Liberal Democrat MEPs news

Activities of Lobbyists Must Be Open and Transparent

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

Closing Guantanamo - Congressional Leader Accepts Brussels Invitation

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

A web link to the Congressional hearing can be found here

EU Sport Proposals: Bowles Defends Collective Selling of Media Rights

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

Speaking in Parliament, Sharon 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".

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Collective selling of media rights is where football clubs negotiate media contracts as a league rather than on an individual club-by-club basis. This prevents a situation such as in Spain where individual clubs have free reign to negotiate deals on their own, often to the disadvantage of smaller and less marketable clubs.

Collective selling of media rights ensures that the income generated by sport competitions is distributed more evenly to smaller clubs.

For further information on the White Paper on Sport please see:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/041-28228-128-05-19-906-20080430IPR28013-07-05-2008-2008-true/default_en.htm.

MEP launches Euro campaign against mosquito devices

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

ENDS

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.

ENDS

WEST MIDS SIKH VISIT TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ENDS IN PROTEST

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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.”

END

Notes to Editors:

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.

MEP Welcomes Commission Decision on Broadband for all of Scotland

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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”.

ENDS

Notes:

The Commission press release is available at:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/668&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Greenpeace report on CCS - "Divisive and Dangerous"

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

ENDS

EU can play a vital role in China/Africa relations

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

For further information
Neil Corlett: +33-3-88 17 41 67 or +32-478-78 22 84
Edel Crosse: +33-3-88 17 35 61 or +32-498-16 17 80

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

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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?"

Euro Donor Card Would Help Organ Shortage

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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.”

END

Notes to Editors:

The new card system would compliment, not replace existing donor card systems. Rules of implementation, such as whether to have an ‘opt in’ or ‘opt out’ donor system, would be left to Member States.

Commission statement on food prices: Lib Dem reaction

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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"

Lib Dems Welcome Reform of EU Ombudsman

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

Safeguards Needed On DNA Sharing In Europe

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Sarah is asking the EU Council in an oral question on Wednesday about this matter. A copy of the question is here

Turkey report firm but fair

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

Liberal Democrat MEP launches EU anti-discrimination petition

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."

END

Notes to Editors:

The new petition can be found here: www.signtostopdiscrimination.org

Liz Lynne’s report adopted last week by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee .

The report was adopted by a majority with 29 MEPs in favour and 19 against, with 2 abstentions. EPP-ED MEPs voted against. The report now proceeds to a plenary session in Strasbourg where it will be voted on by the whole European Parliament in May.

Current anti-discrimination legislation is enshrined in the Employment Directive 2000, Equal Treatment Directive and the Race Directive. The European Commission made a commitment in its 2008 legislative work programme to complete the anti-discrimination package and bring forward a horizontal directive outlawing discrimination in access to goods and services on all remaining grounds under Article 13 of the EC Treaty. These areas include discrimination on the basis of disability, age, sexual orientation and religion amongst others.

Iraq and EU must continue cooperation

Liberal Democrat MEPs in the European Parliament — 12.05.2008

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."