423 Written explanations of Mike HOOKEM
Application of the Euro 5 step to the type-approval of two- or three- wheel vehicles and quadricycles (A8-0346/2018 - Daniel Dalton)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative, first-reading report on type-approval of L-category vehicles. They are against type-approval because it is total harmonisation, which we are strongly against. They also voted against because it allows the Commission to adopt delegated acts for another five years, and are against extending the Commission’s power.
Trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel treatment or punishment (A8-0387/2018 - Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg)
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund: Re-commitment of remaining amounts (A8-0370/2018 - Miriam Dalli)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. UKIP opposes the re-commitment of this funding programme which assists in the cost of relocating asylum seekers. UKIP believes that Member States which wish to relocate asylum seekers should bear the cost, not the European taxpayer. Moreover, UKIP opposes calls in this report for the funding to assist legal routes of migration which will, unquestionably, attract further migration into Europe.
Accession of Samoa to the EU-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement (A8-0376/2018 - David Martin)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/003 EL/Attica publishing (A8-0377/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal as it will give over EUR 2.3 million to 550 workers who have lost their jobs in Greece. The money will be spent on support services such as job search and counselling. UKIP is against as we oppose British taxpayers’ money being spent by unaccountable EU institutions as dole for poor economic decisions in other countries.
Temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders (A8-0356/2018 - Tanja Fajon)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. UKIP firmly believes in the sovereign right of all nations to control their borders. UKIP MEPs are, however, extremely disappointed that amendments to this report have drastically reduced the length of time for which Schengen states can introduce temporary border controls, as this report reduces the capacity for Member States to control their own borders.
Common rules for the operation of air services (A8-0150/2018 - Claudia Țapardel)
. ‒ UKIP voted to abstain. This vote ensures the continuation in wet-leasing in the event of aircraft and personnel not being available due to demand. In view of the UK leaving the UK at the end of March 2019, it is important to ensure that there are no interruptions to air services and that passengers are not inconvenienced.
The Cum Ex Scandal: financial crime and the loopholes in the current legal framework (B8-0518/2018, B8-0519/2018, B8-0520/2018, B8-0521/2018, B8-0525/2018, RC-B8-0551/2018, B8-0551/2018, B8-0552/2018)
Role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes (B8-0546/2018)
We regard this report as being an exercise in virtue signalling. Germany has been unusually generous and helpful towards its many newcomers, however unwise their immigration policy may be. We note that the fact-finding mission conducted to investigate the claims of discrimination made in this report were groundless. We feel that a claim which has been investigated and disproven requires no further action.
WTO: the way forward (A8-0379/2018 - Bernd Lange, Paul Rübig)
. ‒ We voted against this as we feel the EU has shamelessly used trade as a means to bash out a highly partisan and unhelpful political agenda. This creates ill will with trade partners, and goes against the spirit of the WTO and international trade. We call on the EU to stick to trade, and not use trade as a political weapon.
2018 Report on Serbia (A8-0331/2018 - David McAllister)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. In particular we are opposed to the infringements on Serbia’s right to conduct an independent foreign policy.
2018 Report on Kosovo (A8-0332/2018 - Igor Šoltes)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. Further this report attempts to infringe the rights of Member States to conduct an independent foreign policy by attempting to ensure they recognise the independence of Kosovo. The European Union should not have such extensive relations with a partially recognised state and should certainly not be inviting them to join the EU.
2018 Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A8-0341/2018 - Ivo Vajgl)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. Whilst we support the normalisation of relations between the FYROM and Greece, we are concerned at attempts by the Commission to interfere in the internal affairs of the two states and the procedures for both countries to legitimise the Prespa Agreement. The settling of the naming dispute should not be used to catalyse the FYROM’s accession to the European Union.
2018 Report on Albania (A8-0334/2018 - Knut Fleckenstein)
Defence of academic freedom in the EU's external action (A8-0403/2018 - Wajid Khan)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding recommendation. Whilst we support the principles of freedom of expression and thought that this issue represents generally we are opposed to the consistent politicisation of the internal affairs of Hungary to attempt to discredit the democratically elected government by the European Union.
The situation of women with disabilities (B8-0547/2018)
UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. The resolution calls to ensure that more is done to tackle gender-based violence, that there is adequate access to healthcare, and that labour regulation, application for maternity and paternity leave, and education are all tailored to the needs of those with disabilities. Although there are some calls on Member States and the Commission for more action and legislation, which we would otherwise oppose, this report is of a sensitive nature: we cannot oppose giving those with disabilities better access to services.
Transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (A8-0355/2018 - Enrique Calvet Chambon)
UKIP voted against this legislative decision. We do not recognise the European Union’s authority to legislate for the Member States. The framework through which legislation is created within the European Union is fundamentally undemocratic. We oppose the interinstitutional negotiation process as it is non-transparent.
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (A8-0340/2018 - Bogusław Liberadzki)
UKIP abstained on this report because it is important to ensure that the rights of those passengers who are disabled or have difficulty with mobility are always safeguarded. However the problem is that the rights of passengers should not be something that is dictated by the EU. Matters of such importance should be dealt with at Member State level.
Care services in the EU for improved gender equality (A8-0352/2018 - Sirpa Pietikäinen)
UKIP voted against this non—legislative, non—binding report. Although we fully support the aiding of care services, as well as encourage men and women to enter labour market. This report called for the implementation of more EU directives and legislation, more EU investment and more harmonised definitions. It further suggested that social security contributions ought to be borderless, so that contributions made in a Member State of origin, could be utilised by the same person in another Member State. Such we believe should only be agreed bilaterally between individual Member States, this is not for the EU to enforce. Overall, we do not believe that care services should be conducted at EU level, but at national level.
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)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative report setting out Parliament’s position on the MFF negotiations. The Commission proposal is to set the future MFF at EUR 1.2 trillion, with increases for defence spending and EU administration budgets. Parliament’s proposal is to increase this further to over EUR 1.4 trillion. As it is likely that the UK will still be making contributions towards the future MFF, UKIP voted against this as we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending British taxpayers’ money.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0335/2018 - Sabine Lösing)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to the EU Common Position as it has an undue influence on the foreign policy and industry of the United Kingdom. We are also concerned by proposals to increase the use of qualified majority voting in more foreign affairs matters. The UK has its own standards to meet for arms exports and ultimately decisions of foreign policy and industry must be made by our own democratically-elected government.
Need for a comprehensive Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights mechanism (B8-0523/2018, B8-0524/2018)
Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (A8-0320/2018 - Andrejs Mamikins)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. EU foreign policy has contributed to the destabilisation of security in Eastern Europe. The security situation in Georgia is extremely sensitive and the EU has proved itself to be institutionally incapable of managing such complex foreign policy. We are opposed to the development of an EU foreign policy and as such are opposed to all association agreements signed between the European Union and third countries.
Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (A8-0322/2018 - Petras Auštrevičius)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. EU foreign policy has contributed to the destabilisation of security in Eastern Europe. The security situation in Moldova is extremely sensitive and the EU has proved itself to be institutionally incapable of managing such complex foreign policy. We are opposed to the development of an EU foreign policy and as such are opposed to all association agreements signed between the European Union and third countries.
Humanitarian visas (A8-0328/2018 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP rejects any attempts by the EU to control migration policies. Moreover, UKIP opposes the suggestion in this report that Member States who issue these visas should be compensated out of the EU budget and, therefore, at the expense of the other Member States.UKIP believes that it is the sole right of a nation state to be able to control its borders and manage migration. We believe that if a nation wishes to offer this type of visa, it should be enacted in their national law under a mandate given to them by their electorate.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Latvia (A8-0357/2018 - Inese Vaidere)
UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal to give over EUR 17.7 million to Latvia. While UKIP of course sympathises with the people of Latvia due to the awful weather conditions and to the flooding that has caused so much destruction, we object on principle when unelected EU institutions spend British taxpayersʼ money. Only our own elected and accountable national government should decide how our money is spent on this type of foreign aid.
EU development assistance in the field of education (A8-0327/2018 - Vincent Peillon)
UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports the right of all children to have access to basic education. UKIP MEPs are opposed, however, to calls for Member States to increase their budgets in this sector and to outline minimum targets for spending. UKIP believes that a sovereign state has the right to decide on its foreign aid budget.
Minimum standards for minorities in the EU (A8-0353/2018 - József Nagy)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports the rights of minorities and believes that the UK already has incredibly high standards of protection for minority groups. However, UKIP opposes calls in this report for standards to be included in an EU pact for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Moreover, UKIP believes that protecting minorities is best dealt with at Member State level, rather than by the EU, as the situation of minorities differs greatly between Member States.
Digitalisation for development: reducing poverty through technology (A8-0338/2018 - Bogdan Brunon Wenta)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP believes that improving technology in developing countries is one way to reduce poverty. UKIP MEPs oppose, however, calls for Member States and the EU to increase their funding in this sector. UKIP believes that it is the right of a sovereign state to decide its foreign aid budget.
Protection of the EU’s financial interests - Recovery of money and assets from third-countries in fraud cases (A8-0298/2018 - Cătălin Sorin Ivan)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative, non-binding report. The main thrust of the report shows concern over the loss of taxpayers’ money through fraud especially when the EU makes transactions to beneficiaries and countries outside the Europe. It calls for better management, transparency and oversight of taxpayers’ money which of course UKIP supports. However UKIP opposes some other ideas in the report which include further empowering the European Public Prosecutors Office, criticism of bilateral agreements and calls for an EU wide data collection method forcing each member state to comply with.
Unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain (A8-0309/2018 - Paolo De Castro)
We oppose the legislation and therefore it going for negotiation because – although there could be good legislation to secure proper competition, contractual symmetry and equivalence, this is absolutely not it - instead we have archetypal, EU protectionist corporatism and perverse behavioural economics of the very worst kind - which is extended well beyond SMEs to even the largest of global behemoths.
Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use (A8-0035/2016 - Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu)
Veterinary medicinal products (A8-0046/2016 - Françoise Grossetête)
UKIP abstained on this legislative report. UKIP believe in the importance of improving access to medicinal products and make them more widely available; reduce the administrative burden; promote innovation and competitiveness within the sector. However, UKIP believe that such topic should be regulated by Member States’ national Parliaments.
Manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed (A8-0075/2016 - Clara Eugenia Aguilera García)
Charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (A8-0202/2018 - Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy)
UKIP voted against this legislative report because it will increase the level of admin expected from hauliers. Eventually it will lead to heavy goods vehicle drivers requiring a personal assistant and a filing cabinet in their cabs just to deal with the extra red tape. Furthermore, the report insists that the monies that are acquired through the charging of heavy goods vehicles must be used on infrastructure. This goes against the concept of subsidiarity.
Rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe (RC-B8-0481/2018, B8-0481/2018, B8-0482/2018, B8-0483/2018, B8-0486/2018, B8-0488/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative resolution. UKIP deplore and condemn neo-fascist ideologies, organisations and any acts of violence committed by these groups. Moreover, UKIP also vehemently oppose the use of violence for political gain by any organisation, regardless of their political leaning. UKIP MEPs voted against this resolution, therefore, because it failed to condemn all political violence, notably excluding the rise in far-left violence and the rise in Islamist extremism in Europe. UKIP MEPs also voted against this report as it calls for consolidated EU action to tackle this issue; we believe that this issue varies drastically between Member States and that they are therefore in the best position to tackle these issues.
Animal welfare, antimicrobial use and the environmental impact of industrial broiler farming (B8-0484/2018, B8-0484/2018, B8-0485/2018, B8-0487/2018, B8-0489/2018)
Employment and social policies in the euro area (A8-0329/2018 - Krzysztof Hetman)
The use of Facebook users’ data by Cambridge Analytica and the impact on data protection (B8-0480/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative resolution. Whilst UKIP are in favour of strong data protection rules, UKIP believe this resolution is yet another attack on Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to enhance the claim that the Brexit result was won, or strongly influenced, by foreign forces. Moreover, UKIP MEPs oppose the suspension of the Privacy Shield agreement which would cause major disruption to companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul (RC-B8-0498/2018, B8-0498/2018, B8-0499/2018, B8-0500/2018, B8-0501/2018, B8-0503/2018, B8-0505/2018, B8-0508/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned by the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and the role both Saudi Arabia and Turkey are playing in the Middle East. However we do not believe that the EU should have any capacity in foreign affairs and that international relations should be conducted by sovereign states in appropriate international fora.
Situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0351/2018, B8-0351/2018, B8-0502/2018, B8-0504/2018, B8-0506/2018, B8-0507/2018, B8-0509/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned by the situation and the terrible cost of the government’s Socialist policies on the people of Venezuela. However we do not believe that the EU should have any capacity in foreign affairs and that international relations should be conducted by sovereign states in appropriate international fora.
Promoting automatic mutual recognition of diplomas (B8-0492/2018)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution calling for the mutual recognition of diplomas. The EU want this to coincide with the creation of a European Education Area, despite the existence of the Council of Europe voluntary group, the European Higher Education Area.The UK Government already has a system in place called NARIC, National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications, and there is also a UN Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region, which has existed since 1979.We believe it is for National Governments to conduct their education schemes how they wish, and unnecessary to have a similar recognition system set up at EU level.
Deployment of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the EU: time to act! (A8-0297/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
Harnessing globalisation: trade aspects (A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster)
We oppose the attempts of the EU to use trade as a political weapon. Whilst we support free trade, we believe the EU’s needless attempts to attach non-trade related demands and clauses to trade agreements is bad. This sours relationships with trade partners, and is unacceptable in a world economy that depends on good will and free trade.
General budget of the European Union for 2019 - all sections (A8-0313/2018 - Daniele Viotti, Paul Rübig)
UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal to set the EU budget 2019. UKIP will vote in favour of all cuts and against all increases. The Commission proposal for 2019 is to have the EU budget set at EUR 166 billion (a 3% increase on last year). The Council proposal is to set the 2019 EU budget at EUR 164.1 billion (a 2.09% increase on last year). The EU Parliament’s position was to have even larger increases. The proposal now goes into negotiations for a final conciliation agreement vote later in the year. UKIP opposes unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0300/2018 - Marco Valli)
. ‒ UKIP voted for this proposal to refuse discharge for the Council. In the discharge procedure, the European Parliament looks through the individual budgets of every EU institution to give a positive or negative opinion. The Council, historically, has challenged the competence of Parliament to do this and does not cooperate with the procedure. UKIP opposes the continuation of all EU institutions and agencies, because of their cost to the British taxpayer. In the case of the Council, we believe they should submit themselves to extra scrutiny and transparency in respect of their budget.
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Ireland (A8-0344/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs abstained on this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports cooperation between nations to combat serious crime and terrorism, but it opposes such cooperation being facilitated by the European Union. UKIP would prefer these agreements to be concluded bilaterally between sovereign nations.
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Ireland (A8-0343/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Croatia (A8-0345/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (A8-0317/2018 - Frédérique Ries)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this legislative report. UKIP is aware of the massive damage that misuse of plastics is causing to the environment and human health. UKIP firmly believes that Member States should independently be legislating on this extremely important issue. On a personal level I do not think it is useful for Parliament to act as the ‘Fun Police’. If banning balloons is all we are here for, what is the point?
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of border checks (A8-0347/2017 - Carlos Coelho)
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0349/2017 - Carlos Coelho)
Use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals (A8-0348/2017 - Jeroen Lenaers)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Renewing the authorisation for genetically modified maize NK603 × MON 810 (B8-0490/2018)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Authorisation for genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 (B8-0491/2018)
Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0299/2018 - Bart Staes)
. ‒ UKIP voted against granting discharge to the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). The discharge procedure is the process whereby the European Parliament looks through the individual budgets of every EU institution to give a positive or negative opinion. In the case of the EASO, there have been a number of budget problems, with a high incidence of irregularity of payments, as well as accusations that upper management used bullying tactics, which led to the Executive Director stepping down and to the EASO being investigated by OLAF. UKIP opposes the continuation of all EU institutions and agencies, on account of their cost to the British taxpayer.
EU-Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver (A8-0306/2018 - Emilian Pavel)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/002 PT/Norte – Centro – Lisboa wearing apparel (A8-0311/2018 - José Manuel Fernandes)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal as it will give over EUR 4.6 million to 730 workers who have lost their jobs in the Portugal. The money will be spent on support services such as job search and counselling. UKIP is against as we oppose British taxpayers’ money being spent by unaccountable EU institutions as dole for poor economic decisions in other countries.
Quality of water intended for human consumption (A8-0288/2018 - Michel Dantin)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this legislative report. UKIP support the idea of universal accessibility to water as well as the focus given by this report on most vulnerable people and their difficulties accessing water. However, UKIP believe the EU Commission should not legislate on this issue - it should be exclusive competence of National Parliaments.
Resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal (A8-0282/2018 - Iskra Mihaylova)
The role of employee financial participation in creating jobs and reactivating the unemployed (A8-0293/2018 - Renate Weber)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst we are sympathetic to some of the issues raised within this report, ultimately economic policies should be determined solely by the Member States. This report contains numerous calls for the Commission to involve itself in Member State policy, which we cannot support.
Structural and financial barriers in the access to culture (A8-0169/2018 - Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report regarding accessibility to cultural services. Although there are some pertinent points, it is not for the EU to interfere with national tax policies, dictate how much national governments should contribute or invest in cultural services, nor how they should form policy in this area. Furthermore, we oppose calls for increased investment at the expense of the taxpayer; this is for the sole discretion of national governments.
Proportionality test before adoption of new regulation of professions (A8-0395/2017 - Andreas Schwab)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative first reading report. We believe that it should be left to Member States to regulate professions, and that it is not the task of the Commission to set a proportionality test. UKIP tabled a rejection amendment to this report, which we voted in favour of, as we believe this legislation should not go ahead.
Use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road (A8-0193/2018 - Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar)
– UKIP voted against this report. It is looking at removing restrictions that Member States have the right to impose. These restrictions include such things as the use of hired goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above six tonnes and restricting the use of a vehicle which has been hired in a Member State different from the one where the vehicle is.
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Enforcement requirements and specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector (A8-0206/2018 - Merja Kyllönen)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards on minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs (A8-0205/2018 - Wim van de Camp)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations Amending Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 with a view to adapting them to developments in the sector (A8-0204/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
Objection to Commission delegated regulation amending delegated regulation (EU) 2017/118 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea (B8-0299/2018)
Georgian occupied territories ten years after the Russian invasion (RC-B8-0275/2018, B8-0275/2018, B8-0276/2018, B8-0277/2018, B8-0278/2018, B8-0279/2018, B8-0285/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative resolution. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy. Unresolved and frozen conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus are a concern, but we do not think that EU policy or action should or does play any constructive role in resolving these issues. Mediation is a concern for the parties involved supported by more appropriate international regimes.
Negotiations for a new EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (B8-0274/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly opposes the current EU-ACP Partnership Agreement, as it is based on the principle of conditionality, which is, in essence, the EU politicising its trade policy with third countries. UKIP believe that the best way to aid developing nations is via improved trade relations, whereas the EU’s insistence on pursuing a trade policy based on conditionality hinders not only the development of these nations, but also consumers in Europe.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2016 (A8-0197/2018 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
UKIP voted against. This report is calling for such things as giving the Parliament basic control over major decisions affecting the EU, Member States and its people, with such decisions to include national budgets and reforms, these issues should remain the sole responsibility of the Member State. The report also goes on to mention its concern over the fact that fiscal measures, such as reductions in national expenditure, have not had the desired effect. This we totally disagree with.
Composition of the European Parliament (A8-0207/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner, Pedro Silva Pereira)
UKIP voted in favour of this proposal to scrap all UK MEPs. UKIP MEPs have been here since 1999 always on the basis that we want to put ourselves out of a job and for Britain to leave the European Union.The proposal is in two parts. The first part lists all Member States and indicates how many MEPs are allocated to each country. The 73 UK MEPs shall be removed from this list with a portion being re-allocated to other Member States.The second part of the proposal includes a clause stating that if the UK remains a Member of the EU by the next EU election (the EU treaties still apply), then the UK shall retain the current number of MEPs allocated. UKIP want to leave the EU on 29 March so we want all the MEPs to be gone.Regarding the second part of the proposal, the Government should have repealed the 2003 European Elections Act which they haven’t. If we have not left and there has to be a European election, which UKIP doesn’t want, we will fight it with the argument of complete unequivocal withdrawal as soon as possible.
Cohesion policy and the circular economy (A8-0184/2018 - Davor Škrlec)
UKIP have voted against this non-legislative, own initiative report. The report involves using EU funds in order to promote the circular economy. While to objectives of sustainability and reducing waste are important for everyone to work towards, this is not something that should be achieved through EU funding and legislation.
Negotiations on the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement (A8-0158/2018 - Charles Tannock)
EU-NATO relations (A8-0188/2018 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are firmly committed in our support of NATO as the primary guarantor of security cooperation and mutual defence in Europe. We are opposed to the militarisation of the European Union and the development of any institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States. Furthermore, we are against any level of EU cooperation with NATO as this risks duplicating and in some cases undermining NATO, negatively impacting security in Europe.
Cyber defence (A8-0189/2018 - Urmas Paet)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst we recognise the rising significance of cyber—defence for national security, we are firm in our belief that national security is solely a matter for Member States. We do not support the militarisation of the European Union or the development of any EU institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States on issues related to national defence, including cyber—defence. Member States are free, however, to cooperate on a bilateral and multilateral level as well as through NATO if they choose to do so.
Clearing obligation, reporting requirements and risk-mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives and trade repositories (A8-0181/2018 - Werner Langen)
Common rules in the field of civil aviation and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (A8-0364/2016 - Marian-Jean Marinescu)
. ‒ UKIP voted against. This proposal was looking at creating a regulatory framework for the integration of new business models and emerging technologies, along with the harmonisation of accreditation worthiness by ensuring that similarly qualified entities who carry out tasks on behalf of national aviation authorities should be accredited by the agency. However the regulation does not describe what the model will be in order for these agencies to be accredited by the agency. In such an important issue as safety the bar has to be set high and unfortunately with the ‘one size fits all’ policies that the EU adopts, we know that the bar that the EU will set will be very low and this will affect standard safety issues. In addition the report believes that the agency should play a more active and decisive role when a Member State decides to react immediately to a serious civil aviation safety issue and deviates from applicable EU rules. Should a Member State need to ‘deviate’ from EU rules then it is clear that the EU cannot envisage all possible events and it should therefore be up to the Member State to make whatever decisions it feels necessary in order to deal with the serious issue.
CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles (A8-0010/2018 - Damiano Zoffoli)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. EU energy and climate policies are profoundly damaging European economy. EU unilateral climate policy is making Europe non-competitive and it is causing a huge loss of jobs and industries. Companies are forced to take radical decisions, moving offshore to defend themselves from bankruptcy.
Modernisation of education in the EU (A8-0173/2018 - Krystyna Łybacka)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Whilst pertinent points were made with regard to education, it is not for the EU to interfere in national curricula, nor dictate how Member States should invest in their education systems. This report called for the promotion of current EU programmes such as Erasmus+, the use of EU funds and for further investment at the expense of the taxpayer, which we oppose. Furthermore, UKIP does not believe in the creation of a European Education Area, particularly when the European Higher Education Area, a voluntary group set up by the Council of Europe, already exists. Finally, as stipulated under Article 165 of the TFEU, education is a Member State competency, therefore we feel strongly that this does not need to be conducted at EU level.
Towards a sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector (A8-0186/2018 - Carlos Iturgaiz)
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance ADB-CHMINACA to control measures (A8-0133/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. In the UK, this drug already falls into the criteria listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Subjecting it to control measures in the EU will assist in reducing its availability on the UK market. For this reason, UKIP MEPs abstained on this vote.
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance CUMYL-4CN-BINACA to control measures (A8-0134/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs abstained on this technically non-legislative report. In the UK, this drug already meets the criteria listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Subjecting it to control measures in the EU will assist in reducing its availability on the UK market. For that reason, UKIP MEPs abstained on this vote.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/010 BE/Caterpillar (A8-0148/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Annual report 2016 on the protection of EU’s financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0135/2018 - Gilles Pargneaux)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report, although there are various calls within this report for more transparency, better reporting and communication. We cannot vote to support the continuation of the EIB. Particularly as the withdrawal agreement plans to only return the UK’s EUR 3.2 billion paid in share-capital, without any profits. This is despite the fact that the UK’s share of EIB assets is worth EUR 92.3 billion.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 (B8-0220/2018)
UKIP abstained on this resolution. UKIP is concerned about sensitive issues such as consumer’s health, food safety and environmental protection. However, UKIP MEPs believe that the authorisation for the placing on the market of food and feed produced from genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 should be autonomously taken by national parliaments.
Annual report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank for 2016 (A8-0139/2018 - Marco Valli)
UKIP voted against this a non-legislative report. We fully support tackling fraud and corruption, though whilst the figures regarding fraudulent activity and irregularities are useful, particularly towards better oversight of the EU’s budget; we oppose the further calls for more EU legislation, measures and harmonisation, and fundamentally disagree with the spending of taxpayers’ money.
Cohesion policy and thematic objective ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’ (A8-0136/2018 - Andrey Novakov)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative own-initiative report. Improving transport infrastructures in order to benefit the environment, safety and economic concerns is certainly a positive goal. However, UKIP MEPs do not believe that the best way to do this is through cohesion policy and EU funding as it is an issue that is better handled by individual Member States.
Protection of children in migration (B8-0218/2018)
UKIP MEP’s have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. Whilst UKIP firmly support protecting children, particularly unaccompanied children, this resolution politicises the topic to provide an opinion on the migration crisis as a whole. More specifically, UKIP MEP’s firmly oppose the suggestion that the best way to assist children and asylum seekers is to offer them ‘safe and legal routes’ into the EU. UKIP believe the best way to combat people traffickers and to end the migration crisis is to stop the boats arriving into Europe.
A global ban on animal testing for cosmetics (B8-0217/2018)
UKIP abstained on the motion for resolution on a global ban on testing cosmetics on animals. UKIP is in favour of animal welfare and ending of brutal practices on animals for cosmetics testing. UKIP share these concerns and are firmly against testing chemicals used in cosmetics on animals. However, UKIP MEPs do not trust the unelected EU Commission to decide on the protection of the environment and animal welfare - the EU has already caused irreparable damage with its environmental policy.
Current situation and future prospects for the sheep and goat sectors in the EU (A8-0064/2018 - Esther Herranz García)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative, own initiative report. This is because they are not in favour of using EU funds, particularly in relation to the common agricultural policy. In addition, they do not agree with the additional layer of bureaucracy that some of the additional monitoring proposed in this report would require.
Media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (A8-0144/2018 - Barbara Spinelli)
Common system of value added tax, with regard to the obligation to respect a minimum standard rate (A8-0124/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
Prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (A8-0056/2017 - Krišjānis Kariņš, Judith Sargentini)
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)
Organic production and labelling of organic products (A8-0311/2015 - Martin Häusling)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A8-0140/2018 - Miroslavs Mitrofanovs)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this legislation. We firmly defend Member States’ right to define their own domestic legislation. Any interference by the Commission is an erosion of Member State sovereignty, which we are firmly against. We do not necessarily take a position on any of the suggested policies within the report, it is ultimately up to each Member State.
Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2019 – Section I – European Parliament (A8-0146/2018 - Paul Rübig)
UKIP MEPs voted against this report, as it concerns the spending of EU funds, which we are against. We voted in favour of amendments that wished to reduce the budget and which aim to make Parliament more transparent. We voted against amendments that wished to increase the budget, for instance in allowing APAs to accompany Members on missions, which is a waste of public funds.
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on European business statistics, amending Regulation (EC) no 184/2005 and repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (A8-0094/2018 - Janusz Lewandowski)
Common rules for the internal market in natural gas (A8-0143/2018 - Jerzy Buzek)
Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová (B8-0186/2018)
UKIP MEP’s have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly support the work of investigative journalists and are appalled at the details of this murder which was clearly motivated by the need to silence a whistle-blower. This resolution, however, clearly oversteps the EU’s mandate in this field. UKIP reject any attempt by the EU to establish a directive on whistle-blower protection and strongly oppose calls for the EPPO to be established.
A European values instrument to support civil society organisations which promote democracy, rule of law and fundamental values within the European Union (B8-0189/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly opposes taxpayers’ money being given to organisations in the EU to promote the values of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values. This is a clear attempt by the EU to increase funding for organisations which hold a favourable opinion of the European Union who will inevitably disseminate propaganda to the citizens of Europe.
The violation of human rights and the rule of law in the case of two Greek soldiers arrested and detained in Turkey (B8-0194/2018, B8-0196/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. UKIP have long been concerned by developments in Turkey and have opposed their integration within the EU. We are especially concerned at military developments and Turkey’s increasing opposition to the West and international norms. However this resolution implies a role for the EU institutions, to which we are opposed.
Implementation of the Treaty provisions concerning national Parliaments (A8-0127/2018 - Paulo Rangel)
This non-legislative own initiative report is generally supportive of national parliaments and doesn’t call on the Commission to act (other than to grant national parliaments more time in which to prepare ‘reasoned opinions’ objecting to EU legislation), but UKIP does not support the right of EU institutions to determine the rights of national parliaments and accordingly UKIP abstained.
Vaccine hesitancy and drop in vaccination rates in Europe (B8-0188/2018, B8-0195/2018)
Implementation of the European Protection Order Directive (A8-0065/2018 - Soraya Post, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully support the right of citizens to be protected in their own country and when travelling abroad and welcome the fact that all countries in the EU have their own system of protection orders. With such a limited amount of EPOs having been issued since the directive was enforced, it is clear to see that this is a poor and ineffective piece of legislation. For this reason, UKIP voted against this report.
Implementation of the Bologna Process – state of play and follow-up (B8-0190/2018)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-binding motion for a resolution. We support the principle of the Bologna Process as a non-EU, voluntary group discussing education amongst its members. However, we disagree with the call for the Commission to become more heavily involved, using it as a platform to promote itself and its own education initiatives.
Fixing the period for the ninth election of representatives to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (A8-0145/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner)
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (A8-0110/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ UKIP voted against giving consent to this procedure. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. UKIP is extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (Resolution) (A8-0119/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. UKIP is extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (A8-0131/2018 - Helga Stevens)
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (Additional Protocol) (A8-0132/2018 - Helga Stevens)
Packaging and packaging waste (A8-0029/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
End-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0013/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
Procedural rules in the field of environmental reporting (A8-0253/2017 - Francesc Gambús)
UKIP MEPs abstained on this legislative report. UKIP are in favour of the removal of EU legislation to avoid overburden to people, organisations and Member States and agree that any legislation that does not serve its objective should be removed. However, UKIP are against the overreaching amount of EU environmental legislation produced since the 1970s.
Integrity policy of the Commission, in particular the appointment of the Secretary-General of the European Commission (B8-0214/2018)
UKIP voted for this motion for a resolution regarding the appointment of Martin Selmayr to Secretary-General of the European Commission. We supported this motion due to its criticism of the manner in which the Commission conducted the appointment, the lack of action taken to resolve the situation, and the calls for a reassessment of the procedure and more transparency. However we feel the motion could have been far stronger in its criticism.
Progress on UN Global compacts for safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees (B8-0184/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. UKIP MEPs believe that the ‘UN compact on safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees’ has the ultimate aim to make illegal migration legal and to facilitate it in greater numbers. UKIP believe that the Dublin Agreement already sets out a fair system for refugees; the problem is that it is not being enforced effectively, which has led to the current migration crisis.
Implementation of the EU external financing instruments: mid-term review 2017 and the future post-2020 architecture (A8-0112/2018 - Marietje Schaake)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the propagation by the European Union of its foreign policy through the use of these funds that either interfere in the domestic policies of third party states or that are used to support the further expansion of the European Union. In particular, we are concerned by the changes made to the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace that allow it to fund military actors in third countries. We believe this contravenes existing Union law and its disregard is further evidence of the militarisation of the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Commission and executive agencies (A8-0137/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP voted against this. The Commission is unelected, unaccountable and has the sole power to originate EU law. Its executive agencies, as well as consuming vast amounts of taxpayers’ cash, are unaccountable and have powers far in excess of what such bodies should have. We note with concern, as noted in the report, that EUR 900 million was spent on management costs and fees. We also note the concerns expressed about corruption in Pre-Accession Funding, especially in Turkey.
Discharge 2016: Court of Auditors' special reports in the context of the 2016 Commission discharge (A8-0130/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP voted against this. We share the concern expressed in the report that projects in the Natura theme were unsustainable, and that a serious ‘audit gap’ has opened up between Member States. Most seriously, we note that the Courts of Justice of the European Union denied access to auditors of certain financial documents, a move we find at best incompetent, and at worst, suspicious. We also note with concern a trend towards auditors not being drawn from accounting professions due to a professional competency, but being drawn due to allegiance to the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th EDFs (A8-0123/2018 - Barbara Kappel)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Parliament (A8-0105/2018 - Derek Vaughan)
UKIP voted against this. The EU Parliament is little more than a talking shop, and lacks the legitimacy and powers of the British Parliament. The EU Parliament has shown a political vindictiveness and lack of maturity around Brexit, epitomised by the appointment of arch-federalist Guy Verhofstadt as EU Parliament negotiator. Despite our alleged ‘influence’, British MEPs account for barely 10% of the total, placing us totally at the voting mercy of our ‘partners’ and thus making it impossible for British interests to be defended. We note with satisfaction our imminent departure.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0116/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
UKIP voted against this for several reasons. One key reason, as identified by the report, was the lack of transparency identified in the report, and we feel that this alone would be grounds for rejection. We also feel that the EU Council, with its unelected EU President is not a legitimate organ for EU law making, and we not the ‘President’ is appointed in secret under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, which EU citizens were denied a promised referendum on.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Justice (A8-0122/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Auditors (A8-0089/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Economic and Social Committee (A8-0097/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European External Action Service (A8-0128/2018 - Marco Valli)
UKIP voted against this discharge procedure. UKIP voted against granting discharge and closing the accounts for EU agencies and institutions. UKIP is opposed to all EU institutions and agencies as they are not democratically controlled and waste billions of taxpayers’ money. In particular we are concerned by the EEAS spending to attempt to influence media within the European Union and its censorship activities. As such we supported Amendment 3.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Ombudsman (A8-0100/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Data Protection Supervisor (A8-0099/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) (A8-0074/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT) (A8-0106/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0068/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) (A8-0098/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (A8-0066/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0083/2018 - Bart Staes)
UKIP MEP’s have voted in favour of postponing the discharge of the EASO. UKIP are highly concerned with both the significant budget increases for the agency and the fact that so many payments are listed as irregular. UKIP MEP’s also supported the accompanying resolution as it highlighted the issues as to why, until the OLAF investigation has concluded, it cannot discharge this agency.
Discharge 2016: European Banking Authority (EBA) (A8-0067/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (A8-0085/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Environment Agency (EEA) (A8-0090/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) (A8-0107/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (A8-0091/2018 - Indrek Tarand)
Discharge 2016: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (A8-0087/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) (A8-0088/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) (A8-0096/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Medicines Agency (EMA) (A8-0103/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) (A8-0081/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (A8-0078/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) (A8-0114/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) (A8-0079/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Training Foundation (ETF) (A8-0080/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) (A8-0111/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) (A8-0084/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) (A8-0092/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Police Office (Europol) (A8-0109/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (A8-0093/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) (A8-0108/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) (A8-0071/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (A8-0070/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH2) (A8-0073/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI) (A8-0075/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy Joint Undertaking (A8-0095/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R) (A8-0076/2018 - Brian Hayes)
EU-Lebanon Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0352/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
EU-Norway Agreement concerning additional trade preferences in agricultural products (A8-0126/2018 - Tiziana Beghin)
Inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework (A8-0262/2017 - Norbert Lins)
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement (A8-0208/2017 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (A8-0373/2017 - Mercedes Bresso, Rainer Wieland)
Implementation of the 7th Environment Action Programme (A8-0059/2018 - Daciana Octavia Sârbu)
Gender equality in the media sector in the EU (A8-0031/2018 - Michaela Šojdrová)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Although there were aspects such as incitement to hatred, violence against women, or cyber-bullying, which we wholly deplore, we did not support this report, as we oppose gender quotas and gender mainstreaming in policy, which this report calls for. We believe that equality can be achieved through other means. Furthermore, we oppose the call to unblock the ‘Women on Boards Directive’, which also called for obligatory gender quotas in listed companies and for penalties for those who breached the directive.
Empowering women and girls through the digital sector (B8-0183/2018)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. We are for equal opportunities for all, both men and women. Whilst we are in favour of pushing for more women and men to be involved in the digital sector, to improve opportunities in the labour market and to reduce the gender pay gap, we do not believe that this needs to be achieved through gender mainstreaming within policy. The EU should not interfere with the national curricula of Member States with regard to digital literacy, since this is the prerogative of national governments, as is the empowerment of all, which can likewise be achieved through national governments and not at EU level.
Implementation of the Development Cooperation Instrument, the Humanitarian Aid Instrument and the European Development Fund (A8-0118/2018 - Enrique Guerrero Salom)
Enhancing developing countries' debt sustainability (A8-0129/2018 - Charles Goerens)
Strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU (A8-0138/2018 - Marc Joulaud)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative, own-initiative report because it concerns cohesion policy and the spending of EU money, which we are against. We have also voted in favour of Amendment 1, because it is critical of EU spending and the economy, reiterating rights for sovereign control of these areas.
EU-USA Bilateral Agreement on prudential measures regarding insurance and reinsurance (A8-0008/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
The EU should be prioritising similar agreement with the UK as part of the Brexit process, the fact that the EU is not doing so demonstrates its bad faith. If the EU can agree mutual recognition of regulation on insurance and re-insurance with the USA it should do the same with the world’s premier insurance and re-insurance market in London. Accordingly UKIP voted against.
Definition, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks and protection of geographical indications thereof (A8-0021/2018 - Pilar Ayuso)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: authorisation of genetically modified maize 59122 (DAS-59122-7) (B8-0122/2018)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: authorisation of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × NK603 and genetically modified maize combining two of the events MON 87427, MON 89034 and NK603 (B8-0124/2018)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/006 ES/Galicia apparel (A8-0033/2018 - Esteban González Pons)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/007 SE/Ericsson (A8-0032/2018 - Urmas Paet)
Commission decision to activate Article 7 (1) TEU as regards the situation in Poland (B8-0119/2018, B8-0120/2018, B8-0121/2018)
Situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2016 (A8-0025/2018 - Frank Engel)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports the broad concept of fundamental rights but does not agree that an EU approach to fundamental rights is the best approach given the different cultures and diversity of Europe. UKIP MEPs did, however, vote in favour of a number of amendments that support national sovereignty and the right for Member States to control their own immigration policies.
Cutting the sources of income for Jihadists - targeting the financing of terrorism (A8-0035/2018 - Javier Nart)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We take the combatting of terrorism extremely seriously and we have campaigned against one of the primary sources of financing of terrorism within UK and European mosques originating from the Middle East, primarily Saudi Arabia. We are supportive of effective UK Government-led initiatives to further combat terrorist financing in conjunction with appropriate international cooperation. However this report calls on the Commission to further intrude in the internal affairs of Member States, to grant the Commission a greater role in the coordination of intelligence and other policy areas and for more EU Commission spending. We cannot support these initiatives.
EU priorities for the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (A8-0022/2018 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Ángela Vallina)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative non-binding report. We fully support gender equality, the empowerment of women, access to healthcare and education; tackling discrimination and violence against women; reducing the pensions gap and the gender pay gap. However, we fully oppose gender mainstreaming in policy. We believe national governments are able to resolve such issues and invest how they wish, and this should not be dictated nor conducted at EU level. Furthermore, we viewed this report as a form of EU self-promotion at the UN and on the international stage.
Marrakesh Treaty: facilitating the access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled (A8-0400/2017 - Max Andersson)
Jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility, and international child abduction (A8-0388/2017 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
UKIP voted to abstain on this because we believe that the welfare of a child who has been abducted through a matrimonial matter should be protected and the time taken to repatriate the child should be cut and the process made more efficient. However this is really a matter that should be discussed at Member State level and not as a whole block.
Implementation of the Youth Employment Initiative in the Member States (A8-0406/2017 - Romana Tomc)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We believe firmly in tackling rising youth unemployment but we do not support EU initiative. This report suggests several overbearing policies that allow the Commission to interfere in the domestic policies of Member States, something we cannot support. Furthermore this report fails to address all potential causes of youth unemployment such as the link with mass, uncontrolled immigration.
Implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive and the need for reform in professional services (A8-0401/2017 - Nicola Danti)
UKIP have voted against this own-initiative report. UKIP do not believe that the harmonisation of professional service requirements is necessary. Additionally, UKIP MEPs believe that Member States are more than capable of regulating professional services themselves, without the involvement of the Commission.
Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items (A8-0390/2017 - Klaus Buchner)
. ‒ We voted against this because we feel that the EU has no right to interfere in international trade. Dual-use items are a complex issue, and the EU is aiming to complicate it further with regulations in this already sensitive and difficult area. We feel that the EU’s attempt to cloak this move with concerns about ‘human rights’ is simply a smokescreen for interference and politicising trade.
Promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (A8-0392/2017 - José Blanco López)
. ‒ Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy Directive. The Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reduction. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amounts of money in activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom from absurd targets, unilaterally set by the unelected Commission, will allow Britain to rejoin the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Energy efficiency (A8-0391/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy Directive. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amount of money for activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom towards absurd targets unilaterally set by the unelected EU Commission will allow Britain to re-join the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Governance of the Energy Union (A8-0402/2017 - Michèle Rivasi, Claude Turmes)
Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy regulation. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amount of money for activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom towards absurd targets unilaterally set by the unelected EU Commission will allow Britain to re-join the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Management, conservation and control measures applicable in the Convention Area of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (A8-0377/2017 - Linnéa Engström)
Implementation of EU macro-regional strategies (A8-0389/2017 - Andrea Cozzolino)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative own—initiative report on the implementation of EU macro-regional strategies. The EU macro-regions are the Baltic Sea, the Danube Region, the Adriatic and Ionian Region and the Alpine Region. The document encourages improved coordination and better partnerships between different actors and policies at national and regional level. This can be viewed as a move towards further harmonisation of policies. In addition, this document calls on the Commission a number of times. For these reasons, UKIP has voted against this non-legislative report.
Conservation of fishery resources and protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures (A8-0381/2017 - Gabriel Mato)
The many measures in this long, technical report effectively extend the Common Fisheries Policy well into the future. Although we oppose the whole policy as a long-term disaster for the UK and are against the further loading of cost onto the UK’s suffering fishermen, we abstained in order to ensure that the prohibition on electric charge (pulse) fishing comes in as soon as possible and stops this destructive practice.
International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (A8-0399/2017 - José Inácio Faria)
Women, gender equality and climate justice (A8-0403/2017 - Linnéa Engström)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative non-binding report. UKIP opposes the EU climate—change agenda. Whilst there were many sensitive aspects to this report regarding the vulnerability of women and the exacerbation of violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, which we want to tackle, we are against more EU action. This report called for gender mainstreaming within climate—change policy and to impose sanctions on those that did not conform to gender quotas. We disagree with the concept of gender quotas and believe in positions based on merit not gender.Furthermore, we do not support calls for additional funding. Therefore in light of all the above, we opposed this report.
Mobilisation of the Contingency margin in 2017 (A8-0372/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP voted against this budgetary decision. The Contingency Margin is a last-resort financial mechanism for the EU to react to unforeseen circumstances and amounts to 0.003% of the EU’s GNI. This proposal was related to the spending of an extra EUR 1.9 billion on EU security migration policy. That money has already been spent, but the decision here is whether it should be paid back in 2 years or 3 years by lowering future budget lines (this proposal wanted to extend it to 3 years). UKIP voted against as it would mean a higher budget for the EU to spend on administration in 2018, and also this proposal was part of the final agreement on the setting of the overall EU budget for 2018 worth EUR 160.1 billion.
Draft amending Budget No 6/2017: Reduction of payment and commitment appropriations in line with updated forecasts of expenditure and update of revenue (own resources and fines) (A8-0379/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP voted in favour of this budgetary decision. The proposal here is regarding a recalculation of estimated needs in the EU budget, an update of revenue from fines and the UK correction. While UKIP opposed Parliament’s comments that went with it, we voted in favour overall as the proposal would see EUR 9.8 billion return to Member States. (Meaning a reduction in the amount each Member State has to contribute to the EU).
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide for the payment of advances in the general budget 2018 (A8-0371/2017 - Inese Vaidere)
UKIP abstained on this budgetary decision. The EU Solidarity Fund has a budget of EUR 500 million a year and is used for disaster relief in Europe. This proposal is to take EUR 50 million of that money and ‘frontload’ it. This means that this amount of money can be more quickly mobilised in the event of a natural disaster. The EUR 500 million is something that is already budgeted for and this proposal won’t mean more money has to be taken from taxpayers. UKIP has criticised the speed at which the EU reacts to disasters in the past, and as this money is for disaster relief we decided it would be wrong to oppose.
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats (A8-0370/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan)
UKIP voted against this budgetary decision. The Flexibility Instrument is an EU financial tool which currently has EUR 1.4 billion available to it and allows the EU spend money on individual areas which would often break normal budgetary ceilings. This proposal is to mobilise EUR 837 million over the next 4 years for the EU to spend more money on migration and security. UKIP voted against as we oppose the unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money, especially in a failing policy area.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/005 FI/Retail (A8-0366/2017 - Răzvan Popa)
UKIP voted against this budgetary decision. This proposal is to give EUR 2.4 million (60% match funding) for 1 500 redundancies in Finland. The money will be spent on projects like coaching measures, training courses, start-up grants, pay subsidy, and allowances for travel and accommodation. UKIP voted against as we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money on unemployment measures in other countries.
2018 budgetary procedure (A8-0359/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan, Richard Ashworth)
UKIP voted against this budgetary decision. This was a final agreement behind closed between the Council, EU Parliament and Commission on setting the EU budget. The final agreement for 2018 will set the EU budget at EUR 160.1 billion. UKIP voted against, as we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending huge amounts of taxpayers’ money.
Changes to the resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and to the resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal and for the European territorial cooperation goal (A8-0358/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this first reading of this legislative report. The document wished to make a number of technical changes due to the release of recent statistical data. The Commission want to increase the amount of money spent on schemes such as the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) which has been extended from 2017 to 2020. In accordance with this they want an increase of EUR 1.2 billion for the YEI. This is just the EU wanting to waste more UK taxpayer money on schemes that produce poor results and for this reason this is why UKIP MEPs have voted against.
EU-Egypt Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Egypt in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0353/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
EU-Algeria Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Algeria in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0354/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
EU-Jordan Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Jordan in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0355/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
Accession of Chile, Iceland and Bahamas to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0364/2017 - Angel Dzhambazki)
Accession of Panama, Uruguay, Colombia and El Salvador to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0362/2017 - Angel Dzhambazki)
Accession of San Marino to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0360/2017 - Angel Dzhambazki)
Accession of Georgia and South Africa to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0361/2017 - Angel Dzhambazki)
Value added tax obligations for supplies of services and distance sales of goods (A8-0307/2017 - Cătălin Sorin Ivan)
Administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax (A8-0306/2017 - Luděk Niedermayer)
Situation in Yemen (RC-B8-0649/2017, B8-0649/2017, B8-0650/2017, B8-0651/2017, B8-0652/2017, B8-0653/2017, B8-0654/2017, B8-0655/2017, B8-0656/2017)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned at the ongoing humanitarian crisis occurring because of internal instability and the power politics games played between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Arms exports are an intricate part of government policy, linked with both economic well—being and foreign policy interests. Whilst we are concerned at aspects of UK Government policy, in particular regarding Saudi Arabia, there is no justification for the transfer of these powers to the EU which, following Brexit, will be a foreign power. We are extremely concerned at the British Government’s apparent willingness to do so, expressed in their position paper on foreign affairs following Brexit.
Implementation of the European Disability Strategy (A8-0339/2017 - Helga Stevens)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We as a party are supportive of a balanced approach that supports disabled people’s rights and protections without creating an undue burden on business. Domestically we have expressed strong opposition to several policy areas that have failed to do this. This report however consistently calls for either fresh legislative initiative from the Commission or extensive involvement of the Commission in the domestic affairs of Member States. On principal this is something we cannot support.
Establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (recast) (A8-0345/2017 - Cecilia Wikström)
EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Consent) (A8-0327/2017 - Charles Tannock)
. – UKIP voted against providing consent to this agreement. We do not support the development of EU foreign policy. New Zealand is a Commonwealth member and we look forward to reinvigorating the UK’s relationship with this country post Brexit. We are pleased to note the strong calls coming from New Zealand for increased trade links among Commonwealth nations.
EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Resolution) (A8-0333/2017 - Charles Tannock)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We do not support the development of EU foreign policy. New Zealand is a Commonwealth member and we look forward to reinvigorating the UK’s relationship with this country post Brexit. We are pleased to note the strong calls coming from New Zealand for increased trade links amongst Commonwealth nations.
The EU-Africa Strategy: a boost for development (A8-0334/2017 - Maurice Ponga)
. – In this non-legislative own—initiative report on the EU-Africa Strategy: a boost for development, UKIP MEPs voted against. ACP means ‘African, Caribbean and Pacific’ states. ‘The document ‘calls for the parliamentary dimension of ACP-EU to be stepped up.’ They see the ACP as an important entity to help strengthen democracy, the rule of law and respect of human rights. However, the ACP is just another EU Trojan horse. The EU finances approximately 50% of the costs of the ACP secretariat. The report ‘recalls that Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change; considers it essential for the EU to develop a strategic approach to building climate resilience and to support African countries, in particular the least developed countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt.’ It is argued that African countries have more important concerns when it comes to spending money than focussing on climate change scaremongering. In addition, the document states that it wants to ‘respect the commitment given in Paris in 2015 to allocate USD 100 billion to developing countries by 2020.’ This is the EU throwing money at a problem and hoping that it will go away, so UKIP voted against.
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2016 (A8-0328/2017 - Marlene Mizzi)
. – UKIP abstained on this non-legislative report. We support the right of anyone who feels they have been mistreated by the EU institutions to seek redress via the ombudsman. However, we voted to abstain on this, as we do not believe all of the provisions within this report are in the British interest.
Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) (B8-0590/2017)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative resolution. UKIP believe that a new EU legislative tool to inspect the rightful application of unilaterally imposed legislation is not the answer to the improvement of environmental policies in Europe. Independence and freedom from absurd targets unilaterally set by the unelected EU Commission will allow Britain to re-join the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Combating inequalities as a lever to boost job creation and growth (A8-0340/2017 - Javi López)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst we support effective measures to increase economic opportunities for all citizens, we cannot support this report. Primarily, it supports the implementation of new EU legislation and increased interference by the Commission in the internal affairs of Member States. Additionally, many of the proposals contained within this report would have the opposite effect of their stated aims.
Period for adopting delegated acts (A8-0332/2017 - Gesine Meissner)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative initiative. This would extend the Commission’s power to bypass parliamentary scrutiny of changes to a Directive on intelligent road systems, and make unilateral changes to the legislation. Whilst we object to all EU institutions legislating on behalf of the UK, the European Parliament allows some level of democratic scrutiny on otherwise unaccountable decisions made in the Commission.
Protection against dumped and subsidised imports from countries not members of the EU (A8-0236/2017 - Salvatore Cicu)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative first reading report as we felt that the recommendations would not be sufficiently strong to protect us from unfair or abusive trade practices in relation to partners. In addition, we note that whilst independent countries like America can and do take decisive action against trade abuse, EU policy is not as effective in this area.
Rule of law in Malta (B8-0596/2017, B8-0597/2017)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We express our sincere condolences to the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia and support the on-going independent investigation into the circumstances to her death. We hope her killers are brought to justice. However we are completely opposed to any attempt at politicising her death or using it as a catalyst for the European Commission or any other EU institution to interfere in the internal affairs of Malta. Any allegations of illegal wrongdoing should be investigated by the appropriate authorities within Malta. We remain resolutely opposed to any use of the Rule of Law Mechanism.
Multilateral negotiations in view of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (B8-0593/2017)
. – UKIP abstained on this non-legislative resolution. We note with satisfaction that this is the last time that the EU will represent us in the WTO Ministerial Conference before Brexit. We look forward to an independent Britain being a helpful and active participant in the WTO once free of the EU. In the meantime, we chose to abstain.
Eastern Partnership: November 2017 Summit (A8-0308/2017 - Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Knut Fleckenstein)
Action Plan for nature, people and the economy (B8-0589/2017)
The situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland (B8-0594/2017, B8-0595/2017)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are opposed to any use of the Rule of Law Mechanism in which the Commission interferes in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. The Law and Justice Party sought and received a democratic mandate in free and fair elections to form a government and pursue its agenda. Any allegations of unconstitutional or illegal activity should be dealt with by the courts within Poland and have no need for the involvement of the Commission.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/004 IT/Almaviva (A8-0346/2017 - Daniele Viotti)
. – UKIP voted against this budgetary decision. The proposal is to give over EUR 3.3 million to 1 610 Italian workers who have lost their jobs. The money will go to things like retraining, job seeking, allowances for travel, start-up grants etc. UKIP voted against as we don’t believe UK taxpayers’ money should be used for poor economic decisions in other countries. This is nothing more than EU unemployment benefit.
Saving lives: boosting car safety in the EU (A8-0330/2017 - Dieter-Lebrecht Koch)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whist we take the issue of car safety seriously the UK has perfectly sufficient legislation in place. This report calls for unnecessary harmonisation of standards and contains calls for several legislative initiatives which we cannot accept. Any changes to laws affecting the UK should originate in our own sovereign Parliamentary democracy.
Territorial typologies (A8-0231/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this first reading on the territorial typologies. Traditionally, typologies of territory are determined by population size and density of local administrative units, such as communes and local authorities. The main policy objectives of the initiative are to establish a legal recognition of territorial typologies, including the definitions of cities, for the purpose of European statistics. They want to have the same definitions for the whole of the EU rather than having individual definitions for different countries. The aim of this proposal is to further refine the data that the EU has on its Member States and in doing so make it possible to accumulate data according to clear-cut typologies. This will just help the EU compose more specific legislation for these areas and for this reason UKIP has voted against.
Recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation (A8-0338/2016 - Gesine Meissner)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative initiative. Fundamentally we disagree with the EU institutions deciding any law affecting the UK. Specifically in this case the UK has its own licensing system. EU involvement and harmonisation is unnecessary and potentially damaging. A similar scheme applied to the UK’s road infrastructure created a national shortage of drivers and therefore disrupted the economy. Voting against protects against any potential negative impacts on the UK’s inland waterways.
Cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (A8-0077/2017 - Olga Sehnalová)
. – UKIP have voted against this legislative first reading report. UKIP disagree that harmonisation of consumer protection across Europe is needed, as well as opposing the idea that the scope of the existing CPC regulation needs extending, or its efficiency strengthening. In addition to this, UKIP believe that Member States can act on their own accord without involvement from the Commission.
Deployment of cohesion policy instruments by regions to address demographic change (A8-0329/2017 - Iratxe García Pérez)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative own initiative report on the deployment of cohesion policy instruments by Regions to address demographic change. The report talks about the characteristics of demographic change in the EU, such as decreasing population densities, falling birth rates and gradual depopulation. It calls for the establishment of an EU-wide legal framework that specifically recognises all territories facing demographic disadvantage and calls on the Commission to include a new flagship initiative on demographic change in the Europe 2020. UKIP has voted against as the report is calling for the Commission to create more EU-wide legal frameworks and to adopt a European strategy on demographic change; this is a national issue not an EU one.
Action plan on retail financial services (A8-0326/2017 - Olle Ludvigsson)
. – This non-legislative report calls on the Commission to, inter alia, ensure competition in retail financial services is not ‘distorted’; however, we recognise that the Commission is on the side of big business which wants to avoid disruption and will use this as an excuse to stifle competition rather than to enhance it. Accordingly UKIP voted against.
Implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive (A8-0297/2017 - Laura Ferrara)
Respect for private life and the protection of personal data in electronic communications and repealing Directive 2002/58/EC (Regulation on Privacy and Electronic Communications) (A8-0324/2017 - Marju Lauristin)
Combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU (RC-B8-0576/2017, B8-0576/2017, B8-0577/2017, B8-0578/2017, B8-0579/2017, B8-0580/2017, B8-0581/2017, B8-0582/2017)
UKIP voted to abstain on this non-legislative, motion for resolution. We utterly deplore any form of sexual harassment and abuse, particularly in the work place. Therefore, we welcome initiatives taken to tackle workplace harassment internally within the European Parliament and EU institutions.However, whilst we condemn any form of violence against women, this report called for more legislation, which would encroach on the policies of Member States. In this respect we believe it is at the discretion of National governments to decide on policy and legislation.
Negotiating mandate for trade negotiations with Australia (A8-0311/2017 - Daniel Caspary)
UKIP voted against this. Whilst we usually support free trade talks, we note that the EU has initiated these talks at precisely the time the EU says the UK cannot discuss trade deals with anyone the EU is discussing a deal with. We regard this as a cynical ploy to stop Britain forging global trade deals, particularly with Commonwealth countries.
Negotiating mandate for trade negotiations with New Zealand (A8-0312/2017 - Daniel Caspary)
UKIP voted against this. Whilst we usually support free trade talks, we note that the EU has initiated these talks at precisely the time the EU says the UK cannot discuss trade deals with anyone the EU is discussing a deal with. We regard this as a cynical ploy to stop Britain forging global trade deals, particularly with Commonwealth countries.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2015 (A8-0265/2017 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
UKIP MEPs voted against this non-binding own-initiative report. This report is critical of Member States’ application of refugee quotas and calls for further infringement action to be taken. It is concerning that this report calls for more infringement action to be taken against Member States when they fail to implement EU law either in a timely manner or at all.
Draft general budget of the European Union for 2018 - all sections
UKIP voted in favour of all amendments to cut EU budget lines, and voted against all increases. This vote was to set the EU budget for 2018. UKIP tabled 66 amendments to the budget, which would have saved EUR 3.6 billion. However, all but two were rejected. The two amendments that passed demanded the end of taxpayers’ money being used to indirectly support bullfighting from EU agricultural payment funds. The initial Commission proposal for the 2018 EU budget was EUR 160.6 billion (1.7% increase on 2017), it then went to the Council who amended it down to EUR 158.9 billion (0.63% increase on 2017) and then the EU Parliament proposal was to increase it to EUR 162.5 billion. The next stage of the process is for the EU Parliament and the Council to meet for a series of ‘conciliation’ meetings to make a deal behind closed doors as they couldn’t agree on the final budget ceilings. UKIP believes only our elected national government has the right to spend taxpayers’ money, not unaccountable EU institutions.
General budget of the European Union for 2018 - all sections (A8-0299/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan, Richard Ashworth)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. This resolution is the political view of Parliament which accompanies the 2018 EU budget lines vote. Overall the report called for a bigger EU budget, more EU initiatives and an increased multiannual financial framework. UKIP believes only our elected national government has the right to spend taxpayers’ money, not unaccountable EU institutions.
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0291/2017 - Bart Staes)
UKIP voted in favour of the proposal to refuse discharge and in favour of the accompanying non-legislative resolution. The ‘discharge’ is a yearly procedure where the EU Parliament looks through the budgets of all EU institutions and agencies to decide whether they have been used correctly. This proposal is to refuse to grant discharge to the EU Council. For many years there has been a recurring problem with the Council. Under the EU treaties it says the Parliament has the right to grant discharge to the Commission, but it doesn’t say anything about the Parliament granting discharge to any other EU institution or agency. Because of this the Council doesn’t cooperate with this transparency procedure. This decision and resolution criticises the Council for not being more open about their budgeting. UKIP always opposes the granting of discharge and the closure of accounts, and supports any calls for greater transparency, as we oppose all these EU institutions and agencies in principle.
Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens (A8-0064/2017 - Marita Ulvskog)
UKIP abstained on this legislation. We fully support appropriate measures to protect the health and welfare of workers. We believe that all legislation should be initiated by sovereign Member States. This however does not create new legislation but rather updates existing legislation already in place according to the latest scientific consensus.
Establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data of third country nationals crossing the EU external borders (A8-0057/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative first reading report. In principle, UKIP largely support the measures proposed. With the significant increase in terrorist and criminal threat, it is only logical to have a system that electronically registers biometric information and records where and when third country nationals entered the EU. UKIP do, however, believe that the management of borders should not be a competence of the EU and should be the sole right of a sovereign state. Moreover, UKIP MEPs also have concerns with regards to the centralisation of sensitive information which can be accessed by all Member States and EU agencies. For these two reasons, UKIP voted against this report.
Amendment of the Schengen Borders Code as regards the use of the Entry/Exit System (A8-0059/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative first reading report. This report is a technical supplement to enable the establishment of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which UKIP oppose. Therefore to keep consistent with our approach to the EES, UKIP MEPs voted against enabling changes to the Schengen Borders Code which would facilitate the EES.
Fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism (A8-0294/2017 - Soraya Post)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. UKIP fully opposes all forms of discrimination based on a person’s race, ethnicity, culture or religion and, in principle, supports the broad aims of this report. UKIP does, however, oppose aspects of the report which clearly breach the principle of subsidiarity. UKIP believes that whilst more should be done to protect Roma people, Member States should be able to decide what practices are best to achieve this goal.
EU-Morocco Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement (A8-0303/2017 - Dominique Riquet)
Authorising France to apply a reduced rate of certain indirect taxes on ‘traditional’ rum produced in Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion (A8-0304/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this consultation procedure. These special taxes pre-date the existence of the formation of the EU so France should not have to ask the Commission for permission to reduce the rate of these indirect taxes. The EU does not have the right to be intervening in national state affairs. This is just yet again another example of the EU intervening in state affairs that should not concern them. France should be able to regulate its own special tax arrangements with its own outermost regions without having to ask for permission first. In conclusion, this is why UKIP have voted against this document.
Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking: financial contributions (A8-0293/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Subjecting furanylfentanyl to control measures (A8-0309/2017 - Michał Boni)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. The UK already has measures in place to control these drugs under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. The UK is not bound by this decision taken at EU level, however UKIP believe that controlling the drug in the EU could be beneficial in combatting the drug being available in the UK.
Control of spending and monitoring of EU Youth Guarantee schemes cost-effectiveness (A8-0296/2017 - Derek Vaughan)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. The EU Youth Guarantee scheme is a commitment by all Member States to ensure all young people under the age of 25 receive a good quality offer of employment, further education or apprenticeship within a 4 month period of becoming unemployed or leaving education. This report does call for greater transparency and oversight of taxpayers’ money, however the main thrust is calling for more EU money to be spent, more interference in Member States employment policies and more EU initiatives. UKIP believes only our elected national government should decide employment policy, not unaccountable EU institutions.
CE marked fertilising products (A8-0270/2017 - Mihai Ţurcanu)
UKIP have voted against this legislative, first reading report as UKIP disagree with EU harmonisation and any attempts to strengthen the single market. UKIP voted in favour for any amendments which wished to increase phosphorus pentoxide levels to 80 mg/kg in order to protect British industry whilst keeping cadmium levels at a safe level. UKIP also voted in favour of any amendments which postponed the implementation of such limits, again in order to protect British interests.
Information exchange on, and an early warning system and risk assessment procedure for, new psychoactive substances (A8-0359/2016 - Michał Boni)
UKIP MEP’s have voted against this legislative first reading report. UKIP fully support the fight against drugs and recognise that tackling the issue in the EU will likely have positive repercussions in combatting illegal drugs within the UK. UKIP do not, however, support the inclusion of Europol within this proposed system. Moreover, the establishment of this system will cost the taxpayer approximately EUR 670 000. UKIP believe taxpayers’ money should be utilised more efficiently.
Renewing the approval of the active substance glyphosate (Objection pursuant to Rule 106) (B8-0567/2017)
Authorisation of genetically modified maize 1507 (Objection pursuant to Rule 106) (B8-0568/2017)
Authorisation of genetically modified soybean 305423 x 40-3-2 (Objection pursuant to Rule 106) (B8-0570/2017)
Authorisation of genetically modified oilseed rapes MON 88302 x Ms8 x Rf3 (Objection pursuant to Rule 106) (B8-0569/2017)
Draft amending budget No 5/2017: financing for the European Fund for Sustainable Development and increasing the Emergency Aid Reserve (A8-0301/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP voted against this legislative budgetary decision. This vote, linked to the mobilisation of the Flexibility Mechanism vote, is in two parts and will increase the EU budget by EUR 297.8 million overall. The first part is the European Fund for Sustainable Development which will get EUR 275 million of this money for the creation of a new budget line which will be used to offer financial loans, grants and guarantees to foster private sector investment in countries outside Europe. The second part is to increase the Emergency Aid Reserve (EAR) by EUR 22.8 million from this money. The EAR is a ‘last resort’ financial instrument that is used to give aid to other countries. UKIP believes only our elected national government has the right to spend taxpayers’ money, not unaccountable EU institutions and thus we oppose all EU budget increases in principle.
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to provide the financing for the European Fund for Sustainable Development (A8-0298/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP voted against this legislative budgetary decision. The Flexibility Instrument operates outside the normal budgetary ceilings, has a budget of EUR 471 million a year and is used as a way to spend more money on specific budget lines in order to circumvent normal budgetary spending limits. This vote, linked to the Draft Amending Budget 5 vote, is to transfer EUR 275 million from the Flexibility Mechanism to the newly-created European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) budget line. The EFSD will be used to offer financial loans, grants and guarantees to foster private sector investment in countries outside Europe. UKIP believes that only our elected national government has the right to spend taxpayers’ money, not unaccountable EU institutions and thus we oppose all EU budget increases in principle.
Reflection paper on the future of EU finances (B8-0565/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding resolution. This resolution is the EU Parliament’s reaction to the Commission's ‘reflection paper’ setting out different future options for the financing of the EU budget. The resolution calls for increases in the long-term EU budget (MFF), encourages a dedicated euro area budget, uses Brexit as an opportunity to end all rebates, and creates a new system of own resources where the EU collects more money itself, to take funding away from national contributions. The resolution goes on to criticise four of the five options in the Commission reflection paper as the EU rolling back its responsibilities and action, but goes on to give its full support to option 5 which would mean radically more EU power, spending and action. UKIP opposes a bigger budget and more power for the EU.
Legitimate measures to protect whistle-blowers acting in the public interest (A8-0295/2017 - Virginie Rozière)
UKIP MEPs voted against this own-initiative report. It is important to ensure that, where necessary, the protection of whistle-blowers is maintained. However issues of this nature should remain purely within the remit of the Member State. The EU cannot look at an issue of this nature and propose a one-size-fits-all policy. It is important to ensure that transparency is maintained, especially within the EU institutions; however, this report was not solely about that.
Minimum income policies as a tool for fighting poverty (A8-0292/2017 - Laura Agea)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We support economic and tax arrangements that support low income workers as a principle but we cannot support this report. Many suggestions contained within would likely have a negative economic outcome and repeated calls for the use of EU taxpayer’s money and the creation of new EU level legislation is something we must vote against.
Enhanced cooperation: European Public Prosecutor's Office (A8-0290/2017 - Barbara Matera)
UKIP MEPs voted against this technically legislative report. UKIP has repeatedly opposed any attempt by the EU to establish a public prosecutor. The EPPO clearly increases the judicial powers of the EU and intrudes upon national judicial sovereignty. Although the UK does not participate in this enhanced cooperation procedure, the establishment of this body will still impact on the UK. As the UK has signed up to other directives, most notably the European Arrest Warrant, the EPPO will be able to circumvent the UK’s opt-out on this proposal. For these reasons, UKIP voted against the establishment of the EPPO.
Prison systems and conditions (A8-0251/2017 - Joëlle Bergeron)
UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports recommendations in this report that concern the urgent need to combat radicalisation in prisons. Despite other very reasonable suggestions in this report, UKIP MEPs believe that prison systems and conditions are the sole responsibility of each Member State. Primarily for this reason, UKIP MEPs abstained on this report.
Agreement establishing the EU-LAC International Foundation (A8-0279/2017 - Javier Couso Permuy)
Schengen acquis provisions relating to the Visa Information System in Bulgaria and Romania (A8-0286/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
Automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in the Czech Republic (A8-0288/2017 - Maria Grapini)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Portugal (A8-0289/2017 - Jaromír Štětina)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Greece (A8-0287/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Safety rules and standards for passenger ships (A8-0167/2017 - Daniela Aiuto)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this first reading. It is important to understand that safety rules on passenger ships are important. In no way would UKIP MEPs agree to the EU managing the safety standards of Member States, but at the same time UKIP MEPs would never consider it acceptable to allow the safety of passengers and their rights to be put in danger.
Registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States (A8-0168/2017 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this legislative report. It is always important wherever necessary to tidy up the burdensome red tape that is produced by the EU. The amendment to this Directive updates, simplifies and clarifies the existing requirements for the counting and registration of passengers and crew on board passenger ships, whilst enhancing safety levels. However it does not go far enough and one proposal put forward by one of our MEPs is to have CCTV on decking to ensure safety of passengers in the event of any accidents.
System of inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger craft in regular service (A8-0165/2017 - Dominique Riquet)
UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this first reading. This is a review of the existing legislation which aims to simplify and rationalise it. There is a proposal to eliminate the legal uncertainty and redundancy caused by the co—existence of two directives on the inspection of vessels. It is important to ensure that any legislation that is to do with the safety of ro—ro ferries is clear to all parties involved and UKIP MEPs will ensure that no unnecessary red tape will confuse matters and cause any problems.
Objection to an implementing measure: scientific criteria for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties (B8-0542/2017)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean FG72 x A5547-127 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed (B8-0540/2017)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean DAS-44406-6, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed (B8-0541/2017)
Ending child marriage (B8-0535/2017)
UKIP voted to abstain on this non-binding motion for resolution. We utterly deplore such an abominable crime, and support tackling violence against women. However, we believe that this ought to be conducted at Member State level, and believe it is not for the EU to state where Member States spend their development aid, or to interfere with the financial decisions of international nations. The UK is already committed to the cause of ending forced marriage, duly considering it a criminal act under UK law.
2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany (COP23) (B8-0534/2017)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this Resolution on 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn. UKIP deny the Climate Change alarmism supported by green lobbies, often financed by the EU Commission. They are the cause of current damaging and counter-productive energy policy. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amounts of money into activity that will have little or no effect on climate.
State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom (B8-0538/2017, B8-0539/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding resolution. The resolution itself was a co-signed by a number of the political groups in the European Parliament. It included calls for a transition period to be under ECJ jurisdiction, that free movement continue, that Northern Ireland and the UK remain in the customs union, and that talks on a UK-EU trade deal be postponed. UKIP tabled 13 amendments calling for a range of things such as allowing the UK to start trade negotiations with third countries, that the ECJ must have no jurisdiction in the UK, that the Commission does not obstruct the UK bringing in border controls, that there should be no transition deal, and that Gibraltar should not be used as a bargaining chip. Unfortunately all these amendments were rejected. UKIP also tabled its own resolution, however this was not voted on as the joint resolution was passed first.
Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0205/2017 - Adina-Ioana Vălean)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. UKIP opposes the creation of new EU legislation in this field. UKIP believes it is necessary to increase legal certainty while preserving the environment and public health. However, UKIP insist that all decisions on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances should be taken at national level.
Management, conservation and control measures applicable in the ICCAT Convention area (A8-0173/2017 - Gabriel Mato)
UKIP MEPs reject this legislative proposal because, however powerful the case to conserve tuna by international agreement, the European Union is neither a state nor a nation and should not therefore be trying to behave as one by signing agreements which are by definition for signature by nations: the word ‘international’ means between nations and this is a further example of EU action which may be judged as ‘ultra vires’.
Women’s economic empowerment in the private and public sectors in the EU (A8-0271/2017 - Anna Hedh)
UKIP voted against this non-binding, non-legislative report. Although we fully support tackling discrimination and violence against women; as well as the empowerment of women; UKIP vehemently opposes all forms of gender quotas, gender mainstreaming and in particular the women on boards directive. We believe that such strategies are highly counterproductive and also discriminatory. All positions, including high-level positions ought to be determined by aptitude, and not gender.This report was extremely contradictory; on the one hand it pushed for gender quotas and women on boards, whilst at the same time called for anonymised euro-pass C.V’s, where C.V’s are unable to be determined by a person’s gender.Furthermore, not only was this report seeking to intervene in the employment policy of Member States; we also believe this report was intrusive in the private and domestic lives of families, with regard to the division of care.Overall, this was more interference on the part of the EU and undermines the sovereignty of Member States, via the need to enforce their gender mainstreaming agenda.
Addressing shrinking civil society space in developing countries (A8-0283/2017 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report, which wants to address the shrinking civil society space in developing countries. The document states that it ‘believes that a genuinely independent, pluralistic and vibrant civil society is pivotal to a country’s development and stability, to ensuring democracy and respect for human rights, and to building inclusive societies’. This sounds contradictory for an EU institution to say this, as they are more likely to try to control every aspect of a nation state. In addition to this, the report calls on the EU to ‘provide guidance to governments’. The governments of these nation states were elected by their own citizens to run the country how they see fit not by some foreign illegitimate political entity. Furthermore, the report wants to see the integration of all internal and external policies, including justice, home affairs, trade and security policies, in accordance with the principle of policy coherence for development. UKIP do not want to see the harmonisation of policies as it is up to the nation state to amend and implement policy and for these reasons UKIP MEPs voted against this own initiative report.
The fight against cybercrime (A8-0272/2017 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP MEPs believe that co-operation is needed in the fight to combat cybercrime, but that that this should be concluded bilaterally between sovereign nations. UKIP also strongly oppose any attempt by the EU to establish further legal frameworks, particularly when this seeks to establish common definitions on terms associated with cybercrime.
2016 Report on Turkey (A8-0234/2017 - Kati Piri)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. UKIP has always asserted that Turkey is incompatible with EU membership. Despite recent events, this report does not go far enough and there is no guaranteed permanent end to the prospect of accession. The report only calls for the suspension of negotiations and only on the condition that the constitutional reform package is passed unchanged. In addition, under these circumstances money would not be returned to the Member States but would rather be redirected. UKIP wants a permanent and indefinite end to the accession negotiations and an end to all payments.Additional paragraphs in the report call for the continuation of visa liberalisation and practical membership of the Customs Union. Given the weak position on ending accession negotiations, continued financial payments and other policies, we had to vote against.We remain extremely concerned at the increased authoritarianism of the Erdogan regime and the human rights situation throughout the country.
Setting up a special committee on terrorism, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B8-0477/2017)
. – UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. UKIP MEPs do not approve of establishing a new EU committee on terrorism, as this is already a competence of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Moreover, establishing a new committee would ultimately prove to be costly and ineffective, and would assist in the acceleration of EU legislation. UKIP MEPs did, however, support amendments to the resolution that weakened the mandate of the new committee.
European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) and establishing the EFSD Guarantee and the EFSD Guarantee Fund (A8-0170/2017 - Eduard Kukan, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
. – UKIP MEPs voted against this piece of legislation which seeks to see the establishment of the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) Guarantee and EFSD Guarantee Fund. The aims of the new fund are to mobilise EU grants to leverage investment from public and private sources to tackle the root causes of migration in the European Neighbourhood and Africa. The fund would be managed by the Commission and implemented in partnership with financial institutions such as the EIB.It is also proposed to have the Commission enhance technical assistance in partner countries and work towards improving the investment climate and overall policy environment in those countries. This means that the EU wants to be able to influence the countries’ national agendas and policies. This is just a case of the EU wasting more money and trying to increase its influence over nation states. For these reasons UKIP voted against.
Permitted uses of certain works and other protected subject-matter for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (A8-0097/2017 - Max Andersson)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative first reading. The Marrakesh Treaty is an excellent treaty to enable the visually impaired to have access to reading material. However, the EU has decided to proceed with a block ratification of the treaty. Treaties should be ratified within a timeframe that is comfortable and affordable to the Member States, and not forced through.
Cross-border exchange of accessible format copies of certain works and other protected subject-matter for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (A8-0102/2017 - Max Andersson)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative first reading. The Marrakesh Treaty is an excellent treaty to enable the visually impaired to have access to reading material. However the EU has decided to proceed with a block ratification of the treaty. Treaties should be ratified within a time frame that is comfortable and affordable to the Member State and not forced through.
Double taxation dispute resolution mechanisms in the EU (A8-0225/2017 - Michael Theurer)
EU action for sustainability (A8-0239/2017 - Seb Dance)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative report on EU Sustainability. UKIP believe that national parliaments, not the unelected EU Commission, should be responsible for deciding on citizens’ wellbeing and prosperity. We object to EU climate and energy policy whilst firmly denying the concept of manmade climate change.
Promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU (A8-0226/2017 - Younous Omarjee)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report on promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU. The report calls on the Commission to carry out a review of the outermost regions (OR) approach by examining their economic and social situations. It is none of the EU’s business to be intervening with these regions as it is the nation state who has the authority to conduct their own affairs however they like. Calls on the Commission to encourage farmers in the ORs to promote their products by supporting the use of the ORs logo. This can be seen to be another way of the EU trying to promote itself. The report ‘calls on the EU to join forces with the ORs to become a world maritime power’. The report encourages the Union and Member States to invest more into the field of sea and oceans. Granted that more money needs to be invested wisely into the field of sea and oceans but it is not for the EU to decide where nation states can spend their own money. For these reasons UKIP have voted against this report.
Conclusion of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (Resolution) (A8-0233/2017 - Elena Valenciano)
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)
Fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (A8-0230/2017 - Ingeborg Gräßle, Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted in favour of a rejection amendment that the EFDD group tabled to this legislative second reading report. UKIP firmly reject any proposals to harmonise criminal law in the EU as this is a significant infringement on Member States’ judicial sovereignty. Moreover, UKIP also strongly oppose providing a mandate for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate fraud in Member States.
HIV, TB and HCV epidemics in Europe on the rise (B8-0436/2017)
. – UKIP fully support all actions taken against fatal epidemics such as HIV and tuberculosis. We believe that national governments should develop and implement specific national plans to work to achieve the best possible results in this area having in mind a community and human rights-based approach for treatment and support. UKIP abstained on this resolution.
Preparation of the Commission Work Programme for 2018 (RC-B8-0434/2017, B8-0434/2017, B8-0435/2017, B8-0450/2017, B8-0451/2017, B8-0454/2017, B8-0455/2017, B8-0456/2017)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. UKIP principally reject the notion of calling on the Commission to do anything for the forthcoming year. UKIP tabled a number of amendments to this resolution, which were defeated, on issues regarding the UK’s departure from the European Union. These amendments aimed to ensure that the Brexit the British people voted for, including the end of ECJ jurisdiction in the UK and leaving the Common Fisheries Policy, is delivered. UKIP MEPs also voted against a number of amendments tabled by other political groups. UKIP rejected amendments that refused to recognise Northern Ireland and instead referred to it as the ‘North of Ireland’. UKIP also rejected amendments tabled that called for the dissolution of NATO and nuclear disarmament.
2018 Budget - Mandate for the trilogue (A8-0249/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative resolution. This resolution called for more EU spending in next year’s budget including items on migration, security, defence and administration. UKIP opposes all increases in the EU budget as unaccountable EU institutions have no right to spend UK taxpayers’ money.
Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations (A8-0220/2017 - Elmar Brok, Silvia Costa)
Recommendation to the Council on the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (A8-0216/2017 - Andrey Kovatchev)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We do not support the EU’s participation in the General Assembly and as such do not support Parliament’s recommendations. We are also particularly concerned by the continued efforts towards reform of the Security Council and the aspiration of a seat for the EU on the Security Council.
Building an ambitious EU industrial strategy as a strategic priority for growth, employment and innovation in Europe (RC-B8-0440/2017, B8-0439/2017, B8-0440/2017, B8-0445/2017, B8-0446/2017, B8-0447/2017, B8-0448/2017, B8-0449/2017)
EU-Kosovo Framework Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes (A8-0207/2017 - Ulrike Lunacek)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/001 ES/Castilla y León mining (A8-0248/2017 - Monika Vana)
. – UKIP voted against this budgetary report. The proposal was to give EUR 1 002 264 for 339 workers who have lost their jobs in Spain. The money would be spent on support for those workers in the form of counselling, job search and retraining, etc. UKIP opposes the idea that unaccountable EU institutions should spend UK taxpayers’ money, especially when it is to be used as dole money on account of poor economic decisions in other countries.
European standards for the 21st century (A8-0213/2017 - Marlene Mizzi)
The role of fisheries-related tourism in the diversification of fisheries (A8-0221/2017 - Renata Briano)
Limitation periods for traffic accidents (A8-0206/2017 - Pavel Svoboda)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, own—initiative report because the EU is trying to interfere with the limitation time available for claims in traffic accident issues. The UK legal system is possibly the oldest system in the world and our judicial system, based on common law, is very different to continental Europe and this type of harmonisation cannot work.
Common minimum standards of civil procedure (A8-0210/2017 - Emil Radev)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, own—initiative report because it is harmonisation of civil procedures. This is a power grab by the EU trying to ensure that every legal process falls in line with everyone else. Our legal system, which is a common law legal system, operates in a very different way and cannot be harmonised to fall in line with the rest of continental Europe, which operates on a different legal system.
Macro-financial assistance to Moldova (A8-0185/2017 - Sorin Moisă)
Disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (A8-0227/2017 - Hugues Bayet, Evelyn Regner)
Introduction of temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine (A8-0193/2017 - Jarosław Wałęsa)
. – We voted against this legislative report as we feel this is yet another scheme to suck Ukraine in to the imperial orbit of the EU. The EU’s meddling in Ukraine has cost lives, and the EU has done nothing but inflame the situation further. We note that the EU and the Dutch Government ignored the results of a referendum on this deal in the Netherlands, further underlining both the contempt for democracy of the EU, and its reckless desire to further meddle in this unstable Eastern European country.
Draft amending budget n° 2 to the General budget 2017 entering the surplus of the financial year 2016 (A8-0229/2017 - Jens Geier)
. – UKIP voted against this resolution which adopted the amending budget. The original proposal from the Commission was to transfer over EUR 6 billion to this year’s EU budget, which was left unused from last year. This money would be used solely to reduce the amount each Member State would have to contribute to the EU this year. This money was not being used to increase the EU budget. However a resolution was intertwined with the original proposal which would adopt the proposal, but also called for more money for certain EU policies and called for the UK to pay more for Brexit. UKIP voted in favour of the separate vote on paragraph 9 to show our support for the proposal to reduce Member States’ contributions this year, but were forced to vote against the resolution as a whole as the resolution was trying to interfere in Brexit negotiations.
A longer lifetime for products: benefits for consumers and companies (A8-0214/2017 - Pascal Durand)
Addressing human rights violations in the context of war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including genocide (A8-0222/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda)
. – UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We support international work to prevent human rights violations and genocide, and to prosecute persecutors when these gross violations do occur. We cannot however support the development of an EU foreign policy or EU action as we believe it is an unnecessary layer between the bilateral, multilateral and international work that is already on-going.
Private security companies (A8-0191/2017 - Hilde Vautmans)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We do not support the increased militarisation of the European Union, including their use of Private Security Companies. The contribution of the private sector to defence and operations is a matter for Member States and international laws and norms. We cannot support EU legislative initiative in this area.
Working conditions and precarious employment (A8-0224/2017 - Neoklis Sylikiotis)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst as a party we have been concerned and have drawn up policies fighting precarious employment we do not support EU legislative initiative. Concerning the paragraphs related to the revision of the Posted Workers Directive we have long complained about the negative impact on British workers created by the directive. Whilst the Commission proposals come some way towards addressing wage discrepancies it also aims at increasing labour mobility throughout the EU.
Implementation of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (A8-0200/2017 - José Manuel Fernandes, Udo Bullmann)
. – UKIP voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. Although the report is broadly critical of the European Fund for Strategic Investments, and expresses concerns which we share, we cannot endorse the strategy of using public money to shelter private investors from risk – it leads to a misallocation of capital that will in turn lead to asset bubbles. Accordingly UKIP voted against the report as a whole.
European agenda for the collaborative economy (A8-0195/2017 - Nicola Danti)
Online platforms and the Digital Single Market (A8-0204/2017 - Henna Virkkunen, Philippe Juvin)
Humanitarian situation in Yemen (RC-B8-0407/2017, B8-0407/2017, B8-0408/2017, B8-0409/2017, B8-0410/2017, B8-0411/2017, B8-0412/2017, B8-0413/2017)
. – UKIP abstained overall on this non-legislative and non-binding report. We cannot support EU action or the development of an EU foreign policy but we remain concerned at the ongoing conflict in Yemen and wish to see a long-lasting and stable solution. In particular, we are concerned at attempts by the EU to interfere with Member State trade policy. Whilst, as a party, we are critical of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, this should always remain a matter for the British Government and not the Commission.
Statute and funding of European political parties and foundations (B8-0405/2017, B8-0406/2017)
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement (A8-0208/2017 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative report. The EU seeks to reduce emissions within its borders while forcing energy-intensive industries offshore to jurisdictions with lower emission standards. We in UKIP oppose EU climate and energy policy. We reject climate hysteria and we believe the EU should accept that the Paris Agreement is close to its end.
Objection to Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) No 639/2014 as regards the control measures relating to the cultivation of hemp and certain provisions on payments (B8-0395/2017)
The need for an EU strategy to end and prevent the gender pension gap (A8-0197/2017 - Constance Le Grip)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Principally we oppose any form of EU action, and this report was looking to create an EU strategy. UKIP wholly believe issues such as the ones contained within the report, gender discrimination, gender pay and gender pension gap are issues that need to be tackled. However, UKIP believe that this is the sole competency of the individual Member States. This report calls for more legislation and regulation and seeks to interfere within the domestic life of men and women, which we cannot support.
2016 Report on Serbia (A8-0063/2017 - David McAllister)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to any expansion of the European Union and all pre-accession related activities. In particular we are opposed to this reports attempts to infringe on Serbia’s sovereign right to exercise independent foreign relations.
State of play of the implementation of the Sustainability Compact in Bangladesh (B8-0396/2017)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We support efforts to improve standards in labour but are also equally committed to free and open trade and against its politicisation. Any punitive measures that impede this flow of goods will only serve to make both parties poorer.
Increasing engagement of partners and visibility in the performance of European Structural and Investment Funds (A8-0201/2017 - Daniel Buda)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative report. The report ‘points to the increase in Euroscepticism and in anti-European propaganda that distorts information on Union policies, and calls on the Commission and the Council to analyse and address their causes.’ By the sounds of it, the EU wants to spend more money on dead-end projects that do not convey an accurate message to people living in the EU. The document talked about how the EU wants to increase its dialogue with people in Member States, and it has called on the Commission to focus on an action plan for greater communication. UKIP does not support more money being wasted, nor does it believe that the Commission should be doing anything as it is an illegitimate political entity, and for these reasons voted against.
Cost effectiveness of the 7th Research Programme (A8-0194/2017 - Martina Dlabajová, Inés Ayala Sender)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non—binding report regarding the 7th Research Programme. The 7th Research Programme was an EU project which ran from 2007 to 2013 and had a budget of EUR 55 billion. The money would be spent on grants for research in Europe, but these would also have to have a ‘European added value’. The report says that there was no cost-benefit analysis of the 7th Research Programme, that there was an error rate of about 5% and that there were shortcomings in the oversight of the programme. The report goes on to call for more synergies between EU funds, and states that the Commission operated the programme effectively. UKIP believes that taxpayers’ money should not be used by unaccountable EU institutions. If we didn’t have to waste so much money on EU membership and bureaucracy, we would have more money available to support research in the UK.
Statelessness in South and South East Asia (A8-0182/2017 - Amjad Bashir)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst we recognise and sympathise with the issues related to statelessness in the region, in particular the suffering of the Rohingya in Myanmar, we cannot support EU action on the matter. We remain resolutely opposed to the development of any EU foreign policy, and this report makes several calls for such EU action.
Cross-border mergers and divisions (A8-0190/2017 - Enrico Gasbarra)
Participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0112/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
Specific measures to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters (A8-0070/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this legislative document. The Commission proposal sought to change some bits of legislation to allow the EU to pay for 100% co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund for reconstruction efforts and also to make it easier to pre-authorise EU money for use in affected countries. The Commission stated that these changes will not need new money or raising of budget ceilings. This proposal has come about primarily because of recent horrendous earthquakes in Italy. This doesn’t mean the EU will be making the UK pay more money - it will just mean the EU will be able to use the money it already has more quickly to help give relief to areas hit by natural disasters.
Energy efficiency labelling (A8-0213/2016 - Dario Tamburrano)
. – UKIP voted against the legislative report on energy labelling. Despite the changes proposed by the EU parliament, we in UKIP believe that the new EU Commission proposal on energy labelling will bring great uncertainty for the industry and great confusion to consumers. We believe that this regulation is unnecessary and that it will be a new EU burden to deal with.
European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 (A8-0061/2017 - Santiago Fisas Ayxelà)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative report, which amended the 2014 decision on the establishment of the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020—2033.This we believe is another propaganda scheme, to promote the EU and its values. This report extends the scheme beyond the EU Member States to allow participation from EFTA and EEA countries, which only confirms the self-promotion of the EU on a wider international scale.
Assessment of Horizon 2020 implementation (A8-0209/2017 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
Building blocks for a post-2020 EU cohesion policy (A8-0202/2017 - Kerstin Westphal)
. – UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report on building blocks for a post-2020 cohesion policy. The document called on the Commission to ensure that there is better cooperation between the ESI Funds and other Union funds. It also endorsed the Paris climate change agreement and the report underlines that the increased visibility of the cohesion policy is vital to fight against Euroscepticism and can contribute to regaining citizens’ confidence and trust. UKIP does not support the Paris climate change agreement nor does it believe in wasting UK tax payers’ money on vanity projects in order for the EU to promote itself.
Wholesale roaming markets (A8-0372/2016 - Miapetra Kumpula-Natri)
. – UKIP voted against the EU legislative report on wholesale roaming markets. We are against regulatory intervention on pricing in what are supposed to be free markets. We do not believe that this will benefit consumers, as it is claimed. Operating companies will seek to recover margin and revenue elsewhere, and this will be regressive: while saving costs for well-heeled business travellers it is likely to increase costs for lower-intensity users.
Third countries whose nationals are subject to or exempt from a visa requirement: Ukraine (A8-0274/2016 - Mariya Gabriel)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative first reading report. UKIP proposed a rejection amendment to this report to reject the proposal completely, but this was not supported by the parliament. UKIP principally do not support the EU concluding visa free agreements with third countries, particularly when the country in question has such a large population.
European Solidarity Corps (B8-0238/2017)
. – UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. We oppose such schemes being conducted at the expense of the taxpayer, which are used to promote the EU. Furthermore, not only is this a duplication of current voluntary schemes already in place; there is also severe lack of clarity as to how this scheme is being funded, despite the fact that the first volunteer has been ‘deployed’ on a project, there is no specific budget line or allocation.
Adequacy of the protection afforded by the EU-US privacy Shield (B8-0235/2017, B8-0244/2017)
Negotiations with the United Kingdom following its notification that it intends to withdraw from the European Union (RC-B8-0237/2017, B8-0237/2017, B8-0241/2017, B8-0242/2017, B8-0243/2017)
. – Article 50 does not make provision for the European Parliament to have any input into the withdrawal negotiations. In reference to the European Parliament it merely says that the final withdrawal agreement requires the ‘consent of the European Parliament’, and that is to be by a simple majority vote.UKIP does not accept that the Article 50 route is the way the UK should leave the EU. UKIP does not accept the legitimacy of the European Parliament to have a say in the negotiating of the Withdrawal Agreement.The fact that UKIP submitted amendments to the Resolution, and voted on it, does not indicate our tacit or implied approval of the Resolution or the Parliament's right to participate in the Article 50 process.UKIP submitted amendments to, and voted on, the Resolution only in order to make specific points about the withdrawal process, and so that the British public can see where we stand on these issues.
Certain aspects of company law (A8-0088/2017 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
Ratification and accession to the 2010 Protocol to the Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention with the exception of aspects related to judicial cooperation in civil matters (A8-0076/2017 - Pavel Svoboda)
Ratification and accession to the 2010 Protocol to the Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention with regard to aspects related to judicial cooperation in civil matters (A8-0078/2017 - Pavel Svoboda)
Medical devices (A8-0068/2017 - Glenis Willmott)
. – UKIP supported an amendment to reject new EU legislation on medical devices. The role of medical devices is of exceptional importance. This sector has a fundamental role in the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring and treatment of diseases. We agree with the effectiveness of unannounced controls on the production site as well as the importance of increased transparency. However, we believe that the best legislator is the government of the country that faces these problems.
In vitro diagnostic medical devices (A8-0069/2017 - Peter Liese)
. – UKIP supported an amendment to reject new EU legislation on medical devices. The role of medical devices is of exceptional importance. This sector has a fundamental role in the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring and treatment of diseases. We agree with the effectiveness of unannounced controls on the production site as well as the importance of increased transparency. However, we believe that the best legislator is the government of the country that faces these problems.
Money market funds (A8-0041/2015 - Neena Gill)
. – By restricting the investment products that Money Market Funds can acquire for their portfolio, the EU is not only restricting freedom of contract but also adding to concentration counterparty risk and may produce asset bubbles in certain asset classes. Accordingly UKIP voted to reject the proposals.
Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 (A8-0110/2017 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas)
. – UKIP voted against the budgetary proposal as it will expand some of the financial instruments that the EU can use to spend taxpayer’s money outside the normal budget limits. Money to be used by these instruments will now be allowed for ‘migration and security’ reasons. The Global Margin for Payments budget will be increased for 2019 (+ EUR 2 billion) and 2020 (+ EUR 3 billion). The Emergency Aid Reserve will get an extra EUR 20 million (so now a budget of EUR 300 million a year). The Flexibility Instrument will be increased by an extra EUR 129 million (so now a budget of EUR 600 million a year), but also the Commission will be compelled to calculate and increase the amount available for this instrument each year. For the ‘global margin for commitments for growth and employment, in particular youth employment’, migration and security will be added for which money can be spent, but also the text limiting what years extra money can be used is removed – so now any money left over from a budget ceiling from any year can be used for this instrument.
Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 (Resolution) (A8-0117/2017 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding motion for a resolution because it supported the proposal to expand some of the financial instruments that the EU can use to spend taxpayer’s money outside the normal budget limits. The resolution also included a number of ‘joint statements’ by the Council and EU Parliament regarding political commitments to increase some other budget lines.
Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin (A8-0104/2017 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas)
. – UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal as it will allow the use of more money in future years. Back in 2014 the EU needed extra money so they used the ‘Contingency Margin’ to mobilise EUR 3.1 billion for 2014. A payment plan for this money of around 900 million would come out of the future budgets 2018, 2019 and 2020. However in 2017 it is found there is over EUR 9 billion available for payments in the budget. So the proposal here is to change the payment plan for the 2018-2020 years, and just pay it all off from the 2017 budget. UKIP are voting against because the original decision will, in theory, reduce the ceilings for future budgets - whereas the new proposal will let them pay it all off now allowing them to use the full budget ceilings for future years. The money involved has already been mobilised and used, nothing can be done about that now - the only decision in this vote, is whether it should be paid back in 2017, or spread out over 2018-2020 as originally intended.
Draft Amending Budget No 1/2017 accompanying the proposal to mobilise the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal (A8-0155/2017 - Jens Geier)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/000 TA 2017 - Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission (A8-0157/2017 - Victor Negrescu)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Latvia (A8-0089/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Slovakia, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Malta and Belgium (A8-0091/2017 - Judith Sargentini)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Slovakia, Bulgaria, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia, Malta, Romania and Finland (A8-0092/2017 - Tomáš Zdechovský)
Automatic exchange of data concerning vehicles registered in Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary (A8-0095/2017 - Filiz Hyusmenova)
Automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Malta, Cyprus and Estonia (A8-0090/2017 - Maria Grapini)
Addressing refugee and migrant movements: the role of EU External Action (A8-0045/2017 - Elena Valenciano, Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
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)
Palm oil and deforestation of rainforests (A8-0066/2017 - Kateřina Konečná)
. – Yesterday UKIP abstained on the non-legislative report on palm oil. The Malaysian rainforest is the only place in the world where elephants, tigers and rhinos co-exist, as well as being the home of orang-utans, and these species are facing extinction due to mass deforestation caused by palm oil being grown on a huge industrial scale. Nothing can live on palm oil plantations due to it being a monoculture. However, we oppose a single EU certification and we would prefer national parliaments to take decisions on this issue.
Women and their roles in rural areas (A8-0058/2017 - Marijana Petir, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez)
Draft recommendation following the inquiry into emission measurements in the automotive sector (B8-0177/2017)