object to putting in place legislation to protect everyone’s rights to be treated equally. “I know many Member States already have similar legislation so I can’t understand why those very same Member States would try to block this proposal.”    Notes to Editors: Text of Liz Lynne’s report as adopted by the European Parliament last month; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2008-0159&language=EN ; Current EU anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace on all grounds (Employment Directive 2000) but only provides protection against discrimination in access to goods and services on the basis of gender and race (Equal Treatment Directive and the Race Directive respectively).  Liz Lynne’s campaign and petition to persuade the Commission and member States to press ahead with a horizontal directive can be found here: www.signtostopdiscrimination.org

Fri 29th Aug 2008:

Summer of discontent - By Andrew Duff - FT.com.

The European Union ends the summer in some anguish. On 30 July, the Doha Round collapsed. Much to the evident frustration of the European Commission, the Council of Ministers failed to back the compromise proposal from WTO director general Pascal Lamy for a special safeguard mechanism to protect the interests of certain developing countries. France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland and Lithuania led the faction in the Council of Ministers which scuppered the mandate of the EU’s chief negotiator Peter Mandelson. The effective end of these complex multilateral trade negotiations is indeed, as Messrs Lamy and Mandelson say, a collective failure by the global community. But the recriminations inside the EU, which is supposed to have a common commercial policy, will continue to poison the atmosphere in Brussels and, more pointedly, to mar the Union’s attempt to shift spending away from agricultural support towards industrial productivity. Georgia has added to the Union’s woes. It was entirely predictable that Poland and the Baltic states would lead the charge against the Russian incursion, and that the older member states, notably France and Germany, would be critical of Mr Saakashvili’s adventurism. The emergency meeting of the European Council which is to take place in Brussels on 1 September will have to consider how to resolve these differences. One hopes for a sense of proportion compassionate about the victims of war but dispassionate about its outcome. That a resurgent, nationalist Russia should seek to adjust its borders in the Caucasus is hardly unexpected; nor, according to the principle of self-determination, could it finally be opposed on democratic grounds. Mr Putin’s aggressive policies are not without adverse consequences for Russia itself, whose society is already poor, ill and ageing, and whose military, exposed to the limelight in Georgia, did not seem really to have re-equipped itself since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Tight comparisons with the Soviet period are false: Mr Stalin, unlike Mr Putin, did not have to worry about the global financial markets. The West should not forget that the Cold War has been won. It is in this context that the European Union should develop a new strategy for its dealings with Russia. It will have to justify its own claims that bipolar ’spheres of influence’ in Europe are consigned to history by taking affirmative action in the Black Sea and Caucasus region just as it has done in the Balkans. As the European Council on Foreign Relations says, the EU must cooperate with the Russians or consider sanctions. ’It cannot do both.’ * European troops will be needed to police the ceasefire in Georgia and to give space and time for conflict resolution efforts to work under the auspices of the OSCE. The armed forces of France and the UK are already over-stretched elsewhere. It is now up to other EU member states notably Germany to make meaningful military commitment to European security. Accession state Turkey should be very much included in this campaign. EU-Nato relations come centre stage. President Sarkozy’s decision to reintegrate France’s military with Nato, the end of the Bush presidency in the US, and Nato’s 60th anniversary summit next spring is the best opportunity and possibly the last for Nato to review its fundamental mission and organisation. Review is not only necessary because Nato risks failure in Afghanistan, but also because of the emergence, for the first time, of the EU’s complementary efforts to build a security and defence dimension of its own. Whatever other conclusions are to be drawn from the Georgian war, Nato has to come to terms with the fact that its automatic further expansion eastwards will not be taken for granted by European public opinion. The EU badly needs to distinguish itself from Nato by counselling a halt to both Georgian and Ukrainian pretensions to Nato membership. If Nato is worth saving, it is worth keeping strong: membership of Georgia and the Ukraine would not contribute to its strength, at least for the foreseeable future. Both countries would be better off engaging more directly and deeply with the EU as its own neighbourhood policy and security strategy are fine-tuned in 2008-09. The third division of opinion among EU partners remains, inevitably, the Treaty of Lisbon. The Georgian crisis puts into sharp relief the refusal of Ireland, in its 12 June referendum, to ratify the new treaty among whose principal features is the foundation of a security and defence dimension to the European Union. Another prize of Lisbon is the extension of the Union’s legal competence into the supply side of energy, which even by itself requires a more sophisticated EU policy about the Caucasus than we have seen hitherto. Faced with Europe’s dramatic security crisis, the Irish position looks increasingly preposterous. Viewed from the perspective of Gori or Tskhinvali, Irish misgivings about neutrality rather pale into insignificance. Lisbon gives the European Union the wherewithal to do good in world affairs. If Ireland really wants to play no part in that effort, it should say so and depart. And Poland’s President Kaczynski, so keen to sign up to the missile defence treaty with the Americans, should immediately keep faith with his European colleagues and complete his country’s ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon. Nicolas Sarkozy has had one notable success during his term as president of the EU in the balanced way he has dealt with the Georgian crisis. Doha is one notable failure. His biggest test of all is Lisbon and that is still to come. Andrew Duff leads the UK Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008  

Elspeth Attwooll monthly column.

August is a month on which it is difficult to report, since – the last few days apart – the Parliament is not in operation and we are free to take our summer break. I had a really enjoyable fortnight plus on Arran, despite the amount of rain that fell. It can’t have been entirely non-stop, as I have managed to come back with a wee bit of a tan. By the end of the third week it was back into work mode, with a seminar on culture and the role of policy makers as part of the Festival of Politics and the official Edinburgh Festival on the Friday and the Marymass Festival in Irvine on the Saturday. The seminar was both interesting and thought-provoking and I was particularly pleased that a hobby-horse of mine – the importance of their language to people’s sense of identity – generated considerable discussion. As well as being thoroughly entertaining in its own right, the Marymass festival offered a practical slant on the seminar theme, in learning about the traditions behind the crowning of the Marymass Queen and the history of the Irvine Carters’ Society, taking part in the civic procession up to the moor and seeing the horse races and other events that formed part of the day. Come the Monday, yet a different aspect of culture – attending one of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama’s contributions to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: a new musical called “Whisky Kisses”. The performance more than compensated for having to take a very early flight to Brussels the next morning, in time for meetings of our political group, followed by the Fisheries Committee. Normally, the group meetings would be in a preparation for a following Strasbourg week. But (shades of Holyrood) part of the debating chamber ceiling has fallen in. So we shall be holding our plenary session in Brussels instead. There is another due at the end of September. At the moment it is expected that the repairs shall be done in time to return to Strasbourg. Those of us who find it very time consuming to get there and who believe that having two seats for the Parliament is a waste of taxpayers’ money are not urgent to do so, delightful though the city is as a tourist destination. On any issues that you wish to raise, contact me at Centrum Offices, 3rd Floor, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3DX, phone 0141 243 2421 or email info@elspethattwoollmep.org.uk  

Thu 17th Jul 2008:

Lobbyists should join transparency register.

Since the European Commission's voluntary register for lobbyists was opened on 23 June 2008, to date, 174 organisations have registered with the Commission, providing a certain amount of financial disclosure. However, only 9 public affairs consultancies have registered with the Commission. The bulk of registrants are professional organisations and NGOs. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Diana Wallis MEP, the European Parliament's Vice-President responsible for transparency, said "If the Commission's register is to properly serve its purpose, we need registration across the board from interest representatives. "It is very surprising to note that a vast majority of public affairs consultancies have so far refrained from registering. "If such significant interest representatives remain voluntarily outside of the register and its modest financial disclosure requirements, then I have no doubt that the Parliament will strongly repeat calls for a mandatory common register - one which also includes the Council. We have already seen that some sectors of industry, such as the mobile phone operators, have learnt the hard way when they have arrogantly ignored any kind of voluntary measures. "All interest representatives must realise that it is in their interests to work transparently, and I will certainly be encouraging them to do so on an individual basis, as and when they approach me." addthis_pub = 'mplusw';      

MEPs call for UK government to respond over Equitable Life.

On the day the UK Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, published her report into the Equitable Life affair, MEPs have repeated their call on the UK government to respond to the findings of the European Parliament’s inquiry, adopted in June 2007. MEPs invited Ms Abraham to address the EP Petitions Committee in October. Diana Wallis (ALDE, UK), rapporteur for the EP inquiry, said: "I congratulate Ms. Abraham on her detailed work, and for including all EU policyholders of Equitable Life in her findings.” "Ms. Abraham's findings of serial maladministration and injustice should trigger more than an apology. This is a damning indictment of UK financial regulation throughout the nineties. In the case of Equitable Life, such regulation fell well below domestic and EU standards. "Her conclusions, similar to the ones drawn in my report adopted by the European Parliament last year, make the case for a comprehensive, transparent and simple compensation scheme irresistible. I also hope that both reports combined will deliver a huge jolt to our institutions about our regulatory and lawmaking processes. "I now call on the UK Government to take a clear position on the European Parliament's findings."

Tue 15th Jul 2008:

Reforms already underway will address substance of Ombudsman’s concerns.

“The European Parliament has already adopted a series of major reforms to its system of allowances for Members.  These amount to a substantial increase in transparency and will largely address the spirit of the Ombudsman’s remarks,” said Diana Wallis, EP Vice President responsible for transparency. She continued: “Parliament has noted with interest the comments of the European Ombudsman in his decision on a complaint from a Maltese journalist.  The report comes at a time when major changes to the expenses and allowances system are being introduced.” The changes already underway include: ·         a new MEPs’ statute from the 2009 elections, with a common salary, coupled with a new system for travel expenses, based directly on reimbursement of ticket prices; ·         a major change to the system for employment of assistants after the elections, with those working in Parliament’s main places of work (Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg) employed under the EU staffing system and qualified paying agents handling the pay and social security arrangements for most assistance requirements of MEPs in their Member States; ·         with immediate effect, no close family members will be given new contracts as assistants, although existing contracts may be extended over no more than one Parliamentary term if this is noted in the MEP’s public declaration of interests; ·         the secondary pension scheme is to be phased out from 2009; ·         Parliament’s bureau has already decided to increase the transparency of the expenses system by publishing shortly on the EP website information on the expenses and allowances for Members, including the sums available under each category. The Ombudsman welcomed this in his decision. This information has in any case been provided on request for some time. A difference of interpretation The Ombudsman’s interpretation of the legislation in force differs from that of Parliament on the balance to be struck between protection of personal data and public access to documents.  Parliament remains confident that it is fully observing its obligations under the legislation.  The Ombudsman points out that a separate case involving the Commission and dealing with a similar point of law is still the subject of litigation before the Court of Justice. A survey of national Parliaments in the EU showed that most, like the EP, do not publish the detail of individual payments under their allowances schemes. Parliament’s view is that publishing complete details of individual payments expenses and allowances would breach its duty to protect personal data (for example by making public the precise salaries of individual Members’ assistants, who are currently employed under private law contracts) and could compromise the free and independent exercise of the mandate of an MEP. Proper controls over the use of public money are in place Expenditure under the allowances system is subject to a series of controls and checks, both internally (by Parliament’s administration, through the internal audit process and via the Committee on Budgetary Control) and externally (by the EU Court of Auditors).  Where these checks reveal weaknesses, changes are made, as at present.

Mobile phone operators have only themselves to blame.

Fiona Hall comments on today's announcement from the European Commission that it will dramatically reduce the cost of mobile data such as texting. Commenting on today's announcement from the European Commission that it will dramatically reduce the cost of mobile data such as texting, whilst abroad, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, said: "Since the European Commission was forced to introduce caps on roaming voice calls in 2007, we have tried to warn the mobile phone operators that unless they showed more willingness to bring down the cost of roaming data and sms, similar measures would follow. Action at an EU level has come to the rescue of consumers, who had been exploited and manipulated by the mobile phone companies for far too long."   Notes to Editors: A copy of the European Commission's proposal and press release can be found here: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1144&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

MEPs reject criminalising 'public provocation' of terrorism.

In an echo of the controversial Westminster parliament debate 2 years ago in which Liberal Democrats and other advocates of free speech opposed making the 'glorification' of terrorism a criminal offence, Euro-MPs on the European Parliament's civil liberties committee have today rejected a proposal to criminalise throughout the EU the 'public provocation' of a terrorist act. Commenting, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrats European Justice Spokeswoman, said: "It is wrong to pass legislation that is vague and subjective, thus having a chilling effect on free speech and legitimate discussion of the causes of a conflict. This would both undermine fundamental rights and alienate those who we aim to prevent being recruited into terrorism."    Notes to Editors:  MEPs have voted for a much more precise wording, whereby only 'public incitement clearly and intentionally advocating the commission' of a terrorist act should be criminalised in EU law. The Labour government got its way and the 2006 Terrorism Act, enacted after hasty remarks of then Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of the July 2005 London bombings, did indeed make encouragement and 'glorification' of terrorism a criminal offence: 1 Encouragement of terrorism (1) ........a statement that is likely to be understood by some or all of the members of the public to whom it is published as a direct or indirect encouragement or other inducement to them to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism........... [including a statement which] (a) glorifies the commission or preparation (whether in the past, in the future or generally) of such acts or offences; and (b) is a statement from which those members of the public could reasonably be expected to infer that what is being glorified is being glorified as conduct that should be emulated by them in existing circumstances.

Sun 13th Jul 2008:

ALDE mourns the death of a friend and a great European.

Learning today of the untimely death of Bronislaw Geremek, European Liberal Democrat Leader, Graham Watson said: "With the tragic departure of Bronislaw Geremek Poland loses one of its heroes, a tireless architect of its independence but also of the national reconciliation." "Europe also loses one of its most ardent proponents who by the power of his conviction helped enlargement become a political success. Europe mourns a symbol of its reunification. I am proud to have had such a man among the ranks of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament and among my friends. A man of culture, who saw the coming together of peoples possible only through sharing and collaboration; a man whose faith was forged on the anvil of Europe’s 20th century dramas; a humanist who will serve as an example for generations to come. Even with the passage of time his memory will never be erased nor his marvellous and mischievous smile obscured."

Thu 10th Jul 2008:

EU biometric visa system must be secure and reliable.

The European Parliament has today adopted a report concerning its requirements for the collection of biometric data from applicants for Schengen visas - digital photos and fingerprints - to make the EU Visa Information System operational. MEPs have so far been unable to reach an accord with the Council of Ministers representing EU governments so there has been no 'first reading agreement'. Differences include the governments' desire to fingerprint children from the age of 6, where MEPs have worries on principle but also concerning reliability and inconvenience to families, and issues around data security such as the outsourcing of the collection of biometrics to private companies outside diplomatic premises Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, the European Parliament's rapporteur and Liberal Democrat Justice and Home Affairs spokesperson, said: "I am disappointed that we have been unable to reach agreement, but the Council and Commission have not sufficiently thought through how their proposals would work. No decision to require fingerprints from 6 year olds should be made without taking into account doubts over reliability due to rapid change in young childrens' prints, and the significant costs and inconvenience for their parents if the solution is to impose collection every 2 years instead of 5. "That is why MEPs are making the reasonable proposal of starting with 12 years old for fingerprinting and re-examining age limits after a 3-year study. I want the Visa Information System to succeed, and we cannot afford to make it into one vast experiment with 70 million entries at any one time. "This law deals with sensitive biometric personal data, thus MEPs are extremely vigilant about protection against data misuse and security against loss. Member States have so far rejected the idea of private contracted firms operating in premises under diplomatic protection, which would ensure material is protected from seizure. If they were willing to explore forms of cooperation, such as co-location of consulates or 'Common Application Centres', they might be able to save costs, increase convenience for applicants and deliver data security all at once. The UK will not be bound by this EU legislation as it has an 'opt-out' from EU borders and visa policies, but it is developing its own biometric visa system and there is likely to be a 'pipeline' agreed to exchange data, so the data protection and security measures are relevant. In addition, the UK government has a habit of suggesting that it must follow EU standards, even when there is absolutely no legal requirement to do so. It certainly did that on biometric passports."  

A historical breakthrough in the fight against the death penalty.

On July 2 2008, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet has adopted a proposal to commute the death penalty to life imprisonment. This proposal is subjected to approval by the President Pervez Musharraf before it enters into force. This will benefit the 7000 death row prisoners in Pakistan. Commenting, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affiars Spokesperson, said: “We welcome this important step forward, which goes in the sense of the worldwide trend to end capital punishment. The UN General Assembly resolution of December 2007 calling for a global moratorium on executions was an important milestone underlining this trend. “We now call upon president Musharraf to approve the cabinet’s proposal. The deterrent effect of capital punishment has never been demonstrated and the application of death penalty in Pakistan falls far below international standards. At every step, from arrest to trial to execution, the safeguards against miscarriage of justice are weak or non-existent, and the possibility that innocents will be executed is frighteningly high .  

Indonesian Government decree abhorrent.

On June 9, the Indonesian government issued a decree threatening Ahmadiyah sect followers with five years imprisonment for "activities that are not in accordance with interpretations of the religion of Islam. " It remains unclear how strictly the measure will be enforced, but the decision has been denounced by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, who said: "It is sad that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has made this move to shore up support for his run for a second term next year. This decision must be reversed immediately, without question."  

Zimbabwe: Responsibility now rests with African neighbours.

A resolution, passed by the European Parliament today, on the situation in Zimbabwe says that a transitional government of national unity would help end the climate of terror sweeping through Zimbabwe since the presidential elections campaign started.  The resolution also asks to tighten up sanctions against members of the Mugabe regime and others responsible for grave violations of human rights, if mediation efforts by the Southern African Development Community are not accepted and the state-sponsored violence is not ended, and to press for sanctions to be adopted at UN level, including an arms embargo. Commenting, Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, said: "It is high time that the African Union took real action. No longer can this conspiracy of silence continue. One wonders why the International Criminal Court has not yet issued a warrant for Mugabe's arrest." Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Development Spokesperson, added: "In addition to the strengthening of sanctions the EU should offer diplomatic support to those seeking to find a way forward via an interim transitional government that involves all parties and civil society and respects the results of the first round of elections. "A transitional coalition is an African approach that has worked over the years in a number of other countries such as Togo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But President Mbeki's diplomacy has failed, and a different African neighbour respected by all sides should assist with brokering such negotiations. International accompaniment to the negotiations would also be helpful. The Commission and Member States should start planning ahead for the day when Zimbabwe has a legitimate government and will need a broad package of international support. But ordinary Zimbabweans are in desperate straits and need basic aid now, just to survive".  

DIANA WALLIS MEP "overjoyed" at the European Parliament's call for a Europe-wide alert system for missing children.

As the holiday season begins we become even more aware of the danger for children to go missing. Most of the time this is just a temporary absence: - of a few seconds, minutes or hours. Diana Wallis said: "Most parents and grand-parents will have experienced that heart-stopping moment in their lives when they just do not know where their little one is. Lost in a crowd, on the beach, or out of sight in the local park - whatever the situation is, the fear is the same. Hours really do count when trying to find missing children. "So, on those rare occasions when a child has really gone missing, parents want to know that the best alert systems are in place to help find their missing child. "Mostly alert systems would work at a local or national level, but occasionally neighbouring countries' emergency services will need to co-operate cross-border to ensure that all that can be is being done. This is a good example of MEPs working together to make Europe work for us". ENDS Notes to Editors: Diana is a co-author of a Written Declaration in the European Parliament which calls on the countries in the European Union to set-up a version of the US "Amber Alert" system. The Written Declaration was launched in April and today, Thursday 10 July 2008, reached the required number of signatures for it to be presented to the European Commission and the Council of Ministers requesting action be taken. Evidence indicates that such a system has proven to be extremely successful and worthwhile on a national basis in both the USA and France. 393 children have been recovered alive in the USA since its inception (90% in last 5 years); 68 children recovered directly as a result of the Amber Alert system in 2007; 'Alerte Enlevement' in France introduced in 2006- used 5 times- all the children have been recovered alive. Kate and Gerry McCann met Diana in Strasbourg recently as part of the campaign for the introduction of a European version of the US Amber Alert system which enables an early warning to be given via the media across the country when police confirm a child has been abducted. ENDS Written Declaration 36/2008 The European Parliament, – having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure, A. whereas the abduction of a child is amongst the most inhumane of crimes, B. whereas the commission of such crimes is increasing in Europe and may involve transporting victims across state borders, C. whereas the prospects of saving the life of an abducted child decrease as time passes, D. whereas there is no Europe-wide alert system for child disappearances nor any local or national systems throughout much of the European Union, 1. Calls on Member States to introduce a missing child alert system, the activation of which would require the immediate forwarding to the relevant news media, border authorities and customs and law enforcement agencies of details of: – the missing child, with a photograph if available – information relevant to the disappearance and/or the suspected abductor(s) – a telephone number to call with information (116 000 where operational); 2. Calls on the Member States to reach cooperation agreements with all bordering states to ensure the capacity to raise an alert rapidly across any relevant territories; 3. Calls for the development of a common organisation to provide assistance and training to national bodies; 4. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Commission and the Council.  

Wed 9th Jul 2008:

EU environment chief promises vigilance on Heathrow air pollution.

After meeting EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas along with leaders of the '2M' group of local authorities whose objective is to stop air pollution from Heathrow expansion affecting the local people, London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said: "I was very encouraged by Commissioner Dimas' grasp of the situation and his commitment to ensuring that London's elected representatives, both MEPs and London council leaders, would be consulted in any assessment of a UK bid to 'stretch' the limits." The aim of the meeting was to seek an assurance that the European Commission will hold the UK to its obligation to comply with EU air quality laws and in particular the ceiling of 40µg m-3 of nitrogen dioxide that applies from 2010. The UK government however is expected to seek a 5-year postponement of the deadline. Sarah Ludford added: “This is not just an issue for the environment but an issue of health and wellbeing for London’s residents. Improvement in air quality due to restraint on Heathrow would also contribute to reducing the 1,000 premature deaths in London annually from respiratory disease. "Heathrow is surrounded by dense residential development, schools and other facilities. EU pollution controls - ones the UK signed up to - cannot just be swept aside. I am confident that Commissioner Dimas will take very seriously his watchdog role."  

We need a proper, functioning market for energy.

The European Parliament has voted on a key legislative proposal today that will open up gas markets across the European Union. This legislation has the potential to be of benefit to consumers and gas providers alike. Although the UK gas market has been fully liberalised, UK gas companies do not have the opportunity to invest in other countries markets in the way that foreign owned gas companies can invest in the UK market. The legislation also includes some key consumer protection provisions: and consumers will have the right to withdraw from contracts with a gas provider without charge, the right to change suppliers within two weeks and the right to compensation if service quality levels are not met. Commenting after of the vote, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson and the European Parliament's rapporteur on energy efficiency, said: "It is about time that the rest of Europe caught up with the UK in terms of ownership unbundling. The need to separate supply and production has not been an idea universally held by all Member States. But it is long overdue and will be of benefit to consumers across the EU. "The aim of this proposal is to ensure a well-functioning internal market of gas, which could help the EU achieve more secure, competitive and sustainable energy. The so-called "Independent Transmission Operators", whilst not the complete liberalisation we would have wanted is necessary because many smaller eastern European providers would have been vulnerable to the ever looming Gazprom which would lead to a worse situation than we are in currently. This compromise is very different from the original "third-way" proposed by the French and Germans and we have the diligence of liberal forces in the parliament to thank for that. "  

MEP Calls for Better EU Training for National Judges.

Diana Wallis' (LibDem, UK) own-initiative report on "the Role of the National Judge in the European Judicial System" will be adopted today with an overwhelming majority by the full European Parliament. The report follows over a year of detailed investigation and dialogue with national judges, national authorities and European institutions. Speaking ahead of the vote, the rapporteur, Diana WALLIS said: "As a co-legislator, the Parliament is keen ensure that the laws adopted at EU level are properly implemented, including by national judges. National judges are on the frontline of European law, and have a duty to uphold individual rights conferred by it. They also have a duty to recognise and enforce judgments in other Member States and therefore trust needs to be developed between national judges. "I received over two thousand personal responses from individual judges in all 27 Member States. There is a general feeling, from Lisbon to Vilnius, that European law is rather distant and too complex. National judges are not given the time or the means to overcome this complexity. This must be counteracted. "National judges must be properly equipped legally and linguistically to deal with the challenges of an enlarged EU legal order. We need better treatment of EU law in national training courses for judges, more judicial exchanges, increased language training, and finally a European judicial academy. These elements properly combined could foster a common judicial culture. "I am glad that the French presidency is treating this issue as a priority, and call on all Member States to take a very proactive stance on judicial training." ENDS Notes to editors: Following the adoption of a series of compromises in the Legal Affairs Committee, only three amendments have been tabled by the Rapporteur to the plenary, at least two of which are expected to be approved. The report also makes a series of suggestions as to how to better tailor EU laws to application by national judges, taking into account their suggestions.  

Composition of political groups: a detrimental decision to democracy and parliamentary efficiency.

At today's plenary session of the European Parliament, Liberals and Democrats have opposed the adoption of a modification to the internal rules of the House, aimed at hardening the preconditions to forming a parliamentary group. These new provisions mean a de facto dissolution of the UEN and Ind/Dem groups. ALDE is hostile to these measures for reasons of democratic principles but also for practical reasons linked to the good functioning of the parliamentary Institution. "The Liberal group is a reformist group: we want to change the Parliament so that it becomes the place where post-national democratic politics takes shape. I simply do not accept that the existence of seven groups causes a particular problem for this Parliament. Lessons drawn from national parliaments are limited: here we should reflect the more complex and wider spread of opinion from 27 countries. In fact, it is critical at this delicate phase of European integration that all sorts of minority opinion has the chance to organize itself in an articulate way in the assembly. Groups contribute to and do not impede the effective development of Parliament. Especially at a time when the size of the House is being reduced, perhaps from 785 to 736 seats, it is not right to raise the threshold for the formation of political groups," Andrew DUFF (Lib Dem, UK), ALDE Constitutional Affairs Coordinator, explained. Andrew Duff believes that moreover, this modification of the internal rules could backfire on its main authors, i.e. on PPE and PSE, the two main political groups. ""If we closed small groups, their members would be forced to join a larger group, thereby adding to the incoherence of those groups, or would swell the ranks of the non-inscrits," he said in the pubilc debate last Monday, considering that the proposal should have been voted down for the benefit of efficiency, pluralism, and parliamentary coherence.  

Tue 8th Jul 2008:

Parliament to thoroughly control the nomination of Commissioners.

The European Parliament has today adopted a report by Andrew Duff (LibDem, UK) modifying its internal rules with regard to the procedure of approval of the European Commission. By this move, Parliament has taken a step forward in this crucial question for EU democracy. The report tightens and codifies presently applied empiric practices, mainly those that became obvious in 2004 when Mr Barroso's Commission was designated. Consequently, future Commission candidates will have to prove their European commitment and their independence. They will have to communicate their financial interests beforehand; at present, this obligation is complied with a posteriori. Should there be any doubts about an applicant's integrity, from the side of the committee(s) responsible of the respective audit(s), a vote could be organised to possibly refuse the candidate. The new internal rules also foresee that Parliament, via its elected President, will be able to pronounce itself on the distribution of the portfolios. "It is possible that the designation of the next Commission falls under the Nice Treaty provisions, and not under those of the Lisbon Treaty", Andrew Duff, ALDE Constitutional Affairs Coordinator commented. "It's a pity for European democracy since the Council will feel less obliged to the outcome of the European elections. However, our citizens should at least know that their MEPs commit themselves to work out who is the best person for a post, or not nominate a person at all in case Member States stubbornly consider Brussels to be a place where to recycle incompetent or clearly eurosceptic politicians whose careers have been interrupted at home. The European Commission is neither a nursing home nor a recycling factory", Mr Duff added.  

Valid concerns remain over Baltic gas pipeline.

The European Parliament has backed a report from the Petitions Committee, signed by 30,000 citizens, that highlights the environmental concerns of a planned Baltic gas pipeline linking Russia and Germany. ALDE members share the environmental concerns but also underline and deplore the politico-strategic dimension to the project which has led Russia to negotiate a bilateral deal with one Member State to avoid seeking approval and paying transit fees for a land-based pipeline and thus disregarding the concerns of neighbouring Baltic states. Diana Wallis MEP (Lib Dem, UK), ALDE Shadow rapporteur, commented: “In the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe we are seeking to adopt a ‘European approach’ in three ways. “First, by underlining the need for a truly European energy policy where all EU Members states co-operate; the Nordstream project could very well form a part of that. Second, by making sure that, in what is undoubtedly a vulnerable area, European standards of environmental protection are met. Finally, by using the challenges occasioned by this pipe-line project as an opportunity to enhance the EU / Russia working relationship through the Northern Dimension partnership.” Henrik Lax MEP (Finland, Svenska Folkpartiet) added: "The earlier hearing in the petitions committee and the debate in plenary today has proven to be of great importance. The confidence building measures sought by the European Parliament have gradually materialized. Nordstream has agreed to carry out a thorough environmental impact assessment. But this is not enough. Since the Baltic Sea is recognized as an environmentally extremely vulnerable area, Russia must ratify the Espoo convention before an authorization to build the pipeline can be given. The future of the Baltic Sea cannot be put at any risk." Grazyna Staniszewska MEP (PD, Poland) concluded: "The EU reaction on the Northern gas pipeline project is a test for the quality of the European Union; this will be an answer to the question if the EU undertakings are indeed based on the principle of solidarity. This is also a test for the presumably unquestionable basis of environmental protection. "In future, we must make sure that we consider all options and proposals and choose the o0ne that will do the least damage to the environment."  

More transparency for airline ticket prices.

The European Parliament will endorse tomorrow a Liberal Democrat bill imposing strict price transparency rules on airline companies. Taxes, additional charges such as fuel supplements and actual ticket costs will have to be clearly indicated whether the ticket is purchased online or through an agent.   Commenting, Graham Watson MEP, European Liberal Democrat Leader, said:   "Tomorrow's vote will make sure that as early as December, passengers will be able to see how much their air trip will cost them before rather than after purchasing a ticket. No longer will people be tricked by flashy rates which later prove to be only a fraction of the actual cost. The bill which we saw through the House guarantees price transparency and the consumers' right to information."   The new bill will also defend passengers in case of airline bankruptcy by allowing close oversight of companies' financial situation.     "With rising oil prices weakening aviation sector's outlook, it is important that EU governments and the European Commission can act before it's too late. By allowing intervention once companies veer close to bankruptcy, we can prevent people being stranded away from home or buying tickets which later become void", added Graham Watson.

Aviation in EU Emissions Trading System.

Today the European Parliament endorsed the compromise agreemenALDE´s environment spokesperson Chris Davies (LibDem, UK) commented: "MEPs have responded to the spectacular pace of air traffic growth by calling for a tougher approach than proposed by the Commission. Air travel across Europe has never been so cheap as it is now, but the real price will be paid by future generations if we don't apply pressure to curb the rise in carbon emissions." ALDE´s environment spokesperson Chris Davies (LibDem, UK) commented: "MEPs have responded to the spectacular pace of air traffic growth by calling for a tougher approach than proposed by the Commission. Air travel across Europe has never been so cheap as it is now, but the real price will be paid by future generations if we don't apply pressure to curb the rise in carbon emissions." The compromise entails that from 1st January 2012 all flights starting and/or landing in Europe will be included in the ETS. 85 Percent of the emissions certificates will be allocated for free and 15 percent will be auctioned. In the first period, until 2012, airline emissions are to be cut by three percent, and from 2013 onwards the emissions will have to decrease by 5 percent. The revenues generated from the auctioning should be used to fund climate change mitigation, research on clean aircraft, anti-deforestation measures in the developing world or low-emission transport.  

Liberal Democrat MEP proposals to eliminate VAT fraud overwhelmingly backed.

The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has backed a report by UK Liberal Democrat Sharon Bowles that aims to break a prolonged EU deadlock over fighting VAT fraud with a radical proposal to levy the tax on all trade among the 27 countries. The report is proposing to levy VAT of 15% on all EU trade on goods and services. Under the proposals, Member States would be allowed to charge a top up rate to bring the total VAT charge in line with current levels within their own countries. For example, the UK which has a VAT rate of 17.5% would be allowed to charge 2.5% on all imports under the new system. The 15% levied by the exporting Member State would also be paid to the UK. Commenting on the vote, Sharon said: "It is clear by the overwhelming majority that backed the report today that this issue has transcended political and geographical boundaries. Clearly, many people have been motivated by the sheer loss of revenue that fiscal fraud causes government's every year. The total annual loss, estimated at around EUR 200-250 billion, is double the annual budget of the European Union. VAT fraud alone is said by the European Commission to cost exchequers EUR 40bn (£31bn) a year, roughly the same as the EU spends on the Common Agricultural Policy. In the United Kingdom, HM Revenue and Customs estimate that in the tax year 2005-2006 VAT revenue losses amounted to £14.4 bn. "It is now for the European Council to stop dragging its feet and show genuine political will in achieving the elimination of such costly fraud. We need greater trust between national administrative authorities when it comes to sharing information on fiscal fraud, only then can we establish recommendations for the method of collection to be as similar as possible across Member States. This is simply not a problem that can be solved at member State level and it is for this reason why I am highlighting as a priority for the EU." ENDS Notes to Editors: A copy of the draft report (unamended) can be found here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pr/719/719564/719564en.pdf  

Thu 3rd Jul 2008:

US racial profiling is a slippery slope.

The US justice department is set to allow the FBI to single out Muslims, Arabs and other minority ethnic groups as potential terrorist suspects. Agents would be able to open preliminary terrorism investigations after mining public records and intelligence to build a profile of traits that, taken together, were deemed suspicious. Race could be one factor, as could travel to regions of the world known for terrorist activity. Commenting, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, who is also the European Parliament rapporteur responsible for drawing up a report on the use of ‘profiling’ in law enforcement and border control, said: “President Bush’s earlier pledge regarding racial profiling, ‘It's wrong, and we will end it in America”, is obviously as unreliable as his pledges about observing the rule of law and rejecting the practice of torture. He should take heed of the warning by the US Congress that it is unclear how the FBI could compile suspect profiles so as to avoid needless intrusions into the privacy of innocent citizens and without wasting time and money chasing down false leads. "Profiling means junking the presumption of innocence, the foundation of the legal system of democratic countries, since someone is judged suspicious not on the basis of their own conduct but on the basis of a stereotype or profile of what a terrorist is or does. Meanwhile, the real terrorists evade capture by altering the people they select, as we have seen with the use of female suicide bombers. “Since the EU these days tends to follow lamely down the illiberal trail blazed by the US on ‘security’ measures, we need to be very worried by this US move. The bottom line is that it is counter-productive as well as ineffective to single out racial and religious minorities, since the very communities whose cooperation with police is needed will be alienated through discrimination. Since European human rights and data protection law is muddled on the acceptability of racial or behavioural profiling, my report in the European Parliament is designed to explore the legal and practical pitfalls."  

Wed 2nd Jul 2008:

Coal becomes a hard political option.

EU Environment Ministers meeting in Paris tomorrow (Thursday 3 July) will be told they must set a timetable to end the building of conventional coal power stations. British Euro-MP Chris Davies, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), will warn ministers that the use of coal now comes at a heavy political price. He will caution:  "Across Europe we are going to see more and more protests every time a coal-fired power station gets approved. Maybe we are just talking about letters of condemnation.  Or maybe we are talking about mass civil protest, sabotage of contractors' equipment, years and years of disruption." The MEP will argue that Europe must take a lead in developing CCS if it is to persuade China and India to stop building conventional coal-fired power stations as part of an international agreement to curb global warming. The French Presidency of the European Commission has given a commitment to prepare a CCS action plan and Mr Davies will call on Ministers to ensure that it includes: ·       IIdentification of CCS demonstration projects - In spring last year the EU Heads of Government committed themselves to support 10-12 large scale projects.  Sixteen months later not a single one has yet been identified, although the UK is further advanced than any other Member State. ·         Establishment of a funding mechanism to bridge the initial gap between CCS innovation and commercial viability.  Chris Davies is proposing the granting of tradable carbon allowances for every tonne of CO2 buried deep underground. ·        Setting a 2015 date for making CCS a mandatory requirement for new coal power stations.  Mr Davies will challenge Ministers to explain if they are prepared to allow conventional coal-fired power stations to continue being opened as late as 2022 or beyond, with each one wiping out the benefits of energy saving and development of renewables.   Notes to Editors: Below is a copy of the speech to be given by Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies to EU Environment Ministers tomorrow (Thursday 3 July). Chris Davies MEP European Parliament Rapporteur EU Directive on the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide The world needs coal; there is no getting away from that fact. China, India and the USA are said to be planning 850 new coal-fired power stations. The International Energy Agency says world coal use will increase by 70% over the next 20 years. It begs the question: "How do we curb carbon emissions if we carry on this way?" In Europe too we are still hugely dependent on coal. Britain gets a third of its electricity from coal; Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic 50%, Poland 94%. We need coal to keep the lights on. But coal now comes at a high political price. Across Europe we are going to see more and more protests every time a coal-fired power station gets approved. Maybe we are just talking about letters of condemnation. Or maybe we are talking about mass civil protest, sabotage of contractors' equipment, years and years of disruption. If we have to use coal, we must at least ensure that its emissions do not escape into the atmosphere. That's why we have to accelerate the development of carbon capture and storage technology. CCS may only be a stopgap measure, but we need it to buy time to develop better forms of low carbon power generation. You sometimes hear that burying CO2 deep underground is not safe.  But the Norwegian Government has just announced that after ten years of monitoring at Sleipner the CO2 beneath the North Sea is confined securely.  In any case, what are the real risks from CO2?  It's inert.  We breathe it.  We drink it. Compare it to an explosive gas like methane.  Not only do we bury it in underground reservoirs but we pipe it into people's homes, where we actually set light to it!  Can you imagine giving permission for that to start now? We manage risks every day and we cannot afford to have hundreds and thousands more conventional coal fired power stations built across the world.  We have to ensure that CCS is at the heart of the international agreement to fight climate change. It's our task to lead by example, to convince the Chinese and others that we are serious, and to persuade them to make a commitment to curb emissions from coal. The potential exists for us to make rapid progress. By December this year we can reach agreement on the framework Directive for the geological storage of CO2. But we need to go further and that's why I am pleased that the French Presidency has given a commitment to prepare a CCS Action Plan. In my view it should have three elements. In spring last year the Council committed itself to supporting 10-12 large scale commercial demonstration projects.  Sixteen months later not a single one has been identified.  We need now to establish how the technologies will be chosen and the contractors selected. Second, we need to determine a funding mechanism to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial viability.  The Parliament will propose the use of allowances from the surplus within the new entrants' reserve of the Emissions Trading System.  These can be traded only when CO2 has actually been sequestrated underground. It's the best mechanism available.  It can be delivered at a European level, it gives investors certainty, and it can be determined almost immediately. Finally we need to look to making CCS a mandatory requirement. Don't be put off by those who say the technology is immature.  Of course it will get better with time, but General Electric says IGCC pre-combustion systems are ready NOW, and Alstom and Hitachi say post-combustion systems will be commercially available from 2015. Authorisation from 2015?  That means an operating date of 2021 or 2022.   We can do that.  Our entire experience of introducing environmental regulation shows that it accelerates development and brings down costs. And can we afford NOT to make CCS mandatory? Are we really going to allow conventional coal-fired power stations to start operating in 2022, pouring out the CO2 into the atmosphere, wiping out all the benefits gained from energy saving and the construction of renewables? What message will that send out to China and India, and will our citizens allow it to happen without demanding payment of a high political price? The French Presidency has the opportunity to drive forward the CCS agenda. Over the next six months we need to raise our sights and lift our ambitions. Over the next six months we can really make a difference.

ALDE: Cross border health package first important step.

Today the European Commission presented its package on Patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. Liberal Democrats are  delighted that Commission Vassiliou has shown courage by coming forward with her proposal. The Liberals and Democrats regard this proposal as a first important step toward a free European patient area. Commenting, ALDE Group Leader Graham Watson, said: "Today's proposal places legislative authority firmly within the remit of the European Parliament, so people's right to timely medical attention will no longer be subject to the outcome of EU-level litigation. This will deliver to our citizens "medecine sans frontiers. "Although it will not create new entitlements, this directive will make it easier for patients to exercise their rights and will ensure equal access to cross-border healthcare. For Liberals and Democrats this long-overdue directive is a step towards the free movement of patients - a step we hope to make before the end of the Parliament's mandate". The directive gives patients the right to non-hospitalisation care in other Member States to the extent that they would be covered in their own Member State. They do not need prior authorisation and will be reimbursed by their own social security system. Patients may also seek hospital care in another Member State and get the costs reimbursed, but in this case the Member States can require prior authorisation. The directive ensures free movement of and better information for patients. Furthermore, it will increase cooperation between health care systems by sharing expertise, innovation and information.

Liberals and democrats make their mark on the Commission's anti-discrimination directive.

After strong representation and argumentation from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, the Commission has finally announced today a proposal for a "horizontal" directive on the fight against discrimination in the European Union. This directive is called "horizontal" because it widens the existing legal framework to include all types of discrimination (not just disability but also age, sexual orientation and religion) and enlarges the various fields of application (from the workplace to goods and services and social protection). ALDE is proud to have reached this result, having been heavily involved from the outset of this initiative by the Commission, which will now be adopted under the legal base (art. 13, TCE) which unfortunately marginalizes completely the European Parliament as the Council will decide by unanimity. Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE group in the European Parliament declared " The European Parliament approved the current Commission on the basis that it honours its pledge to champion fundamental rights. Although it took some time to finalize, this week's proposal is a welcome sign that citizen's equality remains its priority. Liberal Democrats in both the European Parliament and the Commission have successfully acted to ensure that the draft directive covers all grounds of discrimination in all walks of life: a victory for equality and anti-discrimination". Liz LYNNE (LibDem, United Kingdom), whose own initiative report on this subject was adopted in last may by the European Parliament, and which has played a crucial role in this proposal, added:" "I am delighted that because of my report and the tenacity shown by MEPs and NGOs, the European Commission has now announced it will bring forward comprehensive legislation covering all areas currently excluded, including disability, age, sexual orientation and religion or belief. I've been campaigning for years on disabled people's rights and on age, but I became totally convinced that we need a comprehensive directive so that no-one is left out. Non-discrimination and equal treatment are principles that lie at the heart of the European Union's treaties and my report succeeded in getting the message across to the Commission and Member States that there could be no hierarchy of discrimination with some forms considered more acceptable than others."

Mep backs legal bid to end mandatory retirement age.

The MEP who first helped to ensure that age discrimination in the workplace was outlawed across the EU has said she hopes the European Court of Justice will decide the UK Government is wrong to let people in the UK still get the sack simply because they are over 65.  Liberal Democrat MEP, Liz Lynne, who is the Liberal Democrat Employment Spokesperson in the European Parliament and was shadow rapporteur for the Employment Directive 2000, which forced the Government to introduce anti age discrimination legislation in the UK in 2006, said:   "In 2000, I worked hard in the European Parliament to ensure that age was included in the original European Directive, which forced the Government to bring in workplace age discrimination legislation in the UK.  "Sadly, the Government's interpretation of the law has led to a contradictory situation whereby employers cannot discriminate on the basis of age, but as soon as an employee reaches 65 they can be sacked for no reason other than their age.  "The Government has said it will look at the situation in 2011 - this is far too late for the thousands of people who will want to stay in work in the meantime.  "I hope the European Courts will rule that the Government's interpretation of this valuable European legislation is not acceptable, let us hope the review marks the end of this outdated and unfair practice. "We must end the sudden cliff edge of retirement that forces people to stop working at a certain age whether they want to or not, whilst ensuring that individuals still remain entitled to a state pension at an agreed statutory age.”    Notes :  The European Court of Justice will today begin to examine whether the government has properly implemented the EU `s 2000 employment framework directive by still allowing employers to compulsory retire people at 65. A ruling from the European Courts is expected later this year. It is estimated that over 25,000 people in the UK are forced to retire at the age of 65, whereas recent surveys by the heyday group have shown that over 60% of people would like the choice about whether they continue working past this age.  For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0032 2284 7521 (Brussels office) or 0776 445 2725 (mobile).

Tue 1st Jul 2008:

European judges overturn EU ministers' secrecy reflex.

In a resounding judgement, judges in the European Court of Justice, the EU's court, have struck a blow for openness by overturning a refusal by the Council of Ministers to grant a freedom of information request for an opinion of its legal service on EU asylum law. The case was brought by Maurizio Turco, former MEP, now Italian MP, from Italy's Radical party which is allied to the UK Liberal Democrats. In 2002 the Council, which groups the 27 governments, refused his request for a copy of legal advice relating to legislation on treatment of asylum-seekers. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice & Human Rights Spokeswoman, welcomed the judgement in which the court said the transparency of the legislative process and the strengthening of the democratic rights of European citizens are capable of constituting an overriding public interest which justifies the disclosure of legal advice. She said: "All opinion polls and indeed votes, such as the recent referendum in Ireland, show that European citizens see the EU as remote and opaque. It is therefore hugely refreshing that the court has rejected the secrecy reflex of EU governments. "Experience shows that open government leads to better laws enjoying more public support. Let us hope that the Council is now shamed into consistently practising the belief in democracy and participation that it preaches. "All credit to my colleague Maurizio Turco for his persistence and championing of liberal values. These must now be reflected in revised EU legislation on access to documents."

Mon 30th Jun 2008:

Elspeth Attwooll's monthly column.

May ended with the Fisheries Committee visit to the north of Norway. It was effectively light for twenty four hours, although clouds meant that we did not actually see any midnight sun. We did, though, have a very useful visit, learning about their efforts to combat illegal fishing and the operation of their ban on discarding fish. Travelling home, I encountered no immigration controls between Oslo and Amsterdam, only ones between Amsterdam and Glasgow: Norway, though not part of the EU, belongs to Schengen (the passport free area) – whereas the UK does not, even though it is part of the EU. Following Sunday at home, a Brussels week brought a meeting with Scotland Europa (business people out to learn more about our workings), a visitor group from the Open University, my sister-in-law staying with me for a few days and a “mini-plenary” session, with speaking time on illegal fishing. The debate started over an hour late, so instead of the nice dinner I had planned, we had to make do with a trip to the local “friterie” and a sausage supper instead. The following week began in Edinburgh, at a conference organised by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy. From there to Brussels for a group meeting, then on to Paris, to talk with government ministers about plans for their six months of presiding over Council meetings. Just time for a cup of coffee with a friend I had not seen for many years before the plane to Edinburgh and a meeting of the European Members Information & Liaison Exchange. Next to Strasbourg, for the usual debates and votes, but with much discussion on the fate of the Lisbon Treaty as well. I was lucky enough to get speaking time again, in a debate on the crisis in the fishing industry caused by increases in fuel prices. June is to finish back in Brussels, chairing a discussion on the effects of environmental laws on fisheries and aquaculture, and Fisheries and Regional Development committees. In the latter I am engaged in a friendly dispute with a Finnish colleague about his view that peat counts as a renewable fuel. Finally Oxfam to see on the Thursday night, a visit to a Veterans Concert on the Friday and the plans for Haddington farmers’ market on the Saturday. On these or any other issues, write to Elspeth Attwooll MEP, 142 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3BU, or telephone 0141 243 2421.

Thu 26th Jun 2008:

Age Discrimination Legislation Welcome Says EU's "Equality Rapporteur".

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed today’s expected announcement by the Government that it will bring forward legislation to combat discrimination on the grounds of age in access to goods and services ahead of European legislation in this field that was on the cards. Liz Lynne was dubbed the "EU's equality rapporteur" after recently securing the adoption of a European Parliament report calling for an EU Directive to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services covering all areas presently excluded, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. The European Commission has since agreed to bring forward legislation to this end. Commenting, Liz Lynne MEP, who is Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, said: “I am delighted that the Government has seen sense and will bring forward long overdue legislation to outlaw age discrimination in access to goods and services. These measures are vital if we are to put an end to the current hierarchy of rights and the ridiculous idea that it is alright to discriminate against one section of society. "I have always said, for instance, it is wrong for the health service to be able to refuse treatment on the grounds of age alone. I now hope with this new bill that no patient will be refused a transplant or any other procedure, which has happened in the past. Medical professionals, I hope will now have to take into account more factors than just age when assessing the need for treatment of a patient. “This debate is echoed across the European Union and the European Parliament, in adopting my recent report, sent a strong signal to the UK and other Member States that their could be no compromise when it comes to anti-discrimination and human rights, which I believe is the basis on which the European Union was founded. "My hope is the UK Government will now lobby other Member States to support the European Commission's decision to bring forward comprehensive EU legislation to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services on all grounds currently not covered, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.”    Notes to Editors: Text of Liz Lynne’s report as adopted by the European Parliament last month; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2008-0159&language=EN Liz Lynne’s campaign and petition to persuade the Commission and member States to press ahead with a comprehensive directive can be found here: www.signtostopdiscrimination.org  Current EU anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace on all grounds (Employment Directive 2000) but only provides protection against discrimination in access to goods and services on the basis of gender and race (Equal Treatment Directive and the Race Directive respectively).  UK age-discrimination legislation currently only covers the workplace. In contrast, laws that combat discrimination on racial grounds or on grounds of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief are much broader, extending protection to individuals in their dealings with suppliers of goods and services.

Tue 24th Jun 2008:

Kashmir mass grave allegations must be investigated.

Reports of mass graves in Indian-controlled Kashmir must be thoroughly investigated if there is to be any progress towards peace in the troubled region, according to a Liberal Democrat MEP.  Recently a report by the Srinagar-based Association of the Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) detailed the existence of graves, which because of their proximity to the Line of Control are not accessible without Indian Army permission. The report claims over 8000 people have gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. Liz Lynne MEP (ALDE, UK) is a member of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia and the Human Rights Subcommittee and has campaigned for many years on the rights of the Kashmiri people. Speaking at the start of the EU’s Kashmir Week, she said:  “The claims in this report are horrific. If the authorities are to gain any credibility in the eyes of local people these allegations must be investigated and if crimes have been committed, the perpetrators must be punished. The rule of law must apply to everyone present in the region.” On moves towards peace in Kashmir and the role of the EU, Liz added: "Kashmir Week here in Brussels gives us the opportunity to meet a range of opinion formers who share deep concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region. “I am encouraged by the continued dialogue between India and Pakistan and credit must be given to both sides on this. I very much hope that following the recent political changes in Pakistan a fresh and hopeful dialogue can continue. The EU can play its part by acting as a facilitator for further talks involving India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri people. “This has been going on for over sixty years and we must now at long last try to find a just solution. The Kashmiri people have waited long enough.”   Notes to Editors:  Liz Lynne MEP has for many years campaigned for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Kashmir. She has travelled to the region and also discussed the issue with Pakistani leader General Pervez Musharraf and the Prime Minister of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan. She also submitted many amendments in favour of Kashmiri self-determination for last year’s European Parliamentary report on the troubled region. Earlier this year she co-chaired the Global Discourse on Kashmir 2008 at the European Parliament in Brussels.  For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0776 445 2725 or +32 2 284 7521.

Tue 17th Jun 2008:

European Commission to honour plans for anti-discrimination directive.

The European Commission has agreed to bring forward a new comprehensive anti-discrimination directive, despite objections from some Member States, after a fierce lobbying campaign by European Parliamentarians and NGOs. This campaign culminated in the adoption of a key report in the European Parliament last month by Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne (ALDE,UK), which called on the European Commission to honour its plans for a comprehensive directive.Promised by the Commission in it's 2008 Work Programme, the directive will outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services covering all areas presently excluded, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Liz Lynne MEP, Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, who also recently launched a public petition in support of a new directive, said: “I am delighted that the President of the Commission has now seen sense. I know Commissioner Spidla has been working towards this end and I am pleased that the European Commission will now deliver on its promise to bring forward a comprehensive directive to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services on all grounds currently not covered under Article 13 legislation, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. “The European Parliament, in adopting my recent report, sent a strong signal to the Commission and Member States that their could be no backtracking when it comes to anti-discrimination and human rights, which I believe is the basis on which the European Union was founded; "The challenge now is to ensure that the proposal is workable and achieves its aims and I will be urging the Commission to look at successful national legislation across Member States for examples of best practice in this field; there is no need to reinvent the wheel. "My hope is those business organisations and Member States who have opposed this directive will now look at these proposals in detail and can be convinced of the need for this legislation, which I believe is vital if we are to put and end to the current hierarchy of rights and the ridiculous idea that it is alright to discriminate against one section of society.”   Notes: Text of Liz Lynne’s report as adopted by the European Parliament last month; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2008-0159&language=EN Current EU anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace on all grounds (Employment Directive 2000) but only provides protection against discrimination in access to goods and services on the basis of gender and race (Equal Treatment Directive and the Race Directive respectively). Liz Lynne’s campaign and petition to persuade the Commission and member States to press ahead with a horizontal directive can be found here: www.signtostopdiscrimination.org For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0033 388 177521 or 0044 776 445 2725.

UK refusal to join EU deportation standards regrettable.

MEPs will vote tomorrow  (Wednesday June 18th) on whether to approve a compromise text of the controversial 'Return directive' on which European Parliament negotiators and the Council of Ministers have reached agreement after 3 years of negotiation. It establishes EU-wide rules on conditions for detention and deportation of foreign illegal immigrants including visa overstayers and rejected asylum-seekers.  The new directive promotes voluntary returns as far as possible but provides a wide range of safeguards, such as limits on detention, provision for appeals, constraining the use of force, special provision for lone children, respect for best interest of the child, family life and state of health, and caveats for imposition of a re-entry ban. Commenting on the directive and the refusal of the UK government to 'opt in' to it, Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, said: “It is ironic and deplorable that in UK Refugee Week and just as the world prepares to celebrate World Refugee Day on Friday June 20th, the UK government is refusing to sign up to this EU law which will oblige national standards on deportation to be raised. The European Parliament secured considerable human rights improvements from unwilling national governments. "No doubt the UK refuses to participate because it does not want its hands tied in the way it detains families including young children for long periods without the prospect of imminent removal, locks up immigration detainees with convicted criminals, and fails to give migrants adequate appeal rights or legal aid. "This Directive, while imperfect, provides rules where none exist at present in 9 EU Member states and thus enhances human rights. While the concerns expressed by respected NGOs are understandable, the stance of others - that there should never be involuntary returns - is unrealistic if we want well-managed borders and refugee procedures which gain public confidence. "As part of a comprehensive EU approach to migration, which must include a fair asylum system and a rational legal immigration policy as well as measures to combat illegal migration, we have to be able to return people, even against their will."

Full liberalisation of electricity markets for all of Europe, say Lib Dems.

The European Parliament is to vote on a key legislative proposal tomorrow that will seek to open up electricity markets across all EU Member States. This legislation has the potential to be of benefit to consumers and electricity providers alike. Although the UK electricity market has been fully liberalised, UK electricity companies do not have the opportunity to invest on other countries markets in the way that foreign owned electricity companies can invest in the UK market. The legislation also includes some key consumer protection provisions: all homes should have access to smart meters within 10 years, and consumers will have the right to withdraw from contracts with an electricity provider without charge, the right to change suppliers within two weeks and the access to information on the environmental impact from the electricity produced by the supplier. Commenting ahead of the vote, Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson and the European Parliament's rapporteur on energy efficiency, said: "It is about time that the rest of Europe caught up with the UK in terms of ownership unbundling. The need to separate ownership of electricity generation from transmission unfortunately has not been an idea universally held by all Member States. But it is long overdue and will be of benefit to consumers across the EU. "It is encouraging that a binding requirement to introduce smart meters is included in this new legislation as earlier requirements have been largely ignored. "In anticipation of the Renewables Directive currently being discussed in Parliament, electricity from renewable sources will have priority access to the grid. This will put an end to energy giants blocking access to smaller and more environmentally-friendly forms of electricity generation.

Salvage Operation, By Andrew Duff - Financial Times.

Nobody who knows Irish politics can have been truly surprised by Ireland’s rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. There are many causes. Ireland is a place where nationalist identity is strong. Its post-colonial relationship with the UK is inevitably complicated. Less obvious is its love-hate affair with the US Although the Irish republican cause relied on US support, Sinn Féin is the fiercest defender of Irish ‘neutrality’ vis-à-vis Nato (and Anglo-US imperialism). Meanwhile, the Irish Right has borrowed the language (and money) of American neo-conservatism in the belief that a strong European Union imperils Nato and the transatlantic partnership. Former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald complains that the Irish are too courteous to mention their disgust at corruption in high places. They are also too polite to speak openly about their hostility to immigration, mainly from other EU countries. Both factors played their part in turning voters against the Dublin political establishment and hence against the Lisbon Treaty. The pro-Lisbon political parties ran a poor campaign: late, fractious and lacking in verve. At no time during the campaign were the true consequences for Ireland and Europe of a No vote starkly spelled out. Whatever the reasons, the result is devastating for the EU both internally and externally. It has stalled in a dramatic way the efforts of the EU, going back several years, to settle its constitutional future. Above all, it is a setback for the growth of European parliamentary democracy. Plans to make the governance of the Union more efficient and transparent are lost. And the EU will not, after all, enjoy the greater role in international affairs that was prescribed by Lisbon. Global leadership in climate change will be hard to assert. Progress in building common policies in justice and interior affairs, including asylum and immigration, will be negligible. Enlargement of the membership of the EU beyond Croatia is now impossible. Assertions from Berlin and Paris that the Irish No is an Irish problem that needs to be resolved in Ireland are unhelpful. The Irish establishment has been badly, if deservedly dished; it will take a long time to recover its nerve. Ireland will not be bullied into holding another referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon. If there was one common thread running through the complaints of the nay-sayers it was that the Brussels juggernaut sweeps all before it regardless of democratic decisions. That typical eurosceptic sentiment is shared widely elsewhere, especially in Britain, and it would be hugely aggravated by a decision of the leaders of the larger states or the EU institutions to carry on regardless. In legal terms, Ireland’s No is just as important as a Yes from its 26 partners. Every EU government has fixed itself with superglue to its veto rights on treaty amendment. Even France and Germany upheld the national veto during the treaty negotiations: it ill behoves them now to question the validity of Ireland’s veto. So a delicate but large-scale salvage operation is needed. Irish prime minister Brian Cowen will not be able to bring to the European Council on 19 June worked-out proposals for a renegotiation of the Treaty of Lisbon that would allow him to win another referendum at home. Non-binding declarations glued on to the back of the treaty are unlikely to convince anyone. Binding protocols, however, would need ratification all over again in 27 member states - a prospect that few of his fellow heads of government are prepared to contemplate. The only concrete decision that the European Council could take would be to declare that they will, in the event, exercise the discretion that they have under Lisbon not to reduce the size of the Commission in 2014. The potential loss of an Irish Commissioner mattered in the referendum campaign - notwithstanding the fact that they stand to lose one anyway under the Treaty of Nice as early as 2009. Ireland’s rejection of a reformed and strengthened Union means that the Union is stuck with the vastly inferior Treaty of Nice, possibly for several years to come. Among the many weak points of Nice, the so-called ’enhanced cooperation’ clauses do not really facilitate the creation of core groups of more integrationist minded states - and, in any case, they preclude the formation of a core group in the area of security and defence policy where it is so badly needed. One can be sure that once the inadequacies of the Treaty of Nice, signed in December 2000, get to be fully appreciated in other European capitals, frustration with the Irish will rise. The European Council would be wise to give Mr Cowen only until its October meeting to come up with a clear proposal on how he wishes to proceed. Meanwhile, every other member state has the right to make its own choice about the Treaty of Lisbon. Most, perhaps all of those which have not yet ratified, will wish to do so - not least in order to make a tacit objection to some Franco-German fantasies about forming immediately a federalist core group. The decision of the UK to complete its parliamentary ratification of Lisbon on 18 June will go some way to restore its moral authority and political credibility in EU circles. The other laggard states are Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. If the Irish veto really proves to be intractable, however, other solutions will be found. A mini-treaty, for example, could establish legal bases for common policies on energy supply and climate change; and the important changes mooted by Lisbon in the field of justice and interior affairs - from which Ireland has an opt-out - could be reintroduced. A treaty on security and defence could be imagined outside the EU framework, realising the greater part of Lisbon’s ambitions in this area and, naturally, excluding Ireland. Certain other changes, such as the citizens’ initiative to propose legislation, could probably be brought in under the terms of Nice. The longer term constitutional settlement would have to be postponed until after 2014. Come the autumn, it will be essential for the European Council to act definitively on the fate of Lisbon. Nobody can brook another long and indecisive period of reflection. For Ireland, that will be the time for the biggest decision of all. Andrew Duff MEP (Liberal/UK) is the chairman of the Federalist Intergroup of the European Parliament. www.andrewduffmep.org. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008 "FT" and "Financial Times" are trademarks of the Financial Times. Privacy policy | Terms © Copyright The Financial Times Ltd 2008  

Tue 10th Jun 2008:

Government must now reign in labour MEPs on working time and temporary agencies.

Years of wrangling amoung EU Member States over draft EU rules on Working Time and Temporary Agency Workers came to an end early this morning after Employment Ministers met in Luxembourg to hammer out an agreement. Liberal Democrat European Employment and Social Affairs spokesperson Liz Lynne MEP has welcomed the retention of the UKs opt out of the Working Time Directive, but warned today that both directives could face a rough ride when they return to the European Parliament. Liz Lynne MEP commented today: "The Governments hard won deal now runs the danger of being ripped apart by Socialist MEPs who have for years been waiting for these controversial dossiers to return to the European Parliament. On the Working Time Directive in particular Liz Lynne commented: "The retention of the UK's opt out with more stringent conditions on its use is vital, anyone whose work does not have a direct consequence on life and death decisions should have a free choice as to what hours they work, so long as this is truly voluntary. "But Gordon Brown now faces a huge test of his leadership in securing the support of his own Labour MEPs, who have consistently voted to remove the UK's opt out of the 48 hour week." On EU proposals to regulate Temporary Agency Workers Liz said: "Gordon Brown's u-turn on proposed EU temporary agency rules is a short minded concession to the left wing of his party at a time when his popularity is plummeting. "One-size-fits-all legislation at a EU level in this area is unnecessary as it fails to recognise the wide range of different practices across the EU, from Greece, which only made temporary worker agencies legal in the past few years, to the UK and Netherlands where it has long been established practice."   Notes: Liz Lynne MEP (UK, ALDE) is the shadow rapporteur for the Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament for both the Working Time Directive and the Temporary Agency Workers Directive. Both directives on Working Time and Temporary Agency are subject to the co-decision procedure, with the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament having equal power to amend legislation. As the agreement was reached in the Council of Ministers meeting last night, then both directives will now return to Parliament for a second reading, where the Parliament has the power to amend any legislative text. For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0776 445 2725 or 0032 2284 7521.

Mon 9th Jun 2008:

EU rules on working time and temporary agencies set to return.

Years of wrangling amoung EU Member States over draft EU rules on Working Time and Temporary Agency Workers could come to an end this evening as Employment Ministers meet in Luxembourg to hammer out an agreement. Liberal Democrat European Employment and Social Affairs spokesperson Liz Lynne MEP has called on the British Government to stand firm on the UKs opt out of the Working Time Directive and warned today that both directives could face a rough ride if an agreement is reached and they return to the European Parliament. Liz Lynne MEP commented: "The Government must remember that any agreement ministers sign up to this evening runs the danger of being ripped apart by Socialist MEPs who have for years been waiting for these controversial dossiers to return to the European Parliament. On the Working Time Directive in particular Liz Lynne commented: "I welcome attempts to retain the UK's opt out with more stringent conditions on its use, anyone whose work does not have a direct consequence on life and death decisions should have a free choice as to what hours they work, so long as this is truly voluntary. "But the Government must stand firm and ensure flexibility for the UK's labour force. There is one thing Brown can't rely on, should any deal be reached on working time and it returns to the European Parliament; the support of his own Labour MEPs." On EU proposals to regulate Temporary Agency Workers Liz said: "Gordon Brown's u-turn on proposed EU temporary agency rules is a short minded concession to the left wing of his party at a time when his popularity is plummeting. "One-size-fits-all legislation at a EU level in this area is unnecessary as it fails to recognise the wide range of different practices across the EU, from Greece, which only made temporary worker agencies legal in the past few years, to the UK and Netherlands where it has long been established practice."   Notes: Liz Lynne MEP (UK, ALDE) is the shadow rapporteur for the Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament for both the Working Time Directive and the Temporary Agency Workers Directive. Both directives on Working Time and Temporary Agency are subject to the co-decision procedure, with the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament having equal power to amend legislation. If an agreement is reached in the Council of Ministers tonight then both directives will return to Parliament for a second reading, where the Parliament has the power to amend any legislative text. For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0776 445 2725 or 0032 2284 7521.

Thu 5th Jun 2008:

Complacency Still Rife On European Security and Defence Policy.

The European Parliament has debated and endorsed an annual report on the European security strategy and the European security and defence policy. Commenting on the substance of the report, Andrew Duff MEP, Security and Defence Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said: "Member states are dreadfully complacent about the present state of the EU's common foreign and security policy. It's all very well having a grand European security strategy, but it should be followed. In fact EU governments have ignored their own strategy. The UK and France have failed to deliver what the 1999 St Malo agreement promised in terms of integration. Other countries have insisted on miserly and self-defeating policy that military costs should 'lie where they fall'. What is the point of that when the aim is to share the burden? European armies are not being modernised. Only 20% of EU armed forces (almost 2 million troops) can actually fight. ESDP missions are improvised and amateurish and the fact that there is no European HQ fragments command and impairs the pooling of intelligence and resources. The EU has so far failed to learn from its mistakes. Just tweaking the European Security Strategy, as Mr Solana proposes, won't make the difference."

Tackle Illegal Fishing Globally.

Elspeth Attwooll MEP has welcomed a new European Parliament report on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, saying that it represents an important step in the right direction on a problem that has to be tackled globally if it is to be solved properly.   The Lib Dem MEP for Scotland said: “Illegal fishing is something that needs to be tackled on a global basis, as more localised measures often have negative impacts on other areas. We have to do more than just displace the problem. It’s also important to make sure that we assist in the improvement of inspection and control mechanisms in developing countries, and not just those with which we have fisheries partnership agreements. EU measures are definitely an important step in the right direction. I hope that the Commission, Parliament and Council alike will now be active in promoting the adoption of a binding convention to tackle the problem at United Nations level.” Notes: Illegal fishing forms an astounding part of all fish caught each year, and is second only to the huge annual haul of the Chinese fishing fleet. The Aubert Report develops the Commission proposal for a Community system “to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing”. It is available here:  

Sex trafficking worries as Euro 2008 Begins.

LibDem MEP Liz Lynne is urging football fans travelling to Euro 2008 to watch out for possible cases of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and tell the Swiss and Austrian authorities if they suspect anything. It is estimated that tens of thousands of women, children and some men are smuggled into the EU each year and then forced into prostitution. In Switzerland the figure is thought to be in the thousands. It is thought that football fans travelling to Euro 2008 could boost demand for paid sex, which is legal in both the host countries. Liz Lynne, Vice President of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, who also sits on the Human Rights Subcommittee, has often campaigned on the need to better protect the victims of trafficking. Speaking from Brussels today, Liz Lynne said: “We are not talking about prostitution, where the prostitute knows what she, or he, is doing. We're talking about a modern slave trade where women, children and some men, have no choice whether they work as prostitutes or not, and are forced to do it against their will. “In Switzerland, which has a particularly hard policy towards illegal immigration, many victims of trafficking are criminalised and deported. Only if they are prepared to give evidence in court are they allowed to stay, but because they are the victims of abuse and exploitation, many are too terrified to do so. “Switzerland must join Austria in signing and ratifying the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, which came into force earlier this year. Implementing this Convention will mean that safe havens have to be provided for the victims and a 30-day breathing space so that they can decide whether or not to help in their abusers’ prosecution. It also allows for renewable residence permits for victims. Sending the victims of trafficking home as criminals, as happens too often, does nothing to help, as quite often they are just re-trafficked. “I welcome the advertising campaign which will run at the matches and hope that this will give a strong message to potential customers of these victims, as did the campaigns at the World Cup two years ago. I hope all the fans, footballers and sports associations, will help to stamp out this evil trade."  

Wed 28th May 2008:

Cluster bomb ban must mean no U.S. stockpiling in UK.

The UK government’s apparent willingness to sign a treaty banning cluster bombs is good news, but the treaty would be undermined if the weapons could still be kept at US bases in this country, according to a Liberal Democrat MEP. Over 100 countries are in Dublin to agree the text of a treaty on cluster bombs, the majority of which want to see the weapons banned. However some of the biggest producers and stockpilers, including the US, Israel, Russia, China, India and Pakistan are not officially participating. Liz Lynne MEP sits on the European Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee and has long campaigned against the weapons. Speaking today she said: “If, as now seems likely, the UK will sign up to a treaty decommissioning these weapons, we have to send a strong signal that we do not want these weapons stored in US bases on our territory. The government must use its influence to limit the use of these weapons by US and other forces in the field, and ultimately do all we can to bring these countries within the remit any treaty. “It is also vital that EU Member States stand together as one bloc, to let the rest of the world know that collectively we do not want these weapons made, stockpiled, exported or used ever again. The European Parliament has already adopted a resolution to this effect. A joint voice should encourage wavering states to come on board and give a strong message to some notable non-participants, such as the US which is trying to undermine this treaty, that a ban is the only way forward. “These are, after all, weapons which indiscriminately kill and maim and leave a deadly legacy behind, long after military conflict has ended. Unexploded bomblets are no different to the landmines banned a decade ago and are continuing to kill children in places like Iraq and Lebanon. Not to sign a treaty banning cluster bombs or watering it down with endless exemptions is to condemn a new generation of civilians to horrific injury and death.” Notes: To see the European Parliamentary resolution on banning cluster bombs co-authored by Liz Lynne in October 2007 click here. She also launched a Written Declaration on the subject in March 2007, in part to mark the 8th anniversary of the Ottawa treaty on landmines, because despite unexploded bomblets having much the same effect as landmines, they were not included in this treaty. She also ran a petition in her West Midlands region constituency asking individuals to protest to the Prime Minister against the use of cluster munitions which received an encouraging response from her constituents. For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0776 445 2725 (mobile) or Christian Senior on 01789 262785 or 07709 255675.  

Tue 27th May 2008:

ALDE denounces the undemocratic behaviour of the two big groups.

The Constitutional Affairs committee of the European Parliament rejected this morning, a proposal by the Socialist Group aimed at  limiting the number of parliamentary groups in the future. Only the absenteeism of the PPE and PSE resulted in this proposal falling, enabled also in part due to the mobilisation of the ALDE MEPs. Nonetheless the two biggest groups in the committee, through a loophole in the procedure, manoeuvred to get this report which will modify the rules of procedure, on the agenda of a forthcoming plenary session.  The issue will come before Conference of Presidents when the session agenda for July is approved. ALDE still hope that the two largest political groups will not push ahead with this threat to democratic pluralism. "The PPE and PSE carried out this indelicate manoeuvre this morning which supersedes any legitimate concerns one may have with the text, and which will alienate European citizens even more.  It is not by insulting our voters that we encourage them to come to the polls to vote in the European elections.", declared Andrew Duff, ALDE Spokesman for Constitutional Affairs. "All political voices must be heard in the European Parliament and have the right to form a group, as is the case in our national parliaments.  Whilst the Lisbon Treaty should bring us closer to real political debate in Europe, the PPE and the PSE want to reduce the European Parliament to a rubber stamp of the Council of Ministers", added Marielle de Sarnez (MoDem, France), vice-President of ALDE. "The PPE and PSE have come together to try to block change.  They made an agreement to change everything in order to change nothing.  The reality is, that their  problem this time was not the obstruction by the smaller political groups but the absenteeism of their own members." commented Gianluca Susta (Partito democratico, Italy).  

Mon 26th May 2008:

Small political groups must not be banned from European Parliament.

Andrew Duff, spokesman on constitutional affairs for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), is to oppose a move to cut the number of party political groups in the European Parliament from the beginning of the next legislature. In a vote on Tuesday, the Constitutional Affairs Committee will decide on whether to raise the threshold for the formation of groups in the Parliament. At present Rule 29 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure says that political groups shall comprise at least 20 MEPs from one fifth of the member states. The proposal from rapporteur Richard Corbett (PES/UK) is to raise these criteria to one quarter and 30, respectively, in the next Parliament. Andrew Duff says that the effect of this measure in the present Parliament would be to shut down the UEN and the Ind Dem groups. "Whatever one's views about their politics," said Duff, "it cannot be argued that these small groups do not represent a strand of European public opinion. We live in a diverse Europe, and if the European Parliament is to be the legitimate forum for post-national democracy, all sorts of minority opinions have to be given effective, if proportionate representation. "Mr Corbett's proposal should be resisted. It would not look well for the two large groups of PPE and PSE to be domineering. They already have a lot of power to determine how the House is run and to influence legislation. "Other procedural reforms taking place have effectively limited the capacity of extremist minorities to disrupt the activities of the House. I do not think we need to go further, and I am not sure what remaining problems Mr Corbett's proposals are actually meant to address. "If small groups disappear, MEPs with widely divergent opinions will either be forced to join larger groups or to join the ranks of the Non-aligned. Either way the result will be increased incoherence."  

Wed 21st May 2008:

MEP's to call for global ban on uranium weapons.

MEPs are expected to adopt a resolution tomorrow calling for an EU and NATO moratorium on weapons containing depleted uranium, and for Member States to work towards a global ban. The resolution claims that their use in warfare contradicts the rules and principles of international, humanitarian and environmental law. The weapons are widely suspected of leaving people exposed to them with illness and disability in the aftermath of conflict, as has long been claimed by soldiers and civilians involved in the first Gulf War. The resolution also calls for EU Member States to share information on personnel exposed to uranium-depleted weapons and environmental data on contaminated areas, as well as for financial assistance for victims and clean-up operations. Liz Lynne MEP, (ALDE, UK), who sits on the Human Rights Subcommittee and co-signed the resolution, will speak in the debate on the subject later today, saying: “Depleted Uranium is both chemically toxic and radioactive. Nevertheless, it has been used widely in conflicts in Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, not to mention its continuing suspected use, as we speak, in Afghanistan. “Scientific evidence shows that depleted Uranium poses a severe risk to soldiers and civilians alike. In the UK hundreds of veterans' believe that exposure to depleted uranium in the first Gulf War has left them with chronic illnesses and disabilities. “My fear is the use of depleted uranium by the UK and other countries has in itself blighted the lives of the very same people who were prepared to fight and die for their country. This is a travesty and yet the UK Government continues to deny any link. “But it is not just soldiers who now suffer. In Iraq, there is evidence that the use of depleted uranium has caused increases in the phenomenon of anophtalmos: babies who have been born with only one eye or who are missing both eyes. “This is a rare disability, which normally exists in 1 out of 50 million births. Specialist Iraqi doctors however, have reported 9 cases in 2 years with 8 babies missing both eyes. Seven of the eight babies missing both eyes had fathers who were exposed to depleted uranium during the war in Iraq in 1991. Why should innocent children be expected to live for the rest of their lives with this kind of disability? “Yet at least 17 countries are known to have depleted uranium weapons in their military arsenals including three EU Member States: France, Greece and the United Kingdom. These countries must be named and shamed. “I welcome the law passed in Belgium last year banning the use of uranium in conventional weapon systems. We now urgently need an international treaty establishing an immediate moratorium on the use, development production, stockpiling, transfer and testing of depleted uranium weapons as well as the destruction or recycling of existing stocks.”  The text of the resolution can be found here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sidesSearch/search.do?type=MOTION&language=EN&term=6&author=4541, then click on: 19 May 2008, joint motion for a resolution on (depleted) uranium weapons and their effect on human health and the environment For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 0033 388 177521 (Strasbourg Office) or 0776 445 2725 (UK mobile).  

Rural areas wont miss out on new satellite services deal.

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, has brokered a deal which ensures that rural and remote areas will not miss out on new mobile satellite services operating across Europe. Today the European Parliament agreed rules for selecting operators of the new services, which are likely to include mobile broadband, mobile TV, voice and data services, as well as public services such as disaster relief.  Operators of the mobile satellite services will be chosen according to how they score on different criteria.  Fiona Hall was responsible for the negotiations with the European Commission and the Council. She insisted on adding a requirement for provision of services to rural and remote areas. Commenting, Fiona said: "Mobile satellite companies tend to focus their activities on population centres so it was very important to insist on special weighting for rural areas. "Rural and remote areas stand to get the most value out of mobile satellite services, which are likely to include satellite broadband services to areas currently suffering from poor quality or little choice of broadband . "Satellite services can also work in remote and hilly areas where mobile phone coverage is absent. With the removal of BT phone boxes from some remote locations, there is now a real need for additional means of communications in such areas."  

Environment must be protected by criminal law.

The European Parliament has backed a key legislative report today that will impose criminal sanctions on those that break environmental laws in all Member States. Diana Wallis MEP, Liberal Democrat Legal Affairs Spokesperson and shadow rapporteur on this report, said: "It is historic in the development of the co-decision process and particularly for this House to be involved in setting penalties in relation to criminal law. This directive will at last bring legal certainty in an area where in the past we have witnessed a rather undignified ping pong between the European Court of Justice and the various arms of the European legislature. Now we have some certainty and some clarity. "Above all, it is a big plus for protection of the environment. Over the years, as a member of the Committee on Petitions, I have noted that it is damage to the environment that most frequently brings our citizens to seek our help in implementing what they see should be European law. Now at last we will be able to say that we have – or should have – the effective means to make sure that European environmental law is indeed implemented and enforced as our citizens expect across the European Union."  

Tue 20th May 2008:

European Commission must honour plans for comprehensive anti-discrimination package.

The European Parliament is expected to adopt a report by ALDE MEP Liz Lynne (Liberal Democrat, UK) today which calls on the European Commission to honour its commitment to bring forward a comprehensive directive to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services covering all areas presently excluded, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. The European Commission promised to bring forward proposals for the directive in its work programme for 2008 and the issue figured prominently in the approval of the Barroso Commission in 2004 but some Member States are objecting to this. Speaking in the debate before the vote, Liz Lynne, Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, who also recently launched a public petition in support of a new directive, said: “One of the reasons I have called for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in my report is because we must get away from the piecemeal approach. There can be no hierarchy of discrimination. A new directive must cover discrimination in access to goods and services on all grounds that have not yet been covered under Article 13 legislation. It should cover disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Race and gender are already covered, as is employment.   “I regret that although the Commissioner made a commitment to a comprehensive directive in its work programme for 2008, there appears to be some backtracking on this and the Commission might only bring forward legislation on disability and nothing else. This is not acceptable; hence my amendment. “I have campaigned for years for Article 13 legislation on the grounds of disability and age and I am now convinced that we mustn’t leave anyone behind. Anti-discrimination and human rights are the basis on which the European Union was founded; every EU citizen must be treated equally. “We must give a signal to the Commission and Member States that we are committed to ending discrimination once and for all and put and end to the ridiculous idea that it is alright to discriminate against one section of society.” The full text of the report is available on-line: here Liz Lynne’s campaign and petition to persuade the Commission and member States to press ahead with a horizontal directive can be found here: www.signtostopdiscrimination.org   For more information please contact: Neil Corlett: +33-3-88 17 41 67 or +32-478-78 22 84 Liz Lynne MEP +33 388 177521 or 0044 776 445 2725 also consult: http://www.alde.eu  

Fri 9th May 2008:

MEP Concern at Misleading Flight Websites.

Elspeth Attwooll MEP is urging the European Commission to do more to make sure that airlines are not deliberately misleading customers when they buy flights online.   New research has found “serious and persistent consumer problems” across the board during a survey of 386 airline websites from across 13 of the EU’s 27 Member States. As many as one in three of the all sites surveyed were found to be in serious breach of EU consumer law. And while the Commission has been putting pressure on these companies to change their approach, Elspeth Attwooll MEP wants more to be done to protect the thousands of Scots who buy flights online each year – even naming and shaming the guilty companies. The Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland said: “I’m glad that the Commission is acting upon this, but more has to be done to stop airlines using these unfair practices. The price advertised is rarely, if ever, the final price actually paid. Once extra charges for things like airport tax and extra baggage are applied the total is nowhere near the advertised price. Many sites were also found to be advertising special offers that don’t even exist. The Commission has sent out a warning. If this isn’t heeded then the companies in question should be named and shamed”. ENDS   Notes: The Commission research found that: ·         1 in 3 websites have required follow up enforcement action for breaches of consumer law. ·         Many sites had multiple problems. ·         The problems exist across the airline industry as a whole – airlines and tour operators ·         The problems persist amongst a wide range of companies. The 137 websites under investigation represent about 80 companies – including large brand names and lesser known companies. ·         Enforcement has now passed 50%. ·         Enforcement levels for national and cross border enforcement differ substantially. The report shows a 55% enforcement/correction rate (50 out of 90), for national sites, where authorities are dealing with companies based in their own country.. ·         Transparency. Legal constraints prevent the majority of Member States from publishing company names at this stage, while administrative or legal proceedings are ongoing. This is a key issue for the future functioning of the network. Norway and Sweden have made public lists of company websites under investigation (see link below).   For more detailed results, see the Commission press release Or for more on the wider campaign, go to the Commission’s ‘Airline Sweep’ homepage   

Thu 8th May 2008:

EU Sport Proposals: Bowles Defends Collective Selling of Media Rights.

Sharon Bowles MEP, Liberal Democrat Competition Spokesperson, today defended the principle of collective selling of media rights in the White Paper on Sport debate in the European Parliament. Speaking in Parliament, Sharon Bowles said: "In sport we must not let good intentions bring unintended consequences. Economic competition rules can not always apply - collective selling of television rights is the financial lifeline for many clubs that would otherwise be squeezed by the famous." She explained further: I welcome the commitment of both the Commission and Parliament to this principle and in rejecting the situation in Spain where clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid solidify their dominance through vast revenues gained by individual selling of media rights. "Collective selling ensures that clubs such as Portsmouth or Reading can compete on a more even footing and that the success of the Premier League is enjoyed by all clubs, not just the Manchester Uniteds of this world".  

Closing Guantanamo - Congressional Leader Accepts Brussels Invitation.

A boost to the prospect of closing Guantanamo has come from recent events in the European Parliament and the US Congress and the cooperation between them. In Brussels as part of the European Parliament's annual human rights report voted today, the Civil Liberties committee adopted an amendment on Guantanamo from Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford. This calls for closure but also for the EU to assist by promoting an international initiative to resettle detainees unable to return to their countries of origin for fear of torture or prosecution.  In Washington Sarah Ludford last week met again Congressman Bill Delahunt, Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight. A year ago she presented to his committee the results of the MEP probe on European governments' collusion with CIA kidnap and torture and just this week it has held a hearing on Guantanamo Sarah Ludford commented: "I am optimistic on the prospects for ending this scar on our conscience that Guantanamo represents, especially as Congressman Delahunt has accepted in principle an invitation to address the European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee. I hope we can arrange that before too long. "All potential successors to President Bush have declared their intention to restore the US' moral authority by ensuring compliance with the rule of law including the absolute ban on torture. The EU needs to advance that prospect by helping to empty Guantanamo as soon as possible. This would be represent some compensation for complicity in filling it. "The fact that a released Guantanamo prisoner is alleged to have committed a suicide bombing in Iraq is beside the point. What we are demanding is that anyone suspected of terrorist activities should be tried in accordance with due process, and then locked up if guilty."  

Activities of Lobbyists Must Be Open and Transparent.

The European Parliament is set to adopt a report on setting up a mandatory public register for lobbyists common to the Council, Commission and Parliament. Under the proposed measures, lobbyists would also have to comply with a code of conduct and face sanctions if they infringed it.    Diana Wallis MEP, who drafted an opinion on the report in the Legal Affairs Committee and is the European Parliament Vice-President responsible for transparency, said: “Lobbying has an important role in the policy process but there needs to be a more structured and vigorous framework as to disclosure than currently exists. I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of a voluntary registration system but it is a first step and, in any case, there will be a review of the register after a year. "Lawyers acting as lobbyists should submit to the same level of transparency as any other lobbyist - the institutions must work together to develop a simple test to ensure there are no loopholes in this regard."  

Wed 7th May 2008:

MEP launches Euro-campaign against "Mosquito" devices.

Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has today launched a campaign in the European Parliament to ban Mosquito devices used to disperse allegedly troublesome teenagers. Using technology originally designed to scare away vermin, the 'Mosquito' emits a very high frequency buzzing sound which supposedly cannot be heard by people over the age of 25. In the UK, 3,500 have been deployed, often by shops. Sarah Ludford has tabled in conjunction with a French and a Dutch MEP a written declaration (similar to a Commons Early Day Motion) which denounces the use of 'Mosquito' devices as a breach of fundamental rights and calls on the European Commission to promote a ban on sale and use of these devices on the grounds that they are designed specifically to distress and annoy young people.  Sarah Ludford said : "It is time to call a halt to the drift into demonisation of young people. I am pleased that the campaign against these discriminatory devices, which treat young people as no more than pests, is being taken onto a European platform. This is justified in the light of the fact that usage which began in Britain is spreading to the Continent, while all EU states are bound by common human rights obligations. "Astonishingly, while these devices are deliberately designed to be unpleasant, no research has been done into possible harm caused by 'Mosquito' devices to the hearing or health of youngsters or adults. “It is a mark of how low we have sunk in attitudes to kids that this is allowed to go on. It would not happen to any other group in society. A loudspeaker which only shouted abuse at men, black people or old people would not be tolerated for a moment. "Mosquito devices are not an effective or long-term solution to anti-social behaviour or crime. The answer is traditional policing, with more police and community support officers on the streets. Young people should not be harassed by electronic buzzing but given firm guidance and supportive discipline as well as opportunities to socialise."  Notes to Editors: The written declaration, which specifically asks the European Commission to promote a ban on the sales of mosquito devices, must gather a majority of MEP signatures (393 out of 785) in order for it to be adopted by the European Parliament and sent by its President to the other EU institutions and national parliaments for their consideration. The full text can be read here. Sarah Ludford has actively campaigned on this issue and has tabled a previous parliamentary question, see here.  A Buzz Off campaign against mosquito devices is being run by Liberty (of which Sarah is a Council member), the Children's Commissioner for England and others, see here. The Co-op recently agreed to withdraw 'mosquito' devices from its stores after complaints that the noise severely affected people with autism. More information about this story can be found here.

West mids visit to European parliament ends in protest.

Today was the day when local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne was supposed to welcome a delegation from the Sikh Federation in the West Midlands to the European Parliament, but it finished as a protest outside the building when, for the third year running, delegates were not allowed to enter. This was supposedly because some were wearing the kirpan (a Sikh ceremonial dagger), but delegates not wearing it were also denied entrance to Parliament. Liz Lynne MEP, Vice-President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and member of the Human Rights Subcommittee, joined the protest with other MEPs and said:  “This decision is outrageous. In the UK the right to wear the kirpan is enshrined in law, as it should be across the EU. Sikhs have made an outstanding contribution to the wealth and diversity of society in the West Midlands and elsewhere across Europe, and to treat EU citizens in this way is totally unjustified. “I wrote last week to President Pöttering of the European Parliament hoping to ensure entrance for my constituents but to no avail. I now hope to lead a cross party campaign on this issue to ensure this discrimination cannot be allowed to continue here or anywhere else. The Sikh faith should be recognised throughout the EU, kirpans are widely regarded as a religious symbol, not a threat, and to refuse entry to those wearing them is discrimination pure and simple. On the role of the EU’s anti-discrimination legislation in combating discrimination faced by Sikh's in the workplace, Liz added: “If we are to remove discrimination from all places of work across the EU, including this Parliament, we need to ensure the 2000 Employment Directive is properly implemented across Europe, something which many Member States have failed to do. I hope anyone who feels they have been discriminated against in the workplace finds the courage and support they need to take further action.” Notes: Liz Lynne is currently spearheading a campaign urging the EU Commission to propose a new horizontal directive to end all forms of discrimination in access to goods and services. More information at: http://www.signtostopdiscrimination.org/ Liz Lynne was the Liberal Democrat Shadow Rapporteur on the European Employment Directive 2000.      

Mon 5th May 2008:

Greenpeace report on CCS - "Divisive and Dangerous".

A Greenpeace Report - "False Hope" - published today that claims that the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is a "scam" has been condemned by the MEP responsible for steering the legislation through the European Parliament. Chris Davies, the Liberal Democrat (ALDE Group) MEP who is leading the CCS negotiations, described the comments by Greenpeace as "ill-informed, divisive and dangerous."  He claims that CCS can help to buy the world time to develop zero carbon power technologies not yet available.   He said:   "The Greenpeace report is a mixture of inaccuracies and distortions tied together to fit an agenda that takes no account of reality.  The International Energy Agency predicts that worldwide use of coal will increase by 70% over the next twenty years.  If we are to fight the menace of global warming we have to deal with life as it is not how Greenpeace would like it to be.   "The organisation is divisive in that their efforts turn environmental campaigners against one another. For example, WWF, the world's largest environmental charity, strongly supports CCS development.   "It is dangerous because the UN predicts that up to two billion people on the planet will within 20 years face acute water shortages partly as a result of climate change.  If we do not reduce carbon emissions from coal many, many people will die."   A total of 24% of all Europe's CO2 emissions are derived from coal-fired power stations.  While CCS will be slow to develop but is expected to play a major part in reducing overall emissions by 80% by 2050.   The ZEP low emission technology platform, set up by the European Commission and involving industry, NGOs and scientists, says that CCS will be commercially viable by 2020.  The increased costs of operation, taking into account savings in carbon allowances through the emissions trading scheme, are expected by 2030 to be no more than 10% on present prices in real terms."   Mr Davies added:   "In recent days there have been riots in India because of power shortages.  That country gets 70% of its electricity from coal and people there will now be demanding that politicians turn to greater use of coal to boost supplies.  This is the reality that must be faced by campaigners against global warming, but it is a reality that Greenpeace chooses to ignore."    

MEP Welcomes Commission Decision on Broadband for all of Scotland.

Elspeth Attwooll MEP has welcomed news that the European Commission has approved £3.4 million worth of public funding to upgrade and extend broadband services to rural and remote areas of Scotland.     The Liberal Democrat Member for Scotland said:   “This is great news. Many constituents have contacted me in the past concerning the lack of broadband coverage in certain areas of Scotland, and the negative impact upon small and local businesses. I hope this funding will now provide an affordable and comprehensive service, as it is important that all of Scotland is covered”.  

Wed 23rd Apr 2008:

EU Negotiating Mandate for US Visa Waivers Must Not Erode Privacy Rights.

The US visa waiver scheme was on the political agenda of the European Parliament today following agreement last Friday on an EU negotiating mandate. Recently the US has been negotiating bilaterally with a number of the newer Member States who do not benefit from the US visa waiver at present in return for concessions on further security measures, including the transfer of personal data and armed air marshalls. Liberals and Democrats raised the issue last month as undermining EU data privacy law and the common negotiating position of the European Union on matters such as PNR. European Liberal Democrats welcomed the adoption of an EU negotiating mandate but expressed concern over adequacy of the data protection arrangements, demanded MEP involvement and insisted that the EU has more to gain in the long term from a strong, united Europe that negotiates on behalf of all its citizens. In that respect the negotiations should also address the current US travel ban on HIV positive persons. Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford, European Parliament rapporteur on the EU Visa Information System, wanted assurances that the US would not acquire access to EU border control databases: "At a time of warnings about the frightening spread of the Mafia as well as terrorist conspiracies, why is the EU going down this blind alley of mass surveillance of the 99.9% of the public which is innocent, when the real need is to target the 0.1% of travellers who might be dangerous or criminal through intelligence-led policing and effective cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies?"  

EU can play a vital role in China/Africa relations.

China is rarely out of the headlines these days and this week in Strasbourg, the European Parliament also turned its attention to debate a report on China's policy in Africa. The Parliament examined the relationship between China as a rapidly growing economy and Africa, lacking the capacity to control national resources and often relying on foreign expertise and investment. Fiona Hall (Lib Dem, UK), ALDE shadow rapporteur for the report said: "I applaud the report's appeal for multilateral dialogue between the EU, Africa and China. This is particularly important in relation to climate change. No continent is more vulnerable to global warming than Africa, and the future of millions of Africans may be dependent on the EU bringing China into the post-Kyoto agreement and sharing renewable technology". She points out that China continues to import illegal timber from Africa with terrible environmental impact, nonetheless ALDE believes that engaging with China is vital in order to encourage them to respect human rights and sustainable economic development. "By engaging with China, we will be in a stronger position to promote international standards in areas such as human rights, arms control and illegal logging. The EU, China and Africa need to work together to ensure a stable, secure and sustainable future for Africa."  

Tue 22nd Apr 2008:

Lib Dems Welcome Reform of EU Ombudsman.

The European Parliament, during its plenary session in Strasbourg today, has finally approved, with a clear majority the report on reinforcing the Ombudsman's statute. Andrew Duff MEP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, said:   "People need to know they can trust the European Union. The European Parliamentary Ombudsman is one of the most successful features of EU governance: upholding good practice, helping petitioners get remedies, and penalising maladministration.    "Parliament has decided to lift the qualification that documents can be withheld from the Ombudsman 'on grounds of secrecy'. Such a caveat has no part to play in modern democratic systems. The Ombudsman must be enabled to do his job properly without bureaucratic constraints.   "Good news also is the agreement to deny officials the right to claim they were 'only obeying orders'. The Commission is a political executive, and the Commissioners themselves must take full responsibility for the actions of their officials.   "Now our proposals pass to the governments of the member states, sitting in the Council of Ministers. They should approve the new statute of the Ombudsman in good time for the election campaign next year."  

Commission statement on food prices: Lib Dem reaction.

The European Commission has today addressed the European Parliament with a statement to address the global problem of escalating food prices.   Graham Watson MEP (Leader of the Liberal and Democrat group) highlighted the multiple and complex factors which have led to the current food crisis in many parts of the globe:   "The startling hikes in the cost of basic foods are pushing millions of people into poverty and starvation threatening to cancel out all progress toward the Millennium Development goals of halving world poverty by 2015.   "While it is true that bio-fuels increase demand for crops and displace food production the reasons for the recent food price rises are many and varied and so must be the international community's response.   "World population growth, poor growing conditions linked to climate change; loss of agricultural land for industrial use; commodities speculation; and changing eating habits all contribute to the current crisis.   "We cannot stand by and watch this disaster happen: In the short term that means giving more money to the World Food Programme to feed the poor. In the long term we need to think beyond food aid to prevent a downward spiral of trade restrictions, pressure on agricultural production, and higher prices for staples."   Fiona Hall MEP, Liberal Democrat Development Spokesperson, added:   "Many factors are pushing up food prices globally. Increased wealth in China had led to a doubling of meat consumption which means more demand for grain. Financial speculation on food prices is adding significantly to the problem.   "There are a number of things we can do to tackle the problem of rising food prices. First, we should increase funding for the World Food Programme to ensure that there are adequate supplies of emergency food aid. Second, we need to support production by small holders in developing countries. For years, the EU and UN dumped surplus food on third world markers and undermined local production. Now is the time to reverse that injustice and invest in agricultural development for the benefit of rural communities in Africa and Asia.   "Finally, we must ensure that biofuel production is developed according to strict sustainability criteria, including the constant monitoring of the relationship between biofuels and food production and food prices"  

Euro Donor Card Would Help Organ Shortage.

Organ trafficking and the chronic shortage of organs legally available for transplant operations are two issues addressed in a report to be adopted by the European Parliament later today. The vote is expected to show a majority of MEPs are in favour of new legislation on organ donation, including an EU-wide donor card system, accompanied by a 24-hour transplant hotline, which it is hoped would alleviate organ shortages.   Liz Lynne MEP (UK, Lib Dem), Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and member of the Human Rights Subcommittee said:   “Across the EU 40,000 people are on waiting lists and some ten people a day die waiting for a transplant; including at least one a day in the UK, because the right organ was not available. The EU-wide donor card and transplant hotline could significantly speed up the process of finding the right donor. It is important to note that the new card would not replace existing national donor card systems.   “If organ donation was expanded and speeded up, the demand for illegally trafficked organs would also decrease. It is known that organs are bought for cash in Eastern Europe and elsewhere and that this trade is increasing. More research and cooperation on organ trafficking and transplant tourism is badly needed. In addition all remaining Member States must sign the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime to help combat this trade.   On the rights of individuals to decide, Liz Lynne added:   “Ultimately however, people’s fundamental rights must be respected. Becoming a potential donor is a personal choice which would need to be enshrined in any future legislation, as would the outlawing of discrimination against potential donors on the basis of disabilities which would have no bearing on a patient’s health.”  

Mon 21st Apr 2008:

Safeguards Needed On DNA Sharing In Europe.

Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has called for EU exchanges of data between police forces to be limited so that the DNA data of innocent British people is not circulated across Europe. Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has called for EU exchanges of data between police forces to be limited so that the DNA data of innocent British people is not circulated across Europe.   Speaking ahead of a vote in the European Parliament in a debate about the 'Prum Treaty' which is set to become law, Sarah Ludford said:   "I am all in favour of reducing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles to exchanges of police data among EU law enforcement agencies. But I am totally against the supply to 26 countries - and potentially across the world - of the DNA of innocent people including children.   "The UK has the most extensive database of fingerprints and DNA data in Europe. Shockingly, it includes details of people acquitted or never even charged.   "The National DNA Database is a bad enough 'Big Brother Britain' disgrace in a domestic context, but to open it up to thousands of international forces without any safeguards is a gross betrayal of the human rights of UK citizens."  

Turkey report firm but fair.

The Foreign Affairs committee of the European Parliament voted this evening on a report dealing with Turkey's progress in negotiations towards eventual EU accession. Andrew Duff MEP welcomed the outcome of Parliament's resolution which incorporated many Liberal Democrat amendments: "Parliament has been fair with Turkey but also firm. There has been some good progress towards meeting EU criteria for membership, but the more radical reform of the Turkish constitution to rid the statute book of outmoded and in some cases authoritarian features is still awaited.   "The AKP government has a good opportunity to engage Turkish civil society, including minorities, in a real debate about the country's modernisation programme. Prime Minister Erdogan would be wise to press forward on the main points of his reform agenda and ignore relative distractions, like the headscarf in universities.   "And now that the Cyprus situation looks more hopeful, Turkey should prepare to recognise the Republic of Cyprus as a full trading partner to be consistent with EU law."  

Thu 17th Apr 2008:

Liberal Democrat MEP launches EU anti-discrimination petition.

A new petition to convince the European Commission and Member States to bring forward a European anti-discrimination directive has been launched today by ALDE MEP Liz Lynne (Lib Dem, UK). Current EU anti-discrimination laws outlaw discrimination in the workplace on all grounds but only provide protection against discrimination in access to goods and services on the basis of gender and race while disability, age, sexual orientation and religion are excluded. The MEP is seeking support from people and organisations across Europe to put pressure on the EU Commission and Member States to bring forward a horizontal directive, after it emerged that some Member States have expressed strong objections to the proposal. Liz Lynne MEP, Vice-President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, is rapporteur for a European Parliament own initiative report calling for a horizontal directive, adopted by committee last week. Speaking in Brussels, Liz Lynne said: "Anti-discrimination and the protection of human rights are the fundamental principles of the European Union and it is vital that the millions of people currently excluded from anti-discrimination legislation in access to goods and services are given the equal rights they are entitled to as European citizens. "Millions of individuals encounter discrimination everyday. A comprehensive horizontal directive covering access to goods and services would tackle this discrimination and break down the barriers currently faced by so many. "My hope is that this petition will contribute to the groundswell of organisations and individuals calling for this legislation and convince President Barroso, Member States and MEPs of their obligation to put in place tangible rights for all people, not just a few."  

Wed 16th Apr 2008:

Iraq and EU must continue cooperation.

A joint meeting of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Iraq led by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (UK, Lib Dem) and the Foreign Affairs Committee today received the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Prime Minister spoke on a wide range of topics and answered many questions from the MEPs present. During the discussion he reaffirmed his commitment to building an Iraq where human rights are universally respected for all Iraqis, no matter their faith or ethnicity. He assured the meeting that the Iraqis were well prepared for elections on 1st October, and said that foreign neighbours such as Iran, although they had a role to play in fighting terrorism, should not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. Baroness Nicholson, who co-chaired the meeting as President of the European Parliament's Iraq delegation, commented: "We were delighted to welcome the Prime Minister today at an extremely well attended meeting. Both he and the MEPs present tackled serious and challenging issues, but the overriding sentiment of the meeting was that Iraq and the EU should continue to build on their already very close relationship. "The Prime Minister tackled a number of difficult questions, not least regarding his country's relationship with Iran. He emphasised that the EU, rather than providing direct aid, could help Iraq by providing technical assistance and expertise to increase its ability to use existing natural resources."   

Mon 14th Apr 2008:

Petition launched against U.S. discrimination of travellers with HIV.

Liberal MEPs Sarah Ludford (UK, Lib Dem) and Sophie In't Veld (Netherlands, D66) have launched an on-line petition protesting against the issue of US refusal, dating from 1993, to extend its Visa Waiver programme to people with HIV. The US maintains that they are a threat to public health but the European Commission has affirmed that there is no objective reason for this stance.   Commenting, Sarah Ludford said:  "The greater the number of people who support the call to end this unfair discrimination, the less the problem can be ignored by European policy-makers. The persistence of the travel ban just feeds prejudice and ignorance.   "EU equalities laws will be meaningless if the Commission and Council fail to insist that the US treat all EU citizens fairly. They can only redeem their 15-year tolerance of this gross discrimination by taking a firm line in the new negotiations."   Sophie In't Veld added:  "The European Commission has stated that there are no objective grounds for this ban. As the custodian of the Treaties, the Commission should protect the rights of all European citizens alike. It cannot pick and chose the grounds for discrimination that are more "comfortable". The Barroso Commission can show it stands by its solemn pledge to the European Parliament in 2004 to be the champion of Fundamental Rights.   "In response to queries of the Dutch liberal party D66 the government has stated it will push the issue in the Council, in the context of the ongoing negotiations on visa waiver with the US."  

Thu 10th Apr 2008:

European Parliament Backs Attwooll Fisheries Report.

The European Parliament today gave its overwhelming backing to a Report by Elspeth Attwooll MEP looking at the use of rights-based management tools in fisheries. Commenting after the vote, the Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland said: "I am delighted that the Parliament has given its backing. It's really important that we understand the various fisheries management systems in operation and the particular effects that they have.   The present discussion centres on whether there is any one system of management that best fulfils the objectives of the CFP. But I am very cautious about the idea of moving to a single system given the complexity of all the issues and the many different types of fishery involved.   The Report strongly recommends that the Commission conduct a comprehensive study into the merits of rights-based management approaches and, in turn, allow for a longer period of debate".   In the course of her speech to Parliament last night, the MEP also warned against placing too great a reliance on the potential of increased economic efficiency alone to achieve the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.   Note:   Rights-based management is concerned with setting the conditions under which fish may be harvested and determining by whom the harvesting may be done. There are various different ways of doing this. For example, restrictions may be placed on the area to be fished, the amount of fish that can be caught or the amount of effort that may be used to make the catch. In some situations the right to harvest may be passed from one person or group to another and this may be for economic value.   The Report identifies the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy as: improving the livelihood of those engaged in fisheries; having a sustainable marine ecology in which fish stocks are conserved; and maintaining the viability of fisheries dependent communities.  

BAE judgement: Wake-up calls to EU on crime and corruption.

A UK High Court judgement condemning the Blair government's blocking of a corruption probe into alleged bribes paid to Saudi royals by arms firm BAE has been welcomed by Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP. It comes as the European Parliament voted a report noting the 'in some cases unacceptably high level of corruption' in candidate country Croatia and just after the EU Council warned Bulgaria under threat of sanctions to act against organised crime and gangland killings.   Commenting, Sarah Ludford said:   "The EU needs these wake-up calls to get a sense of urgency about acting to eliminate alarming levels of corruption and crime. Although the spotlight is particularly on new and aspiring member states, the example set by the UK government in killing a vital corruption investigation set an appalling precedent. If Italy elects Berlusconi this weekend, Italian justice  will also again be threatened."   "Although Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn is taking a much more vigorous line nowadays to try and make the rule of law a non-negotiable condition for EU accession, standards for both entry and continued membership have up to now been too lax. Only by taking a tough stance before entry and sanctions against states - new or old - which continue to breach legal norms after accession, can the EU live up to its rhetoric and commitments on law enforcement and fundamental rights."  

Wed 9th Apr 2008:

Behold a European foreign policy!

At last week’s Nato summit in Bucharest (3-4 April) the European Union asserted itself under Franco-German leadership. At the same time, it stood up to Russian opposition to a new anti-missile shield on Czech and Polish territory. Earlier in the year, the EU decided to supervise Kosovan independence - again, against Russia’s wishes. Although the decision on Kosovo was not unanimous, the dissenting minority chose to abstain constructively rather than to block the effort. Now, surprising (perhaps) even itself, the EU has confounded hard-liners in Washington and Moscow by deciding to revitalise Nato. Here, the big swing has been made by France. President Nicolas Sarkozy is reversing General de Gaulle’s 1966 decision to leave the military side of Nato. Next year French forces will re-integrate with their allies. “The more France takes its place in Nato,” Mr Sarkozy explained, “the more European Nato becomes”.  By way of an entrée, France is sending more combat troops to Afghanistan, relieving pressure on the Canadians in time for this year’s fighting season. Read the article      

Statute of the Ombudsman: EPP and PSE shy away from transparency.

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe regrets the postponement of the debate and vote on the report by Anneli Jäätteenmäki (Centre Party, Finland) regarding the Statute of the European Ombudsman. The ALDE Group denounces the attitude the two main groups, EPP and PSE who have shown their reluctance to greater transparency. The report is set to review the provisions by which the Ombudsman exercises his duties, in particular those allowing him access to classified documents if need be.   "The Constitutional Affairs Committee had reached a unanimous compromise according to which the Ombudsman would have been authorised to consult classified documents following the same rules of confidentiality as those set up for MEPs", Ms Jäätteenmäki recalled. Her report has been postponed until the next plenary session.   "It is very regrettable, and quite extraordinary, that EPP and PSE show so little enthusiasm on matters of transparency. They are dragging their feet while the Treaty leaves the initiative to us to modify the statute of the Ombudsman. This delay is irresponsible since the Slovenian Presidency has explicitly asked us to deal with this matter rapidly", Andrew Duff (LibDem, UK), ALDE Coordinator of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated. Link to the report of Anneli Jäätteenmäki  

Wed 2nd Apr 2008:

EU to investigate Northern Rock rescue plan.

An in-depth investigation into the Northern Rock rescue plan was today launched by the European Commission to examine its compatibility with EU state aid rules. It gives all interested parties the right to comment. "It is right that the Competition Commissioner scrutinises the rescue plan in detail so as to ensure it does not run counter to state aid rules and the fair competition principles of the single market. By opening this up for external comment, concerned parties have an opportunity to air their views. It does need to be clarified whether there are unintended, but nevertheless unfair consequences." Only a month ago the Commission launched a similar investigation into the German government's bail out of German banks IKB and Sachsen LB. "There may be concerns that Commission approval will set a precedent that will allow national governments to shelter or protect national champions, particularly in the current financial climate. Of course we must not give a green light for protectionist reactions across the EU, which is why a thorough and proper investigation is essential. There is a mechanism to allow rescue aid under EC law that we must ensure it is used correctly not as an excuse for unfair government intervention. It may be that some restrictions to prevent aggressive seeking of market share have to go hand in hand with intervention. "I am sure there will be a lot of "interested parties" wishing to comment. The lodging of a complaint by the Danish Banking Association two weeks ago has already been well documented in the press. I doubt it will be the last."   The European Commission's announcement can be found here: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/489&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en  

Tue 1st Apr 2008:

Lobbying of the EU institutions should be subject to full transparency.

The European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs committee today voted on a report addressing the framework for the activities of interest group representation in the EU institutions. It will be Parliament's formal response to the Commission's Green Paper on a European Transparency Initiative.   Liberals and Democrats advocate maximum disclosure of lobbying activity as an essential element in regaining the trust and legitimacy amongst the public. There is widespread consensus on the merits of a common register with the other institutions - a one-stop-shop.   Liberals and Democrat MEPs on the committee have defended the idea that Parliamentary rapporteurs should compile a 'legislative footprint' of those who have lobbied them in the course of preparing their reports. Such a list could be introduced in the first place as an experiment prior to an evaluation of any principled or practical issues in implementation.   The ALDE Group also wants to work towards making the register of lobbyists mandatory. "The Treaty of Lisbon, once ratified, provides the legal base for a mandatory register of all lobbyists present and active in Brussels and Strasbourg," said Andrew Duff (UK, Lib Dem). "In the meantime we should proceed on the basis of the voluntary system and provide incentives for participation as well as sanctions for breach of codes of conduct."   Anneli Jäätteenmaki (Finnish Centre Party and ALDE shadow rapporteur on the subject) said: "No-one has an interest in making it more difficult for interest groups to make legitimate representation to Members of the European Parliament. They are a vital and necessary part of the democratic process.  The fundamental issue is rather how to make the EU legislative procedure more open and transparent."   Diana Wallis MEP (UK, Lib Dem) who drafted the opinion from the Legal Affairs committee commented: “Lobbying has an important role in the policy process but there needs to be a more structured and vigorous framework as to disclosure than currently exists. I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of a voluntary registration system but it is a first step and, in any case, there will be a review of the register after a year. Financial disclosure is important but it is only part of the overall picture. As important are identifying who the lobbyists are and their roles in any given policy process.”  

Liberals and Democrats welcome Polish ratification of Lisbon Treaty.

Welcoming the decision of the Sejm today to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon, Andrew Duff (LibDem, UK), ALDE spokeperson for constitutionnal affairs, said: "Poland has done well to overcome its internal doubts and divisions in order to ratify the Treaty. This is a turning point in Poland's relations with the European Union. Logic and common sense have prevailed over prejudice and distortions. The Polish parliament has decided to reflect the pro-European majority of public opinion, and to put its weight behind the common effort to build a strong Europe. Other countries should now follow the Polish example."   Bronislaw GEREMEK (Partia Demokratyczna, Poland) added:   "Fears concerning the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty have been dispelled by Poland today. We should rejoice that Poland, which unequivocally connects its future expectations with the European Union, has taken such a decision."   

Wed 26th Mar 2008:

Kosovo on the right path to stability.

An ad hoc delegation of the Liberal and Democrat group (ALDE) is in Kosovo today for a series of high level meetings with officials and elected representatives in the region including the President and Prime Minister. The delegation has expressed its continuing support for full Kosovan independence and a roadmap for future membership of international organisations such as the EU. Commenting, ADLE Group Leader Graham Watson MEP (UK, Lib Dem), who is leading the delegation, said: "Kosovo is takings its first steps on its path towards greater European integration. It is of crucial importance that the authorities of Kosovo are determined and dedicated to maintain its commitment to the Ahtissari proposals, especially human rights, rights of minorities in particular and the rule of law. The signs so far have been good and the EU can help Kosovo's economic development and the integration of Kosovo into the European union of nations by liberalising its visa regime, particularly for Kosovan students."   Jelko Kacin (LDS, Slovenia), ALDE shadow rapporteur for Kosovo, added: "It is mutually beneficial and necessary that Kosovo engages in a pragmatic dialogue with all of their neighbours in order to avoid two continuous monologues. Engagement and co-operation are the keywords for greater stability in the region.   "The ALDE group congratulates and welcomes the pro-active involvement of liberal parties of Kosovo in participating and taking responsibility for the future of the country. We greatly admire the courage shown by the Serbian Independent Liberal party and its leader Slobodan Petrovic and by this visit we extended our support to their work today and in the future."  

Tue 25th Mar 2008:

European Parliament explores link between citizenship and electoral procedures.

Today the European Parliament began the first step in an ambitious plan to reform the electoral procedure of the European Parliament. In a workshop, organised by the Constitutional Affairs Committee, experts were invited to give their views on questions concerning the relationship between EU citizenship and nationality, the possibility of creating a trans-national constituency, and other matters aimed at boosting the popular legitimacy of the European Parliament after successive falls in voter turn-out. The European Parliament is required by the Treaty of Rome to draw up proposals for a uniform electoral procedure. Attempts have been made in the past and progress has been made in so far as all countries now use one form or another of proportional representation. However the 27 national systems still vary considerably in the criteria, eligibility and age of candidates and voters, nomination procedures, thresholds for election, cost for nomination and scope for the electorate to choose from party or candidate lists.   The matter is due to be taken up in a report by Andrew Duff MEP (UK, Lib Dem) who said: "Parliament has not looked at its electoral procedure for over ten years. With our many new powers under the Treaty of Lisbon, it is vital that Parliament looks again at the basis of our democratic legitimacy and prepares to take new initiatives on reforms to boost turnout and to raise the level of party political debate."   "The process of reform promises to be both fairly lengthy and controversial."  

Thu 13th Mar 2008:

The use of the European Arrest Warrant.

During a radio interview, MEP Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman, has raised doubts about a police bid to use the European Arrest Warrant not only to return people for prosecution but also for questioning. She believes that in the absence of much more work in Europe on raising the quality of criminal justice and making safeguards like access to legal aid and the recording of interviews universal this could be abused and lead to serious prejudice to individuals disproportionate to the interest of law enforcement.   Listen to the interview:               

EU needs to play hardball with US on privacy guarantees before data exchange.

The EU is being urged to take a much more robust attitude on high data protection standards before agreeing exchanges data on travellers at the EU-US justice & home affairs summit today. Following the fiasco of the Czech government agreeing bilaterally to supply more data on travellers - even possibly from EU databases - to secure US 'visa waiver' for its nationals, the Commission is hastily requesting the Council to give it a mandate for an overall EU-US deal involving visa waiver for citizens of all 27 states. This is bound to involve more demands for personal information.   Commenting, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, UK Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman, said:   "The Commission and Member states have had a nasty shock. For years they have been happy to bow to every new American demand for data. Now they find there was no gratitude and no reciprocity on extending visa-free travel, only divide-and-rule.   "They have only themselves to blame as they did not listen to the European Parliament or the European Data Protection Supervisor. Instead of EU solidarity they sought US sweetheart deals. Now chickens have come home to roost it is time for a change of approach, to one which stands up for hard-won EU privacy standards.   "The EU should first put its own house in order by extending normal EU privacy rules to security data, and then export those rules with the data. I see not reason why the EU cannot achieve US compliance with EU standards as in the 'safe harbour' arrangements for commercial data. After all, we are talking about the personal data of EU citizens. They are being let down through the current willingness to water down our rules."       Note:   The Commission and Council have come under intense European Parliament criticism for negotiating secretly with the US in the so-called 'High-Level Contact group' to come up with a proposal covering data protection in all future exchanges of personal data to the US. The 10 common data protection principles on which agreement has been reached are weak and full of holes, far below standards in EU data protection directive 95/46 .    The US attitude can be discerned in the recent dismissive remarks of Paul Rosenzweig, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Homeland Security of the EU seeking to apply to exchange of data for law enforcement purposes "the same tired, failed standards of adequacy that it has applied in its commercial laws."  

Increased EU investment in Iraq must be priority for stability of region.

The European Parliament is set to pass a report that urges greater EU involvement and investment in Iraq. Moreover, the report welcomes the work already done by the EU in Iraq and the EUR850m the European Commission alone has invested. The suggestions made in the report are part of a recommendation to the European Council on the EU's role in Iraq.   ALDE Shadow Rapporteur on the report, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (UK, Lib Dem), who is also chair of the European Parliament's delegation to Iraq and was the first non-Iraqi parliamentarian to address the Iraqi Parliament, said:   "We all have an interest in consolidating democracy in Iraq and its border regions. This is as important for the future political and economic development of Iraq itself as for stable neighbourhood relations with the European Union."   "We have to empower Iraqis. We need to help strengthen the administration, health and public services. We should focus EU aid on improving the rule of law and justice, human rights, good governance, and gender equality. Furthermore, we must do more to improve government institutions at local, regional and federal level."  

Wed 12th Mar 2008:

Call to end 'pass-the parcel' on asylum seekers like Mehdi Kazemi.

Ahead of a vote in the European Parliament tomorrow on an urgency resolution she has co-sponsored calling for Iranian gay teenager Mehdi Kazemi not to be sent back by the UK to Iran, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice and Human Rights Spokeswoman and member of the European Parliament's Gay and Lesbian Intergroup, has called for an end to the shameful shuffling of gay and other asylum-seekers between EU countries: "Almost a decade ago, EU leaders gave a pledge that they would have a common asylum system which fully respected the UN Refugee Convention 'thus ensuring that nobody is sent back to persecution'. They have broken every one of those promises.   "The only thing common about the EU asylum scene is 'lowest common denominator' as governments have stubbornly refused to agree on truly harmonised rules which would stop vulnerable people being shuffled around in a macabre game of pass-the-parcel."   Mehdi Kazemi fled to the Netherlands after his request for asylum in the UK was turned down, despite his boyfriend already having been executed. Under the EU's so-called "Dublin system" the Dutch government has returned him such that the UK government is now left with the final decision on his possible deportation to Iran.   Sarah Ludford added:   "Rigorous but fair asylum procedures should mean the EU harmonising on best practice, not worst. It cannot be fair for the Home Office to demand that Mr Kazemi demonstrates that he risks persecution without looking at the whole record of Iran's repression of gay people by detention, torture and execution.   "It is absurd that EU governments can have a common view on the risks Iran's nuclear development poses to Europeans but no common assessment of the threats Iran's political system poses to its own citizens. As long as the UK and other governments misunderstand the facts, there must be an EU-wide moratorium on sending gay people to Iran."     Note:   At the first ever summit devoted to justice & home affairs at Tampere in Finland in 1999, EU prime ministers said in their conclusions that "The European Council reaffirms the importance the Union and Member States attach to absolute respect of the right to seek asylum. It has agreed to work towards establishing a Common European Asylum System, based on the full and inclusive application of the Geneva Convention, thus ensuring that nobody is sent back to persecution, i.e. maintaining the principle of non-refoulement."  

EU should challenge US on visa rights for travellers with HIV.

On the eve of an EU-US ministerial meeting on justice and security tomorrow which will major on transatlantic visa matters, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP has demanded that the EU side should include in the negotiations the issue of US refusal, dating from 1993, to extend its Visa Waiver programme to people with HIV. The US maintains that they are a threat to public health but the European Commission has affirmed that there is no objective reason for this stance.   Simultaneously, EU prime minsters will be meeting for their spring summit. Although this is mainly about economic matters, they are expected to have a huge internal row about the success of US divide-and-rule tactics over visa-free travel for the new EU states who are keen to do bilateral deals.   Sarah Ludford said:   "The EU should fight, in unison, not only for citizens from all 27 EU countries to get visa-free travel for US trips, but for that to happen on a non-discriminatory basis. Our leaders should not tolerate that their HIV-positive citizens are bracketed with criminals or treated like modern day lepers. To put HIV on a par with infectious diseases like tuberculosis in any case betrays medical ignorance.   "We have wonderful human rights clauses in the EU treaties which commit EU institutions and governments to strive for the respect of equality and fairness. But while they will attempt to ensure that no-one suffers discrimination on grounds of nationality, they have proved so far reluctant to do the same for people with HIV.   "I am launching with MEP colleagues a petition to the European Parliament to press for inclusion in the European Commission negotiating mandate with the US of the objective of full Visa Waiver for people with HIV."  

Tue 11th Mar 2008:

Terror victims' best protection is the rule of law.

Marking the fourth European Day of Victims of Terrorism - March 11th 2004 being the day of the Madrid train bombings - MEPs observed a minute's silence at their plenary session in Strasbourg. Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP commented:   "The victims of the despicable crime of terrorism deserve every support, and it is a shame on our society that they do not always get it promptly, whether in rehabilitation or compensation. As MEP for London, the July 5th 2005 tube and bus bomb victims are rarely far from my thoughts as I travel round my city.   "The firm upholding of the rule of law is not only the best riposte to terrorists who would destroy it, it is also the best practical protection against creating new waves of terrorism. The US-led but Europe-facilitated 'war on terror' which has sanctioned illegal torture and disappearances can only prolong the likelihood of new terrorists and new victims."  

Thu 28th Feb 2008:

Guantanamo prisoners must not be trapped by inaction.

The European Parliament is today holding a hearing on Guantanamo Bay organised jointly by its Civil Liberties committee and Human Rights sub-committee. This hearing will discuss the current legal state of play in American courts as well as finding safe havens for about 50 detainees who cannot be returned to their countries of origin for fear of persecution or torture or found a home because they are stateless. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman, who is a vice-chair of the Human Rights subcommittee and originally proposed the hearing, commented: "Today's hearing will highlight the shocking 6-year failure by the United States to respect the rule of law by continuing the use of kangaroo courts and holding hundreds of detainees in a legal blackhole. While the Supreme Court may again uphold the right to habeas corpus and the illegality of arbitrary detention, for the prisoners 'justice delayed is justice denied'. In the meantime, many are suffering cruel ill-treatment and even torture." "But the European Union cannot turn its back on an opportunity to live up to its human rights principles. Galling as it is to have to pick up the pieces from a US disaster, EU member states must carry through the logic of their call for the closure of Guantanamo and offer refugee or humanitarian resettlement of detainees who languish in Guantanamo because they have no safe country to return to. It is time for Europe to muster the political will and help America finally close this shameful chapter of history."  

Strasbourg court rejects UK claims on deportation to torture risk.

In a highly significant judgement today in the case of Saadi, a Tunisian man that Italy wanted to deport, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has unanimously rejected the claims of the Italian and British governments... that persons can be deported to countries which have a record of torture on the basis of 'diplomatic assurances' that they will not be harmed. The court described as 'misconceived' the UK government's argument that the risk to the individual could be balanced against the risk he posed and instead upheld the absolute nature of the prohibition against sending persons suspected of involvement in terrorism to countries where they face a real risk of torture. Liberal Democrat European Justice Spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, the vice-chair of the European Parliament enquiry into kidnap, torture flights and secret prisons (extraordinary rendition) that concluded many EU governments had been complicit in such illegality, commented: "I hope this will finally put an end to a shameful campaign by the British government to subvert the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN Convention against Torture and other international human rights instruments, and to try and lead EU governments down the same path. The idea that countries that routinely torture people can be trusted not to, on the basis of a promise to David Miliband, is absurd. "As with the House of Lords 2 years ago which blocked their attempt to use evidence obtained through torture in trials, the Strasbourg court has thankfully thwarted this slide away from the post-war human rights settlement born of painful experience of fascism. "The tide across the Atlantic is turning as the Bush era comes to an end and, as we saw last week with the admission of rendition flights through Diego Garcia, Washington is cleaning house. Brown, Straw and Miliband risk being stranded on the wrong side of the divide between law and lawlessness unless they clean up their own act."  

Andrew Duff latest article on FT.com : Mr. Brown goes to Brussels.

The Windsors have traditionally not been very good on Europe. Unlike the Dutch Oranjes, Spanish Bourbons or assorted Saxe-Coburg-Gothas, the British royal family has tended to steer away from European politics, at least in peacetime,  ever since King Edward VII enjoyed the entente cordiale with France in 1904. Unlike Queen Victoria’s progeny, who were sent abroad to marry for Britain, Queen Elizabeth’s children have taken steadfastly English spouses. So the Prince of Wales’s recent official visit to Brussels - his first for sixteen years - is notable. The prince made a rather interesting speech to MEPs mostly about forestry. In a departure from the royal norm, he spoke warmly about the European Union having become “a leading player on the world stage”. “Surely,” he asked, à propos of climate change, “this is just the moment in history for which the European Union was created?” In the context of the current ill-tempered debate at Westminster over the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, this was bold. Read the article    

European Parliament Fisheries Committee Approves Elspeth Attwooll's Report.

The European Parliament's Fisheries Committee today overwhelmingly approved a draft Report by Elspeth Attwooll MEP which looks at the advantages and disadvantages involved in rights-based management tools in fisheries. Elspeth, who is Vice-Chair of the Committee, said: "I am delighted that the Report has been so overwhelmingly approved. It shows that the Committee recognises the need for reform of current management policy and considers debate on rights-based management tools as an important contribution in this regard. The Report details the concerns of the many different stakeholders about the possible effects of engaging in some forms of rights-based management. It questions whether the same form would be appropriate for all types of fishery, drawing particular attention to the situation of small-scale coastal fleets. At the same time it acknowledges the role that certain types of rights-based management can play in improving economic efficiency, whilst adding a note of caution about too great a concentration of ownership of these rights. It asks the Commission to conduct a full and thorough study before making any recommendations. Rights-based management tools have their merits, but we need to research the different kinds of systems, some of which are already in use in the UK, and to take up the debate again once their advantages and disadvantages are better understood". Background: In February 2007, the European Commission published a Communication on rights- based management tools in fisheries. The Communication seeks to bring together the different questions on allocation of fishing rights across the EU. Traditionally, each Member States' share of fishing possibilities has been historically guaranteed by the principle of "relative stability" a core principle of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), set down in Regulation. Through the CFP, fisheries resources are currently allocated by the disbursement of national licences and quotas, limiting "days at sea" for specific species, and tools to limit the capacity of the fishing fleet, such as limiting the engine power. Forms of trading in fishing rights already take place within some Member States. The Commission wishes to discuss whether and to what extent any EU wide system for this would and could be established. The Report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in Brussels on the 9th and 10th of April. For more, including a full draft, go to: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pr/691/