107 Written explanations of Diane JAMES
Establishing the space programme of the Union and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (A8-0405/2018 - Massimiliano Salini)
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2017 (A8-0411/2018 - Eleonora Evi)
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats (A8-0455/2018 - Daniele Viotti)
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide for the payment of advances in the EU general budget for 2019 (A8-0453/2018 - Lefteris Christoforou)
Findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on Terrorism (A8-0374/2018 - Monika Hohlmeier, Helga Stevens)
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2017 and the European Union’s policy on the matter (A8-0373/2018 - Petras Auštrevičius)
Education in the digital era: challenges, opportunities and lessons for EU policy design (A8-0400/2018 - Yana Toom)
I voted against.The application of digital tools to education is not an issue, as the UK Government has already put such an arrangement in place.I do not agree with the EUʼs dictating policy and thus placing further financial demands on UK taxpayers to fund EU directives and strategies in this area.
Coordination of social security systems (A8-0386/2018 - Guillaume Balas)
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund: Re-commitment of remaining amounts (A8-0370/2018 - Miriam Dalli)
. ‒ I voted against.This EUR 500 million will be used to facilitate EU disbursement of migrants etc.There is widespread resistance amongst Member States to accepting migrant quotas.I want to see this finance item used more effectively rather than ‘getting to the end of the year and spend the money’ approach.
Establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) (A8-0397/2018 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (A8-0142/2018 - Claude Rolin)
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0273/2017 - Anne Sander)
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) (A8-0274/2017 - Czesław Hoc)
I voted against. The EU’s health & safety policy is rightly ridiculed in the UK, as it leads to many unacceptable applications impacting on business, the public sector and people alike. Any extension of such is unwelcome and should be left to national governments in terms of strategy and policy decisions.
European Foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions (Eurofound) (A8-0275/2017 - Enrique Calvet Chambon)
Common system of value added tax as regards the temporary application of a generalised reverse charge mechanism in relation to supplies of goods and services above a certain threshold (A8-0418/2018 - Gabriel Mato)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/003 EL/Attica publishing (A8-0377/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes (B8-0546/2018)
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (A8-0340/2018 - Bogusław Liberadzki)
Persistent organic pollutants (A8-0336/2018 - Julie Girling)
I voted to abstain.This is an important matter that requires urgent attention at a member state level.Waiting for the EU to introduce pan EU regulation which could well be diluted by vested interest lobbyists is not ideal.It will now go back to Committee potentially meaning support at a later date within my mandate period
Care services in the EU for improved gender equality (A8-0352/2018 - Sirpa Pietikäinen)
Interim report on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – Parliament's position with a view to an agreement (A8-0358/2018 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas, Janusz Lewandowski, Gérard Deprez)
State aid rules: new categories of State aid (A8-0315/2018 - Sander Loones)
These Articles further represent unnecessary EU intrusion into state aid by Member State governments. The UK’s ability is already constrained by the EU in this area with the acknowledged detrimental impact on jobs, local economies and communities. I voted against a mechanism that would extend additional negative EU control in this area.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0335/2018 - Sabine Lösing)
Empowering competition authorities and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market (A8-0057/2018 - Andreas Schwab)
Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (A8-0305/2017 - Evžen Tošenovský)
CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles (A8-0354/2018 - Bas Eickhout)
I abstained on this vote.Air Quality is now a major issue in the UK but this EU aspect of EU CO2 emissions policy is unreasonable, too short-termist and seriously ill directed.Targeting vocational vehicles is unjustifiable given the community good they deliver.I support the concept of reducing air pollutants in principle but not via EU regulation which is easily cheated, as Dieselgate has proved.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Latvia (A8-0357/2018 - Inese Vaidere)
I abstained in this vote.I do not believe that the relevant EU fund is the most efficient means to help Member States deal with natural disasters.A Member State should not have to apply to the EU for financial assistance. It is far better for monies to be retained and applied when required.Overall, however, I had no reason to object.
EU development assistance in the field of education (A8-0327/2018 - Vincent Peillon)
The specific recommendation contained in this non-legislative report caused me disquiet.The EU should not give instructions or directions to Member States as to how they should spend their overseas budgets.The provision of one yearʼs free primary schooling might seem laudable, but it should be up to Member States to identify and define their priorities.I voted against.
Energy efficiency (A8-0391/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
. ‒ Increasing energy efficiency should be a decision for Member States to make via their parliamentary systems.An EU harmonised approach cannot never take into account member state situations. Member state governments should have full freedom to address energy efficiency delivery based on national priorities and situations.I voted against.
Governance of the Energy Union (A8-0402/2017 - Michèle Rivasi, Jakop Dalunde)
Promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (A8-0392/2017 - José Blanco López)
EU policy on renewables is a knee jerk reaction to an incoherent overall energy policy. The damage done to EU industries and the export of energy intensive industries to the developing world are just two of the major negatives created. I could not support measures that create more of the same – EU wide harmonisation of action with expensive and counterproductive outcomes.
Multiannual plan for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (A8-0337/2018 - Ruža Tomašić)
The rule of law in Romania (B8-0522/2018)
. ‒ This criticism of Romania mirrored that of Hungary and reflected the EU’s discontent with matters relating to the independence of the judiciary. However, the scope of the resolution extended to criticism of policy decisions which fall fully within the jurisdiction of the Member State’s Government. I voted against such interference by the EU in Romanian affairs.
Minimum standards for minorities in the EU (A8-0353/2018 - József Nagy)
. ‒ I fully support equal rights for all. I do not support the EU defining a minority; state-funded ‘anti-hate’ speeches; EU interference in domestic policing to create anti-hate-crime units; any EU diktat on taxpayer funding of NGOs; or EU interference in the independence of the media. I voted against.
Digitalisation for development: reducing poverty through technology (A8-0338/2018 - Bogdan Brunon Wenta)
Fighting customs fraud and protecting EU own resources (B8-0400/2018)
Health technology assessment (A8-0289/2018 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
. ‒ I voted against. The UK is a leader in medical innovation but when patients are denied new treatments due to ‘health technology assessments’ directed by the EU that is unacceptable. I cannot support any EU directive imposing new regulatory requirements that are detrimental in terms of UK patients’ access to, and eligibility for, medicines and treatments.
Rates of value added tax (A8-0279/2018 - Tibor Szanyi)
I voted against the call for the creation of a single EU VAT area.I cannot support measures that propose further EU harmonisation and control especially where customer taxation is involved.Sovereign states should have ultimate control over VAT rates and where levied.The UK should not be subject to these systems post Brexit.
EU-Morocco Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0281/2018 - Aldo Patriciello)
I voted against. EU overseas aid takes many forms, not always overt or legitimate. Inherent in my decision is the premiss that R&D is being hijacked for the purpose of supplying overseas aid ʻunder the radarʼ. Ultimately, this will have an impact on the Horizon 2020 programme and the UK as a recipient, and I could not support a EU issue that will see a decrease in UK eligibility for funding on account of purely EU ʻsoft aidʼ purposes.
Draft amending budget No 3/2018: Extension of the Facility for refugees in Turkey (A8-0246/2018 - Siegfried Mureşan)
The reason why I voted against is that the Migrant Crisis is a humanitarian disaster caused solely by Chancellor Merkel and the European Union. When it began to unfold and hundreds of thousands made the treacherous trip across the Mediterranean, the EU did what it always does when faced with difficult decisions: it threw money at the problem. EUR 6 billion has been handed over to Turkey to act as a holding bay. How do Brussels really think how that money will be spent, and how effective do they think it will be?The EU should hang its head in shame with regards to the appalling suffering it has created to the blatant support it has provided to the people trafficking business and to the problems it has created for Member States. Borders need to be closed. The sign that reads ‘Wilkommen’ needs to be reversed. And taxpayers should not be left on the hook for billions to be paid to candidate countries to act as a holding area.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/009 FR/Air France (A8-0210/2018 - Alain Lamassoure)
The European Globalisation Fund has some noble goals, setting out to help those who have lost their jobs – but this is a matter for individual Member States. Why should the United Kingdom contribute towards a fund that compensates Air France workers who have lost their jobs because of the inability of the company to remain globally competitive? Last May, Air France workers went on strike after rejecting a pay offer that would have helped to enable Air France to take cost-cutting measures that KLM has successfully implemented. Using British money to subsidise what is essentially a domestic issue for the French Government, its partially owned flag carrier and its labour unions makes no sense for the UK and the UK should not be paying one penny for this.The careless operation and allocation of EU slush funds like this was one of the contributing reasons why many voters voted Leave.People see it as another example of the wastefulness of EU funds and query why, when the UK is a major financial contributor, it rarely, if ever, gets any financial assistance for UK business sectors or companies.That is the reason why I voted against this proposal for a decision.
Further macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (A8-0183/2018 - Jarosław Wałęsa)
I have voted against this proposal for a Decision because there is no doubt that the EU’s ambition to absorb Ukraine as an EU member was to blame for the current crisis in Ukraine. The immediate flashpoint was the proposed signing of that ‘Association Agreement’, covering not just trade but also extensive political co-operation, clearly viewed by Brussels and Kiev as the penultimate step towards Ukraine becoming a full member of the EU. The following mismanagement of Russian sanctions by Brussels accelerated the problem and the rouble was crashed. Within weeks Russia invaded.Make no mistake this is an EU instigated crisis and Brussels should hang its head in shame.Rather than try and find a working solution the EU has pumped billions into the country, most of which has then just vanished into the pockets of criminals. There is no doubt that Brussels is funding corruption on a national scale, and ensuring animosity from Moscow.The EU should stop funding criminals, and stop meddling in Ukrainian affairs which are destabilising the region.
Modernisation of education in the EU (A8-0173/2018 - Krystyna Łybacka)
No-one doubts that youth unemployment is a severe challenge, and no-one doubts that there is a skills shortage. In part, both of these issues were caused by the rapid expansion of the EU, which created a massive brain drain from east to west, leaving behind a skills vacuum. Skilled labour leaving the east also took away the necessary technical expertise to bring on the new generation.In the southern Member States, the EU imposed austerity in the wake of the debt—fuelled financial crisis ruined the economies and took with it the chances of employment for the younger generation.As always, the EU’s solution is ‘more Europe’ and it is seeking to try to take control of education across the Member States with its proposed European Education Area, despite the fact that the problem has been caused by the EU.Brussels has no business in the field of education; this is something for countries themselves to fund and manage to find locally relevant solutions. It is precisely this type of power grab by the EU that encouraged many people in the UK to vote Leave.This is the reason I voted against the report.
Annual report 2016 on the protection of EU’s financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0135/2018 - Gilles Pargneaux)
I supported this report despite my very big misgivings and concerns as to how the EIB operates in terms of transparency of funding, target areas for financing and its financial security. Too often the EIB nominates and supports projects as part of its treaty obligation to contribute to greater EU integration. The UK is hugely exposed to the EIB capital support and thus until Brexit is completed, I am prepared to support the report.
Protection of children in migration (B8-0218/2018)
It was with regret that I could not support this Resolution.This was a prime example of the EU including aspects totally contrary to common sense or which are in conflict with the approach that the UK is already taking and seen as best practice.Equally recently the UK scandal of supposed child migrants being exposed as being adults meant I could not support what the EU plans.
Integrity policy of the Commission, in particular the appointment of the Secretary-General of the European Commission (B8-0214/2018)
I supported this joint motion for a resolution because this issue goes to the very heart of the lack of accountability within the EU, the lack of adherence to transparency on personnel matters and finally is a prime example of ‘parachuting’ an individual into a key post via the manipulation of internally known information.The new Secretary-General of the EU Commission should have been an open competition, not a ‘shoe in’ of a known favourite and colleague of the EU President.I am very pleased that this matter was raised in Parliament to facilitate a vote on an appalling abuse of personnel selection.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0351/2017 - Michael Gahler)
I voted against this Annual Report because we were told repeatedly that the EU was not seeking its own armed forces. This has been exposed as a complete and utter falsehood. Plans for the Common Defence Union are well underway with an Italian General already having been appointed as the head of the committee.The EU needs its own army and navy to take the closer step towards a federal superstate, even though it has been NATO which has kept the peace in Europe. In doing so it is eroding the sovereignty of it Member States and is going to make the Continent less secure, as the people will surely object to this power grab by Brussels.The UK, via its key membership of NATO and its seat on the UN’s Security Council, will remain a strong defender of peace across the globe. Our long term commitment to global security can be seen just recently with the commissioning of the 1st of our 2 super carriers, and the planned expansion of our security forces to counter the terrorist threat.In short, you can expect the UK to be a willing ally but we will not cede control of our armed forces to Brussels.
Hong Kong, 20 years after handover (A8-0382/2017 - Alyn Smith)
I abstained on this Recommendation because the European Union has made a point of closer ties with the People’s Republic of China despite its appalling human rights’ record. The PRC is now the EU’s second largest trading partner as Brussels has deliberately set out to outsource manufacturing to China. The PRC was, criminally, the single largest beneficiary of the EU’s failed carbon emissions policy with around EUR 20 billion worth of carbon credits being imported in from China in the period 2008-2013 despite all the evidence that these credits were based upon environmental projects that were actively damaging the environment. The EU has also spent billions in aid to the one party state, and even helped fund their steel sector by almost EUR 2 billion.If the EU were ever to be serious about global human rights, it would stop issuing empty statements and take proper action.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/003 GR/Attica retail (A8-0367/2017 - Marie-Pierre Vieu)
. – I voted against this Decision for the mobilisation of the EGF, the mechanism whereby the EU deals with the problems it created – too often resulting in unemployment. The EU created the Greek financial and economic tragedy. The country should never have been accepted into the single currency, when it was ‘hot’ money flowed in from the giant banks in Germany and France leading to wholly crooked asset prices and valuations. Once the Euro merry-go-round crashed to a halt, Brussels removed the democratically elected Government, and imposed austerity so that the creditors could get back their money despite the horrific cost to the people of Greece. The only way for Greece to recover is for it to leave the euro, reintroduce the drachma, and make its own way back to prosperity.
Value added tax obligations for supplies of services and distance sales of goods (A8-0307/2017 - Cătălin Sorin Ivan)
I voted against this Directive because each time Brussels looks to harmonise standards, often in the name of combating fraud, it is actually empowering itself. This proposed amendment to the Directive is no exception, and is actually another step towards establishing full Fiscal Union and marks another small erosion in the powers of the individual Member States.As with all things European, new IT implementation is required at a huge cost to business, plus greater data storage by the EU, despite obvious security threats.The salami tactics of the EU are quite nuanced, and by taking small steps often go passed unnoticed.
Administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax (A8-0306/2017 - Luděk Niedermayer)
I abstained on this Resolution because despite I recognise the benefit, I do not support the EU management. Each time Brussels looks to harmonise standards, often in the name of combatting fraud, it is actually empowering itself. This proposed amendment to the Directive is no exception, and is actually another step towards establishing full Fiscal Union and marks another small erosion in the powers of the individual Member States.As with all things European, new IT implementation is required at a huge cost to business, plus greater data storage by the EU, despite obvious security threats.The salami tactics of the EU are quite nuanced, and by taking small steps often go passed unnoticed.
The fight against cybercrime (A8-0272/2017 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi)
The European Commission’s beefed up Cybersecurity Agency designed to organise pan-European cybersecurity exercises annually and ensure better sharing of threat intelligence and knowledge, a further step by the EU to take control of the internet.A document from the European Union recently revealed it is calling for massive internet censorship and filtering. The proposals, once adopted, mean that European countries will follow in China’s footsteps regarding online censorship. Freedom of speech will deteriorate, and pro-EU propaganda will proliferate.Furthermore, recent EU proposals to demand biometric verification methods for internet transactions will further allow Brussels to keep tabs on its citizens, as mass data will be stored by the EU.The enhanced cybersecurity agency is just another piece in this jigsaw, ostensibly to keep us safe from criminals, but the reality will be further controls of the internet by the European Union.The prosecution of crime, be it in the physical or digital world, is a matter solely for independent sovereign nations with democratic oversight, not unelected bureaucrats in Brussels pursuing their own integrationalist agenda.For the above reasons, I voted against this Resolution.
Memorandum of Understanding between the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice and Eurojust (A8-0215/2017 - Claude Moraes)
I have voted against this Memorandum of Understanding. Co-operation between individual states on matters of security is always to be welcomed, for co-operation is the single best weapon in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Improvements in techniques and systems are also to be welcomed.However, this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) masks its true objective, to bring the security and justice of each Member State under the control of Brussels, which is an affront to democracy. This is yet another salami tactic by the EU to pursue deeper and wider integration of the people of Europe under its authority. Like many programmes by the EU, this MoU attempts to sell its justification with noble and attractive objectives, but the reality is that this is Brussels tightening its control in these areas. This drive for greater integrated federal powers was one of the principal reasons that the United Kingdom voted Leave.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/001 ES/Castilla y León mining (A8-0248/2017 - Monika Vana)
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is a perfect example of the incoherent and ridiculous nature of European Union policies.The EU has interfered in the energy power markets in its quest for more renewable energies, and paid vast subsidies to those in the so-called ‘green sector’. It has introduced directives which have led to the early closure of coal plants. This has led to a significant drop off in global coal demand, forcing mine closures like this one in Spain. The EU then pays millions out of the Adjustment Fund to compensate the workers who have lost their jobs as a direct result of EU policies.For this reason, I have voted against this application.
Draft amending budget n° 2 to the General budget 2017 entering the surplus of the financial year 2016 (A8-0229/2017 - Jens Geier)
The European Union is set to announce a budget surplus for 2016 of EUR 6.4 billion. Around half of this is accounted for by the levying of fines by the EU.Firstly, this money should not be recycled back into the EU’s budget for 2017, this money does not belong to the EU as petty cash, it rightfully belongs to the Member States and should be redistributed back to them at equivalent rates to the gross contributions made.Secondly, the amendment notes that the EU imposed fines of over €4 billion in 2016. The EU is not a money making machine, that is not its purpose. There appears to be a worrying development trend of imposing fines as a means of revenue generation by Brussels. The process includes it imposing a new regulation, fining the countries and corporations who fail to comply and including the money into the budget. This scenario only adds to the EU’s reputation of poor financial management.Therefore, I could not vote in favour of this budget.
Cross-border mergers and divisions (A8-0190/2017 - Enrico Gasbarra)
As the economy continues to globalise, there will be increased cross-border mergers and acquisitions as companies seize opportunities. In order to prevent any type of economic imperialism, it is essential that all sides play by the rules, given that many companies in which Member State governments have a financial stake invoke state protectionism when it suits them.Many privatised utilities in the United Kingdom have been snapped up by foreign state-owned companies and UK state intervention to protect companies and jobs has often been denied, due to EU membership. This has become a contentious issue, given the perception that others are not playing by the same rules.The UK has a long and proud tradition of being a nation of free enterprise and commerce and we expect this to flourish once we leave the EU. We want investors to seek opportunity in the UK, but this has to be on a level playing field for all. The UK will remain a robust supporter of free trade, but we will not be taken for a ride. It will abide by the rules set out by the international community, but we will protect UK national interests simultaneously. Those are the reasons why I voted against this resolution.
Energy efficiency labelling (A8-0213/2016 - Dario Tamburrano)
This directive is part of a wider package of EU energy and climate change measures. This update focuses on further energy efficiency labelling for consumers. However, the existing complicated set of standards has already been shown to be insufficiently understood or simply ignored. The impact of these standards to date has been minimal at best.Efficiencies are best delivered by the market rather than by a top—down labelling scheme; in fact schemes such as this have the effect of slowing efficiency, innovation and purchases since producers will lag in order to conform to the barest minimum.In any consumer market where price, cost and utility are major considerations, the EU’s intervention is unnecessary and unwarranted.This is why I have voted against this directive.
Rates of value added tax applied to books, newspapers and periodicals (A8-0189/2017 - Tom Vandenkendelaere)
The EU needs to resolve a VAT problem of its own making, i.e. the application of differing VAT rates on electronic versions versus that applied to tradionally printed formats. Value Added Tax, remember, is a tax, and one should recall the famous phrase ‘if it moves – tax it’ so the EU with this proposal for a Council Directive clearly has this aspect in mind.Creating a means to harmonise VAT levels is far more likely to see an increase across all formats rather than a lowering if the EU plays true to form. Without far more information as to the real justification for this proposal I have voted against. The simple way to end the discrimination on types of books and publications within the publishing industry, and to eliminate the potential for fraud is quite simply to remove all publishing from the VAT system, something that I will be arguing for in post-Brexit UK.
Implementation of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (A8-0123/2017 - Adam Szejnfeld)
Talk of the EU being pro-free trade is nonsense while the European Central Bank keeps interest rates, and therefore the relative value of the Euro, artificially low. While Mario Draghi may protest that negative interest rates are necessary to boost economic growth, the reality is that they are making exports from its industrial powerhouse Germany significantly cheaper on the world market. Germany has inflation of 2.2% yet ECB rates are below zero creating a historically high trade surplus for Germany.The EU is not and never will be interested in free trade while it continues with such gross currency manipulation, this is why I have voted against this resolution.
FinTech: the influence of technology on the future of the financial sector (A8-0176/2017 - Cora van Nieuwenhuizen)
London is the Fintech capital of Europe due to the introduction of the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulatory sandbox or initiatives like Innovate Finance being based right in the centre of Canary Wharf.The fact that London is home to such a large concentration of financial services businesses and technology companies, in close proximity to one another, is also a natural advantage.London is the world’s largest financial centre and dwarfs its European competitors because it has the infrastructure and the talent, as well as a centuries old appetite for taking and understanding measured risk. Attempts by the EU to harmonise Fintech rules and place this sector under the control of Brussels is a crude effort to take away business from the UK and gift it to Frankfurt and Paris.London is the skills centre for Fintech, and so it is appropriate that that is where UK companies should be regulated. This is why I have voted against this and I will continue to vote against any efforts to cede control to Brussels.
EU-Norway Agreement on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa (A8-0174/2017 - Tomáš Zdechovský)
Border control and immigration control are high priority issues for the EU. EUR 2.8 billion have been identified as the cost of protecting EU borders. This money has to be found from somewhere and Norway, though not a Member State, is not exempt. Norway’s cost will be EUR 19.8 million per annum. Given how ineffective and ill-directed EU expenditure in this area has been, I could not support this unjustifiable cost.
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal (A8-0154/2017 - José Manuel Fernandes)
The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) was set up to respond to major natural disasters and express European solidarity to disaster-stricken regions with Europe. The fund was created as a reaction to the severe floods in Central Europe in the summer of 2002. Since then, it has been used for 73 disasters covering a range of different catastrophic events including floods, forest fires, earthquakes, storms and drought. 24 different European countries including the UK have been supported so far, for an amount of over 3.8 billion euros.While like any agency the Solidarity Fund has encountered some problems, in particular the late payment recently following the earthquakes experienced in Italy, it has generally operated as a source of good.Since the UK triggered Article 50 it can be assumed that after two years the UK will no longer be contributing to this fund. However, as one of the world’s largest donors of international aid, we can assume that we will continue be ready help people and countries in their hour of need.
Approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (A8-0048/2017 - Daniel Dalton)
I have voted against this directive as for me the global ‘Dieselgate’ scandal has provided a timely reminder as to how ineffective European regulations can be if they are not monitored and enforced with integrity. Many will have been appalled by the close links that manufacturers have enjoyed with Commission officials and will have raised a few eyebrows when reading about subsidies passed from the EU to the same manufacturers, in some cases to fund innovation into greener technologies.This vote is simply trying to close the stable door years after the horse has bolted. It is a clear example of how enforcement of such measures needs to be taken back to the individual Member States to be effective.
Use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (A8-0327/2016 - Patrizia Toia)
In its desire to broaden and deepen its control over the Continent, the EU has set out an ambitious plan to take control of, and perhaps one day tax, the internet. Via financing and connecting rural areas to the internet and providing bandwidth via the satellites, the European Union is becoming the de facto controller of the net, with inevitable consequences for individual rights and liberties.Safe and secure connection and use of the internet is a worthy ambition, but not if it involves the mass storage of personal data and the ability to track individuals browsing. Taking responsibility for the increase in use of the net should not form part of a supra-national’s competence and its political ambition, this is a matter purely and solely for the individual sovereign nations.I therefore voted against this proposal for a Decision because once Brexit has been concluded and the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the Digital Single Market we will enjoy that freedom from political interference.
Obstacles to EU citizens’ freedom to move and work in the Internal Market (B8-0179/2017)
Diane James (NI), in writing. ‒ There is no doubt that immigration was a pivotal issue of the 2016 UK Referendum on EU Membership. The Eurobarometer survey of Autumn 2016 revealed this issue to be the most pressing political matter for all EU subjects, with 45% voicing concerns. Politicians should not ignore the concern prominence that voters have on this subject.One of the major principles of the European Union is the free movement of people which coupled with Germany’s Chancellor Merkel’s call for an ‘open door to Europe’ for migrants, has led to the huge migration flow and led the British people to reject continued membership. While we await clarity on how the UK will manage immigration post-Brexit it is likely that the majority of people will want enhanced border control systems and an end to uncontrolled immigration. Be it a points based system, or a financial agreement there can be no doubt that the once totally open door to the UK will be closed. This is the reason why I voted against this Resolution.
Commission's approval of Germany's revised plan to introduce a road toll (B8-0180/2017)
I voted against this resolution, which aims at criticising the independent action that Germany wishes to take regarding its road infrastructure.The UK has numerous instances where sovereign government decision-making without EU interference could resolve UK transport issues. A recent example would be Eastern European lorry drivers using UK laybys for two days to avoid paying EU fines.This is precisely the sort of decision that the UK should be able to take once Brexit is finally achieved and, more importantly, without incurring the financial penalties that the EU regularly inflicts.
Waste (A8-0034/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
A fundamental pillar of the EU is the circular economy. I voted against this proposal for a Directive because despite it is laudable in many respects, it also has many critical aspects.I was unable to support many of the votes regarding waste management including processing due to the following aspects: no account seems to have been taken as to the lack of commercial interest and markets for recyclables, the damage done to third world countries where recyclables have been dumped, the uneconomic value of recyclables and, therefore, little interest for new commercial entrants.As a net importer of goods it is vital that the UK grows its economy with the highest efficiency, and it is clear that we will continue to examine levels of waste and the use of landfill.Once we leave the EU, we will no longer be part of the Circular economy, but you can be assured that our Government, both national and local, will continue our progress in this vital sector.
Minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits (A8-0011/2017 - Stefan Eck)
Animal welfare is a very important subject for me, and certainly the aspect of rabbit farming has touched a nerve, with over 3 000 voters seeking my support on this proposal.The UK has been highlighted as a beacon of excellence in the welfare of rabbit farming and I welcome this acknowledgment which has also influenced my decision on how to vote.I have supported this EU resolution, probably to the surprise of many I know given my Eurosceptic position, because it will pressurise other Member States to adopt and adhere to the quality standards that the UK has in place.This vote however will have absolutely no enforcement or adherence value in China, where 462M rabbits are slaughtered equalling 40% of global production (2012 data FAOSTAT).The EU may well hope to influence non-Member States to follow suit but I would not pin my hopes on that outcome. Therefore this is a very ‘hollow’ victory for the EU.Today’s resolution is long overdue but its impact will have little bearing on producers outside the EU, the record of whom concerning animal welfare is abysmal.
Implementation of the Europe for Citizens programme (A8-0017/2017 - María Teresa Giménez Barbat)
. – Enhancing citizen support for European integration is the principle purpose of the Europe for Citizens programme. My experience of this programme is that it is biased towards the goal of the ‘United States of Europe’ federation model which, as a eurosceptic, I cannot support.The funding of this programme and its strategic approach are not supported by valid scrutiny.I supported many of the proposed amendments on this basis, but I withheld my support in the final roll-call vote.
EU-Cook Islands sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (Resolution) (A8-0015/2017 - João Ferreira)
. – The legislative resolution gives its consent for the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Government of the Cook Islands.The agreement provides for access for four EU tuna seiners and sets a reference tonnage for highly migratory species of 7 000 tonnes a year. The total financial contribution is EUR 2 870 000 for the whole duration of the Protocol.I voted against this legislative resolution because the agreement will provide fishing opportunities for vessels flying the flags of Member States and, by doing so, the EU will continue exploiting the Cook Islands’ maritime resources, which are meant to benefit the local population and not us!
Control of the Register and composition of the Commission's expert groups (A8-0002/2017 - Dennis de Jong)
. – I voted in favour of this resolution because it underlines the lack of transparency and the over-reliance on economic actors in EU lawmaking. Additionally, it stressed that the Commission has so far failed to alter the horizontal rules for EGs and their practices in a way that would meet Parliament’s requests for transparency, and that the number of EGs in which there is an imbalance has remained largely unaltered since 2013.
Cross-border aspects of adoptions (A8-0370/2016 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
The issue here for me is that as ever the European Parliament wishes to instigate a ‘one size fits all’ mechanism whereas, in contrast, I believe that this is a competence and responsibility that should remain with national governments.I see no requirement for a European Certificate of Adoption. Recognition of adoption is upheld by national legal systems and, ultimately, the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. I am unable to support the justification provided for the so-called advantages of a European Certificate of Adoption. This is the reason why I abstained on this motion for a resolution.
Tackling the challenges of the EU Customs Code (UCC) implementation (B8-0024/2017)