[ParlTrack]

With a potential customer base of over 500 million, surely one of the most indisputable benefits of EU membership is the ability to trade with and set up shop in any one of the EU’s 28 Member States. Many have taken advantage of this opportunity, which increases competition, drives innovation and promotes prosperity. However, it is clear that e-government services vary hugely between Member States and information on business registries and requirements can be patchy. I am therefore voting in support of this proposal to reduce burdens on entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business or branch in another Member State via digital means. There are measures in the report which make it the norm to only have to submit documents once and not have to be physically present in the country in which the business is being established. Given the digitalisation in all areas of life, this seems to be a practical and timely approach. I am pleased to support this tightening up of regulations and hope that many across Europe see their businesses flourish as a result of it.

2016/11/22

I am aware of the deep concern amongst many of my constituents about the undeniable threats to the environment, biodiversity and climate as a result of the impact on our planet of the choices we make. Recent protests in my constituency of London such as the Climate Strike in March attended by school children have pressed this point home. I am pleased therefore to see that the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action, LIFE, could see an increased budget of EUR 5.45 billion for the next programme from 2021. LIFE has already funded 244 projects in the UK since its inception in 1992 and EUR 262 million of EU funds have been channelled back into environmental projects. In London we have seen a range of initiatives win this funding from local clean up projects, and social housing improvements, to efforts to reduce food waste in the capital. I am pleased to see that the programme remains open to association with non-EU countries and so I hope that the UK government will consider adding this to the long list of other instruments to which we should request an opt-in when the UK leave the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Increasing concern about the scale of migration from the EU has placed border control at the forefront of the public’s consciousness, particularly in recent years amidst the Brexit saga. An enhanced information-sharing system is urgently required if public trust in the European Union’s border security is to be maintained. In the UK this is particularly important given all we stand to lose in terms of cooperation and information sharing should a security-cliff-edge, no-deal Brexit take place.This proposal would collate all EU information systems and provide a fast, simple and efficient tool enabling border officials to make quick judgements at the border gate. Biometric and biographical data could be cross-referenced and searched across multiple databases simultaneously, which would provide a powerful new system for the EU as a whole. I am pleased therefore to vote in favour of this proposal and I sincerely hope that the UK will be permitted to participate for the foreseeable future.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Digital Single Market Copyright proposal, which took three years to negotiate, highlights the arduous and intricate nature of EU decision-making, a fact that is now starkly evident to those who said at the start that Brexit negotiations would be easy. Compromises on even focussed policy proposals like copyright must be hard-fought to ensure that the best outcome is achieved that provides a fair balance for all parties. I feel that this has been accomplished in this case. I understand that many interested parties on both sides of the debate have deep concerns about copyright changes and how this will affect a free and fair internet. Many of my constituents have contacted me on this issue. However, I am satisfied that the exemptions and derogations that have been negotiated to protect revenues for content producers and provide exceptions for the education and research sector are sufficient. It is particularly important in the United Kingdom to safeguard the rights of the creative industries, such as the music industry, where we have so much talent and value added to our economy. I am pleased to vote in favour of this proposal.

2016/11/22

The necessity of this proposal which seeks to ensure basic air connectivity should the EU and UK fail to approve a withdrawal agreement before 29 March shows just how interconnected and reliant the UK’s airline industry is on its European neighbours. I was pleased to see that the rapporteur has accepted some of the amendments put forward by the ECR group such as allowing code-sharing to continue on a reciprocal basis as well as a one-year derogation for airlines to meet the EU’s rules on ownership and control. Despite these amendments, however, it is still the case that were the airline industry forced to have to rely on this proposal should the UK crash out, they would still feel significant negative effects as a direct result of Brexit and would lose many of the freedoms they currently enjoy to function within the European single market. I sincerely hope that a way forward can be found to render this proposal unnecessary but I will be abstaining on this report in recognition that although it is far from ideal, such an agreement would be better than nothing.

2016/11/22

As a medical doctor working within the National Health Service in my constituency of London before my time as an MEP, and as a cancer survivor myself, I fully support this motion for resolution which encourages the establishment of an EU preventative strategy on cancer which disaggregates information by sex in order to better target actions for cancer patients.Despite significant progress in research and treatment in recent years, the cancer statistics are still difficult to read. A third of all Europeans will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime and 26% of people will die of cancer. It is also obviously the case that some of the most fatal cancers, such as cervical and uterine, only affect women, and that breast cancer, which has one of the highest mortality rates, is most commonly found in women too.Consequently, I think it is a sensible approach to develop strategies to share best practice between Member States and implement preventative cancer screening and awareness raising measures to decrease cancer rates. I sincerely hope that the UK will recognise the advantages of this approach after Brexit.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Many British citizens will have had to access healthcare whilst travelling abroad and will have been grateful for the ease with which this has been possible with the EHIC card and reciprocal rights for cross-border healthcare. However, it is not just holidaymakers who make use of reciprocal healthcare arrangements. Patients suffering from rare diseases, for whom relevant expertise and treatment may not always be available in the UK, have had, until now, the possibility of travelling to other EU countries without having to worry about complicated administrative requirements. Under the current Brexit agreement these reciprocal rights will continue until the end of the implementation period but the situation after this is dependent on the outcome of negotiations. Should the UK crash out of the European Union there may well be no reciprocal arrangements in place, creating huge uncertainty and anxiety for those who rely on cross-border healthcare.I will be abstaining on this report as the situation regarding Brexit negotiations is still so uncertain. However, I sincerely hope that should the UK leave the EU there will be enough goodwill on both sides to ensure that those who rely on these reciprocal arrangements are not made to suffer unnecessarily.

2016/11/22

. – Any UK citizens who have been in the unfortunate position of losing their passport or having it stolen whilst travelling abroad will be grateful that the EU emergency travel document exists. I am therefore pleased to vote in favour of this report. The ETD was established twenty years ago and its rules and format need to be updated to prevent counterfeiting. It is also the case that millions of EU citizens travel to countries outside the EU in which there is no permanent consulate or representation. In such situations, EU citizens can turn to any Member State consulate for assistance in order to be granted a travel document. This protection, built on the right of freedom of movement, is a little known benefit of EU membership where cooperation and protection are the foundations of a peaceful Europe. The UK Government will need to significantly enhance consulate capacity in embassies across the EU post-Brexit so that British citizens who are stranded abroad are still able to acquire emergency travel documents in the same way. This is yet another area where new agreements will have to be reached in order for the UK to exit the EU in an orderly fashion.

2016/11/22

. – As the rapporteur states in this own initiative report on autonomous driving, our mobility system is undergoing profound changes as we move towards a safer, cleaner, digitised transport network. The possibilities that digital technology could offer European transport are almost limitless and in my constituency of London, where road traffic and overcrowded public transport are commonplace, any advances in technology should be viewed with avid interest. Autonomous cars, aeroplanes, ships and trains could increase safety for all users, improve public transport and traffic flow, and reduce environmental impacts. However, this innovation would bring with it significant issues such as interoperability across borders, harmonised technical standards for infrastructure, data protection concerns, liability and ethics. It would also be important that any changes in employment patterns are addressed so that transport workers are not simply replaced by technology. The potential impacts of automation are significant but I have concerns that mandatory fitting of technologies would pass substantial costs onto manufacturers and consumers alike. For this reason I will be voting against the report. Although I welcome the potential that these technologies could bring, consumers must be free to choose whether or not they adopt them in the future.

2016/11/22

. – I am pleased to vote in favour of this report on the guidelines and mandate of the EU Special Envoy on FoRB. The issue of religious discrimination and persecution remains a salient and worrying issue. According to religious freedom charities, radical Islam promoting terrorism is moving from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa, and authoritarian states are increasing their use of legal regulations to prevent apostasy and limit freedom of expression and assembly. Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is one of the universal human rights on which the EU community is built and it is right that defending this freedom for persecuted minorities should be a high priority. Consequently, during the next mandate I would be pleased to see the position of Special Envoy linked more closely to the office of the High Representative so that this issue can remain high on the policy agenda. By working together, the EU can be highly influential in protecting persecuted minorities across the world. I hope that the UK, as part of post-Brexit European relations, can do all it can to assist in this vital endeavour.

2016/11/22

The next proposed Framework Programme, Horizon Europe, which will run from 2021 until 2027 showcases the value added by critical mass advantages of European Union membership. Universities and research institutes in my constituency of London have received the highest share of H2020 grants of any UK region and have benefitted from highly productive collaborative partnerships throughout Europe for years. In this next tranche of funding for scientific research, the main principles will remain the same and investment will be focussed on supporting research excellence. I am pleased too to see a budget increase to €120bn and increased support for SMEs. It is inescapable that the UK research community will be deeply affected by Brexit. Although the UK government have committed to underwrite EU funding this will only apply to existing projects or those with successful applications already submitted. Associate membership of Horizon Europe after Brexit will hopefully be an option but will provide significantly diminished influence and risks research funding being used as a pawn as happened with Switzerland. It is vital that excellent, innovative research is properly funded over the next ten years. I sincerely hope that sensible arrangements can be made for UK participation in collaborative research to continue.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this comprehensive and detailed report drafted by the Special Committee on Terrorism as a response to the tragic high impact terrorist attacks on EU soil in recent years, including a tragic one in the very city in which I was present this week, Strasbourg. My constituency of London has seen several deplorable attacks on civilians in 2017; events which violate the key values of human dignity, equality and solidarity on which our country and the European Union is based. We have seen numerous other examples of attacks in Europe committed by terrorists who have fled across borders, hired vehicles and used pre-paid credit cards in one country before committing an attack in another. I am relieved therefore that in the joint political declaration between the UK and the EU, both parties have provisionally agreed to continue close security cooperation and data exchange, including through Europol and Eurojust, which will continue post-Brexit although there are no clear details on how the UK will circumvent the ECJ, for instance. The UK cannot afford to backtrack on progress that has been made to tackle terrorism.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support this report, which allows approvals for motor manufacturers to be granted by another EU Member State’s type-approval authority rather than the UK’s type-approval authority. Although it is not widely known, for some vehicle manufacturers the ability to place vehicles on the EU market is tied to approvals that have been granted by the UK type-approval authority.This is yet another negative consequence of Brexit, as approvals issued by the UK approval authority will become null and void in the event of a no-deal scenario. It is therefore necessary to ensure that both UK and European manufacturing companies have the requisite legal approval to continue to sell their products in the EU. This is essential if the UK and EU motor industries are to continue to flourish and remain competitive in a global marketplace. It remains to be seen what overall effect UK manufacturers will feel in terms of investment in the event of a no-deal Brexit but it is clear that it is in the best interests of all for this to be avoided.

2016/11/22

The overall aim of this report is to deliver an improved railway system across Europe with affordable ticket prices, consumer protection, accessibility and low administrative burdens on rail network operators. There is a lot in this report that I can commend. However, there are some compromises proposed in the text that would be impractical and inflexible; insisting for example that every train provides space for eight bicycles would cut down the space for travellers in often already overcrowded carriages. Additionally, requiring meaningful and proper consultation before any service is discontinued is a good idea in principle but in practice train operators would effectively be banned from stopping a service if there is significant damage to the line, as happened in Devon after the sea wall collapsed several years ago. I will therefore be voting against the report given the impractical nature of the final text. I note that the scope of the report will only be limited to trains running between EU Member States and it remains to be seen if, following Brexit, the UK train industry will keep up with the innovations and standards set by the EU.

2016/11/22

Lyme disease is a growing problem in Europe with cases in the UK alone increasing nine-fold over the last ten years. The detection and treatment of this tick—borne disease is not straightforward and sufferers often live through months of unexplained symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and arthritis before getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. The fact that there is no accurate description of Lyme disease epidemiology and also currently no available vaccine means that countering this potentially silent epidemic will require swift action and cooperation. This is why I support this Oral Question to the Commission calling for better data collection, reporting and coordination across Europe. The UK has been leading the way in responding to the increase in Lyme disease by publishing guidance on its clinical management and prevention after commissioning a research study which highlighted serious evidence gaps in our understanding of the illness. I sincerely hope that post—Brexit the UK can continue to participate in efforts to combat European health problems and in turn benefit from the research capacity that a coordinated Europe offers.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Latvia following the extremely heavy rainfall from August to October last year. Flooding destroyed crops and damaged watercourses, drainage systems, water treatment installations and transport infrastructure, with estimated costs reaching EUR 380 million. Clearly, this natural disaster affecting the livelihoods of many in the less developed Latgale region and the surrounding area was a result of an act of nature and it is therefore right that the European Union steps in to assist the Latvian Government with its clean-up efforts. The Solidarity Fund, mobilised in this way, plays a valuable role in rebuilding damaged infrastructure, which contributes not only to the Member State in question but also to Europe as a whole.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report on the free flow of non-personal data in the EU. It is hard to think of an industry that does not rely heavily on digital technologies and so removing technical barriers within the digital single market should only encourage growth and innovation. The free-flow of electronic data is vital to many industries and yet territorial obligations on the location of data centres is still enforced in certain Member States. It is right that individual governments retain the power to insist that certain data sets relating to national security remain within the boundaries of that Member State and I am pleased that the rapporteur has insisted on this point in the report. The digital world is moving forward apace and this regulation shows that the EU is doing everything possible to keep up.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Ever since the European Medicines Agency was set up in 1995, in my constituency of London, we have seen the benefits that joint clinical assessment of medical treatments at EU level can bring. However, it is clear that the medicines system in Europe needs to improve. The June 2016 Council conclusions underlined the concern that, despite spiralling drug costs, it is not always a given that new medicines will advance treatments or give significantly improve outcomes for patients.This is why it is now a positive step for the Commission to consider setting up a stable system for assessing health technologies at EU level, so that Member States are not duplicating each other’s assessments and requiring health technology companies to share information numerous times.There are some concerns in the report relating to compulsory participation of Member States in assessment reports, and it is important that the principle of subsidiarity is respected. For that reason, I abstained in the vote but I am acutely aware that cooperation at this level is simple common sense and I sincerely hope it will be carried over to the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

2016/11/22

The pace of change in the way television, film and other video content is consumed has been extraordinarily rapid. In the space of only a few years, the tradition of turning on the TV to watch a favourite show at a set time has all but disappeared, and in its place a huge amount of content is now available on demand, on a mobile phone or tablet.It is right therefore that regulations are updated to reflect the realities of this changing market. Old media channels are justified in their call for a level playing field, and new media sources should be held responsible for protecting children from harmful content and ensuring that incitement to violence and child sexual abuse images are categorically not tolerated.However, the rapporteur’s wish to include all live-streaming actors is problematic given the numbers of amateur ‘vloggers’ and the sheer proportion of content now available online. For this reason, I will be abstaining on the report. Updating this regulation is worthwhile, but it must be workable and balanced and not impede the audio-visual industry in Europe.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report which sends a firm signal on the need to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy within plastic manufacturing. Plastic is still a vital product for the functioning of our society and economy but action needs to be taken to change the way products are designed, produced and recycled before our environment is irreparably damaged. Public understanding of this damage that single-use plastics in particular can cause is increasing and the EU and National governments need to pursue measures that will continue to encourage changes in consumer behaviour. It is telling that the UK government hope to work closely with the Commission on the plastics strategy even after Brexit, demonstrating that there are very few areas where working alone would be more effective that working together. It is hoped that the UK will continue to play an active role on a multi-lateral level in order to battle the negative impacts of plastic use.

2016/11/22

The digital revolution is having a profound impact on mobility in the EU. In my constituency of London millions now use the internet to book taxis, reserve cars from car-sharing pools and use other sharing economy solutions to get from A to B. It is hoped that these changes will create a more sustainable and competitive transport sector but much work needs to be undertaken to ensure that the automotive industry is able to thrive. Workers need to be re-skilled and investment in research must keep pace with a changing world. The automotive industry adds over UKP 20 billion to the British economy every year and so the UK Government needs to ensure that they are not shut out of future EU-wide cooperation. In particular, negotiations surrounding the customs union and access to the single market for goods post-Brexit need to take into account as a top priority the ‘just-in-time’ import arrangements for car parts that the UK industry relies on so heavily. I welcome a digital future for mobility but I abstain on this report given that it focuses on MFF priorities for the EU which will regrettably no longer include the UK.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report into the impact of cohesion policy on Northern Ireland. It has come at an important time during the Brexit negotiations and sheds light on the many EU-funded programmes that have helped to underpin economic development and social progress in Northern Ireland, most notably the PEACE Programme and Interreg. I consider the suggestion to continue these EU Peace Programmes post 2020 to be a generous offer that should not be quickly rejected in the heat of debate over the meaning of national sovereignty. The Irish border will be a key gateway to the EU after Brexit and anything that can be done to preserve the peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland amidst the Brexit shake-up should be welcomed.

2016/11/22

In an age of rising nationalism across Europe, an ‘American first’ policy direction in the US and a Brexit referendum, close and effective multilateralism is needed now more than ever. The EU has developed a broad relationship with the UN, working together on issues such as development and climate change, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, development and human rights. I therefore welcome this report ahead of the 73rd UN General Assembly. Given that the two organisations are pursuing the same goals it is right that the EU continues to feed into discussions and to inform other UN members of EU opinions. However, we must be careful not to bypass the sovereignty of Member States who have their own seat at the table and for this reason I will be abstaining on the report, despite my strong support for the UN as an organisation.

2016/11/22

Early marriage is tragically still common and takes place in virtually all cultures and religions. If the situation continues there will be over a billion women in early or forced marriages by 2050. Forcing or arranging early marriages is classed as a grave human rights abuse and so I welcome this report on the next steps of the EU external strategy against the practice. I am proud that the UK government has been leading international efforts to end forced marriages and strengthened laws in 2014 making forced marriage a criminal offence. I would urge all Member States to do likewise so that Europe continues to be a continent known for its resolute protection of the vulnerable. Given that the number of forced marriages increases in areas of instability caused by war or natural disasters it is vital that Member States coordinate their activities for the prosperity of all and that Brexit and other threats to multilateral cooperation do not hinder these efforts. I am pleased to vote in favour of this report and I very much hope that Europe can be a place where forced marriage is unheard of and which influences other world nations to that effect.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My constituency of London is now known as the city that produces the most 3D printed products in the world. Hubs of technology innovation are springing up, particularly in the East End, where 3D printing companies are not only manufacturing but also designing tomorrow’s cutting-edge products. However, the market for this technology is still relatively marginal and there are several challenges ahead if the EU is to reap the full benefits of this innovation. Firstly, intellectual property rules need to be carefully tailored to ensure that the creators and rights-holders of digital files and printing machines are properly remunerated. And secondly, civil liability and responsibility, should printed products mal-function, is also a complicated issue. I welcome this report, which calls for a cautious approach and tailor-made surgical legislation that anticipates problems without putting up barriers to business growth. I am pleased to vote in favour and I sincerely hope that the UK watches proceedings very carefully to ensure that our thriving 3D printing industry is not shut out of the European market post Brexit.

2016/11/22

Culture in all its forms enriches life, communities and the economy. In my constituency of London, we see first-hand how world-class orchestras, theatres, film, museums and the visual arts enhance the city and impact the country and the continent as a whole through the tourism and partnership with other cultural institutions that they create. I therefore voted in favour of this own-initiative report, which analyses the obstacles to cultural access and participation. It is most likely the case that cultural institutions will always have to live with the uncertainty of where their next tranche of funding will come from, but it is still important to assess where financial barriers exist and how to overcome them. It is up to each Member State to ensure that their cultural sectors receive the funding they require, but voluntary action based on the Open Method of Coordination will only improve the situation. As the UK loses the headquarters of the European Youth Orchestra to Italy, it remains to be seen how the British Government will continue to support the quest for excellence of our cultural institutions in a post-Brexit world.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report, which sets out the principles that Member States should use when regulating professions. It is right that Member States remain in charge of which professions should be regulated, but adhering to common principles on how and when such regulation should occur will ensure that there is clarity and that mutual recognition of professional qualifications across Member States is feasible. Unlike the single market in goods, which is already functioning well in Europe, there are still significant barriers preventing the single market for services from truly flourishing. Professional regulation should be proportionate and fit for purpose so that services firms can offer their expertise across borders, increasing their markets significantly. This would be particularly beneficial to my constituency of London, which relies heavily on the services sector, especially within the financial district. In a post-Brexit world, the UK Government will still need to engage in smart regulation of professions, in line with our European neighbours, in order to ensure that British companies still have access to the important market on our doorstep.

2016/11/22

It is notable that in a plenary session where the EU Parliament is voting on a report on Better Law—making, Members are also voting on this own—initiative report to legislate for interoperable databases of vehicle mileage within each Member State. Whilst I fully sympathise with those affected by the illegal tampering of milometers I do not feel that this proposal is consistent with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. A European legislative framework in an area where a voluntary platform at EU—level already exists is an example of over—regulation and would introduce a burden on garages and mechanics as well as vehicle owners. It is also the case that an impact assessment on the possible costs of such an administrative burden has not been prepared. There are some areas where EU cooperation is vital and where retaining membership of the EU would be of huge benefit to the country as a whole but this is not one of them. So although I oppose any illegal activity within the second—hand car market, including attempts to manipulate a car’s mileage, I will be abstaining on this report because it goes against the Better Law—making agenda.

2016/11/22

Advocates of Brexit in the UK have long been blaming EU red tape for problems faced by businesses instead of seeing the huge benefits of a fully-functioning single market for the UK economy. It has widely been assumed, despite the great efforts to educate to the contrary, that the Commission in particular is intent on writing unnecessary laws with no consideration of the impacts. Yet the EU’s Better Regulation agenda is longstanding and the aim of ‘doing less and doing it better’ is supported across Member States and across the political groups. Of course, as is also the case for domestic laws, the quality of Union legislation can always be improved and I am fully supportive of the better regulation agenda that has been leading up to the recent inter-institutional agreement on Better Law-Making. It is right that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are maintained. Impact Assessments must be comprehensive and timely and we should strive to reduce administrative burdens on businesses by putting an ABS target in place. However, this report includes amendments which distract from the de-regulation focus by introducing a social clause and falling short of reduction targets. I will therefore be abstaining during the vote.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I was pleased to vote in favour of this report which reinforces EU rules on anti-money laundering to counter terrorist financing. Stronger rules are necessary for several reasons. Firstly, it is clear that terrorists involved in the 2015 Paris attacks had used prepaid cards which did not require the holder’s identity to be verified. We must make significant steps to close such loopholes to stifle the flow of financing for terrorism and so lowering the threshold for prepaid cards is a positive outcome of these trilogue negotiations.Secondly, significant resources are lost each year from developing countries in the form of tax evasion and money laundering using anonymous companies and trusts. Efforts to improve cooperation between Member States to better identify beneficial account holders as well as giving reasonable public access to information on the ownership of trusts and companies will provide governments with more tools to fight these complex criminal arrangements. Given the digital nature of our global banking system where geographical borders hold little significance, cooperation between governments is vital. I hope that, despite the UK’s exit from the EU, such cooperation to fight terrorism and the corrupt world of money laundering will continue.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The organics market is becoming a booming economy with an annual turnover of EUR 2 billion in the UK. London is seeing particular growth as farmers’ markets, ‘veg boxes’ and locally sourced food spring up to cater to city-dwellers who are becoming increasingly interested in where their food comes from and what pesticides and chemicals it might contain. Given the market growth and the high price that organic food can demand it is appropriate to update legislation. However, this regulation as it stands would create a two-tier system for organic food that provides neither certainty for the consumer nor clarity regarding the rules for producers. It could also allow foods which contain traces of pesticides to be sold as organic because they adhere to other sustainable standards. However, for my constituents in London this would be confusing and would dilute the value of true organic products. The agreed provisions simply add to the burden and complexity placed on farmers and producers and do not help consumers make informed choices about their food consumption and for this reason I voted against the report.

2016/11/22

The constituency of London has the lowest vaccination coverage in the UK and regularly misses the WHO guideline of 95% of children receiving vaccinations. These statistics are very disturbing and have direct social consequences as paediatric diseases which were considered to be eradicated such as measles and rubella are returning. As MEP for London and a medical doctor myself I strongly support the over-arching aims of this resolution to allay concerns about vaccine safety and necessity so that vaccination rates in Europe improve. Vaccines are rigorously tested through multiple stage trials and regularly reassessed and every effort should be made to counter unreliable and unscientific information which damages confidence. However I would be wary of a Europe-wide harmonisation of vaccination schedules as this decision should remain at a Member State level. The suggestion to pool the purchasing power of Member States in order to jointly procure vaccines should be further investigated though, in order to address the disproportionate rise in costs. The UK Government should strongly consider the possibility of involvement in such a scheme despite exiting the EU but of course I would never support compulsory vaccination against parents’ wishes.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this proposal to enable the European Union Youth Orchestra to be funded by statute without the need for a call for proposals, given its unique nature, having been founded by a parliamentary act in 1976. However, I am also pleased to see that the amendments make it clear that the orchestra management should continue to make efforts to source funding from elsewhere over the next three years and to ensure high visibility within every Member State. Public funding for the arts is vital, but all cultural organisations should have an equal chance to win grants. Sadly, the EUYO will no longer be based in my constituency of London, and participation of British nationals in future years is entirely dependent on the outcome of Brexit negotiations. This is a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of the Brexit referendum, as talented British musicians are potentially being shut out of career-enhancing opportunities with the best musicians and tutors in Europe. I have no doubt that the world-class orchestral scene that remains in London will continue to thrive, but the EUYO will be sorely missed.

2016/11/22

The EMA, currently located in Canary Wharf in my constituency of London, performs the vital work of evaluating, supervising and monitoring the safety of medicines within the EU, ensuring that patients from all EU Member States can take medicines with full confidence that they are safe and effective. Cooperation on this level is a shining example of what can be achieved by working closely with our European neighbours – enhanced consumer protection and confidence as well as the reduction of costly red tape for companies which only need to deal with one regulator. Consequently, this vote to change the EMA’s location brings with it great sadness. By leaving the EU the UK loses not only automatic participation in the EMA but also its headquarters and the skilled jobs that were based there. I feel for the many Londoners working at the EMA whose futures are now so uncertain and I sincerely hope that the UK Government will do all in its power to retain associate membership of the EMA. I cannot object to the decision to relocate the EMA to Amsterdam, but a vote in favour would suggest that I see this is a positive move for the UK. As such I therefore abstain.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this own-initiative report to ensure interoperability between the different intelligent transport systems that are being developed at pace by Member States. It is clear that, as the digital economy continues to expand, the technology needed to create a fully integrated transport system with smart roads and intelligent vehicles is not far off. It is timely, then, that the Commission is working on ways to support this modern industrial revolution by prioritising interoperability across borders. Of course, the challenge of creating an intelligent transport system across Europe is immense and solutions must be found to privacy and data protection issues, cybersecurity threats and the challenges of technical harmonisation. However, if done right, the outcome of EU-wide cross-border interoperability would be very significant, reducing road accidents and streamlining road travel. The UK is a world leader in automotive technology and already a leading partner in CEF and C-Roads projects, working closely with other Member States to develop new transport technologies. It would be hugely disappointing, therefore, if the UK transport system is not able to benefit from inter-connectedness with other European countries. I hope that, after the Brexit negotiations, such close cooperation will be able to continue.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am pleased to vote in favour of this technical proposal to align EU legislation on spirit drinks with the Lisbon Treaty. A publicly available and accurate register of geographical indicators will protect producers and ensure that consumers have clarity about what they are buying. However, I do not support the amendment to enable spirits to be made from non-agricultural sources, as this would negatively impact on agricultural producers who have been using traditional methods to manufacture spirits for centuries. Any attempts to undermine the quality of celebrated local products would only damage the spirits industry. This proposal is an example of the huge benefit to UK brands like Scotch Whisky of EU cooperation, which enables businesses to flourish and to sell their products across borders.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The public outcry against aggressive and complex tax arrangements, whereby profits are moved towards more beneficial tax regimes, is only increasing. Large companies which make millions in profits and yet pay less tax proportionally than those on an average wage provoke public anger and rob the exchequer of revenue for basic services for the whole population. I am pleased therefore that more steps are being taken to close loopholes by sharing information on potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements between Member States.However, although I support the underlying Commission proposal which would oblige intermediaries who organise tax avoidance schemes to inform the authorities, I abstained on Parliament’s report which adds impractical requirements for Member States and intermediaries. If efforts to stop tax avoidance are to be successful, cooperation between EU Member States must be prioritised so that companies pay their fair share and are not able to hide profits in different corners of Europe under the noses of different tax authorities. It will be vital, therefore, for the UK to ensure that lines of communication between tax authorities remain open following Brexit.

2016/11/22

Venezuela is a country marred by political violence, chronic instability and a deteriorating economy, despite its significant endowment of natural resources. Anti—government protests – which have spiked since April 2017 – have led to dozens of deaths. The increasingly dictatorial government under Nicolas Maduro presides over a socio—economic crisis in which essentials including food and medicines routinely run short, sparking almost daily protests and criminality such as looting. Maduro’s establishment in 2017 of a controversial national assembly, which has proven unnecessary and provocative to opposition political groups, clearly does not reflect the wishes of the Venezuelan populace. International efforts aimed at breaking the political impasse and ensuring free and fair elections in May are vital to improving the political and economic climate in this troubled country. I was therefore pleased to vote for this resolution.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I have for many years supported initiatives to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) – a deeply harmful practice which is believed to have affected some 200 million women and girls worldwide. Following a Sustainable Development Goal pledge to eradicate FGM by 2030, the UK Government has committed significant funding to countering FGM domestically and abroad, and the Commission continues to do important work by progressing its 2015 strategy on eliminating FGM.Regrettably, however, a number of cases have been reported in my London constituency, as well as in other EU Member States. I was therefore pleased to vote in favour of this resolution, given that the text calls on the Commission to bolster its advancement of existing educational and practical initiatives to combat FGM, encourages the inclusion of prevention strategies in cross-sectoral policy frameworks, and recommends that anti-FGM programmes be included in Commission diplomatic representations. Such an integrated approach is wholly necessary to call time on this barbaric practice.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report which supports the aim of improving and tightening up legislation around international child abduction, matrimonial disputes and parental responsibility. Situations involving child custody disputes can be extremely distressing to all involved and we need a legal system that is fit for purpose and that removes confusion. The proposal calls for a maximum time-frame for court proceedings and the setting up of a special court to hear cases of cross-border child abduction by a parent. Mediation between two parties must now be explicitly encouraged and the report makes it clear throughout that decisions should be taken in the best interests of the child and the child’s views should be heard. I sincerely hope that improving the legislation in this area will dramatically improve the current legal system that is in place, reduce unnecessary delays and costs and ensure that Member States can work together in the best interests of the child. It will be important that the UK is able to continue participating in this framework after the Brexit negotiations have been concluded to ensure that cooperation mechanisms that have been built up and are working well are not lost.

2016/11/22

. ‒ With around 5 500 regulated professions in Europe, making up 22% of the labour force, it is vital that the regulation of professional services across Member States serves as a driver of economic growth and not as a barrier. I am therefore supportive of all efforts by the Commission to reduce unnecessary burdens for the liberal professions over time and to make it easier for skilled professionals to work in other Member States. My constituency of London benefits significantly from the skills of European neighbours who contribute to the functioning of the National Health Service, the education system, the financial centres in the city and world-renowned architectural and real estate practices.It is right that individual Member States may need to set out their own requirements for some professions but these should always be proportionate and linked to specific public policy objectives. Overall it is a positive step to break down barriers within the regulated professions and I hope to see continued effort on the part of the UK to ensure that we remain a welcoming and attractive place to work after the Brexit negotiations have concluded.

2016/11/22

As an island nation the UK has every reason to care deeply about the future of our oceans and the reform of international ocean governance. A sustainable maritime economy and a thriving fisheries sector are vital for the health of our coastal communities and the sustainable use of the oceans globally benefits every nation. In particular I welcome the recognition in this report of the increasing problem of plastic litter in our oceans and the devastating impact this is having on marine ecosystems and coastlines. Recent campaigns to change public thinking around disposable plastic packaging are a welcome step in the right direction but more could be done to aid the transition to a circular economy. However, this report proposes an overhaul of current institutional arrangements on ocean governance that is not warranted and I therefore vote to abstain. It is true that more needs to be done to protect our oceans but this is best achieved by improving the work of existing international bodies, building on current expertise and coordinating our efforts within current institutional arrangements.

2016/11/22

Child sexual abuse in all its forms and wherever it is found is anathema to our society. As a result of the exponential growth of online platforms, child abuse images can, tragically, be disseminated easily and often anonymously. The cross-border nature of this crime has meant that cross-border cooperation is essential to punish those who abuse and spread abuse images, to rescue victims and also to prevent abuse from taking place. I congratulate the rapporteur on her work assessing the implementation of the Child abuse and Child pornography Directive 2011 and pointing out where Member States can better use the EU cooperation tools available to them via Europol and Eurojust, well as sharing information on criminal records across borders in a more timely and comprehensive manner. It is significant that prosecutions are often hampered by online encryption, discrepancies in data protection rules across the EU and cloud-storage, making it clear that EU-wide rules for digital platforms and data flows could be a welcome measure to support this fight. What is clear is that working together to battle this abhorrent crime is essential given that the digital world does not respect geographical borders – something that should not be forgotten during Brexit negotiations.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to support this mandate for the Parliament to enter into trilogue negotiations on copyright rules relating to news and current affairs broadcasting to provide for linguistic minorities in the EU. The UK and London in particular has a thriving creative sector, producing global bands in the fields of music, film and television. The BBC, Pinewood Studios and special effects companies in the West End are just some of those involved who are based in my constituency. The culture sector relies on copyright and the principle of territoriality to underpin co-financing models based on exclusivity. The increase in on-demand internet platforms, music streaming and online TV services, although an exciting evolution in the way media products are consumed, also poses a threat to the economic sustainability of the industry. As the consumer becomes used to the ease of choosing when and what to watch, wherever they are, we must ensure that rights-holders are still being remunerated properly for the products they are offering. I therefore support the narrow scope of these rules, based on what linguistic minorities are demanding, without fundamentally changing the way the creative sector operates.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report which calls on the Commission to treat digital trade as a cornerstone of the EU’s trade policy. Cross-border connectivity is a flourishing industry in the UK and particularly in my constituency of London. UK creative businesses are using the internet to export their products worldwide, and in particular to customers in the EU, our largest trading partner. The Commission needs to capitalise on this trend and ensure that data localisation and protection rules are appropriate and tariffs and barriers to trade are minimised. The strong call in this report for horizontal digital trade policies to go hand-in-hand with international trade agreements is hugely significant for the UK. If this is not the case then even if the UK and the EU reach a trade deal on physical goods in 2019 it is still possible that the UK will be locked out of the room when it comes to cross-border data flows and the subsequent economic growth. Given that data flows are not currently part of ongoing trade negotiations, particularly with Japan and Mexico, this is report comes at an important time.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this implementation report on the EU disability strategy. It is essential to review the progress that is being made across Europe to implement the European Disability Strategy and to ensure that those with disabilities are not discriminated against in the fields of accessibility, employment, education and health. In my constituency of London there are approximately 1.4 million deaf and disabled people many of whom would like to have more autonomy in terms of accessing public services and making decisions about their own care, employment and education. For them, this Disability Strategy is very significant. Consequently, I am particularly pleased to see that this report is aligned with the UK approach to disability equality which focuses on inclusion and mainstreaming, involving disabled people in making their own decisions on how they want to live. Following the conclusion of Brexit negotiations the UK must continue to work closely with EU Member States so that we can learn from our European neighbours who are creating policies with the same goal in mind, to increase disability equality and quality of life for the disabled.

2016/11/22

Given my role as Goodwill Ambassador for the homelessness charity Depaul which works in several Member States including my own countries of the UK and Ireland, and more specifically my constituency of London, there is much in this report that I can commend. The rapporteur wishes to decisively tackle economic inequality across Europe which has put over one hundred million European citizens at risk of poverty and social exclusion, as well as stepping up the fight against homelessness and unemployment. These are all aims which are in line with the EU Treaties which promote the wellbeing of Europe’s peoples.However, the solutions set out in this report are not commensurate with other obligations within the Treaties, that of proportionality and subsidiarity; in particular the rapporteur’s calls for harmonised tax policies across the EU, minimum income schemes and wage scales. It is vital that we must work together to build shared prosperity. However, the situation in each Member State is unique and it is national governments who are best placed, in this instance, to arrange their welfare and taxation systems to best carry out this task. For this reason I voted against this report.

2016/11/22

Although the number of serious car accidents has been falling over recent years it is still the case that over 2 000 people are either killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents in my constituency of London every year. The figures for Europe as a whole are more startling with 25 500 deaths a year caused by collisions on the road. I commend the rapporteur for his focus, in line with Greater London, on cutting road deaths by 50% by 2020 and making them a thing of the past by 2050. I share this ambition wholeheartedly.However, the rapporteur calls for several measures which go against the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and impinge on Member State competencies. In particular he calls for EU regulation of e-bikes, an EU-wide harmonised zero blood-alcohol limit, as well as mandatory driving assistance and other safety features in vehicles. These ideas are well-intentioned but do not take into account small manufacturers and the costs involved in introducing such technologies as well as the fact that the recent ‘roadworthiness package’ which was only agreed three years ago would need to be reopened. I will therefore be abstaining on this report.

2016/11/22

The EU’s e-commerce industry is expanding rapidly and is set to be worth over EUR 600 billion by the end of 2017. To keep up with fast-paced changes in consumer habits we need strong consumer protection laws. I am therefore pleased to vote in favour of this report which strengthens the consumer protection network across Member States, coordinating their inspection and enforcement powers. This will aid in the fight against unlawful practices such as persistent online scams that can appear in a different country as soon as they have been shut down in the first.Improvements to legislation are highly relevant to the UK where digital purchases accounted for 33% of all EU online sales last year. It will therefore be vital that online consumer protection is addressed during Brexit negotiations. It is a positive step that this report allows for third country participation in the network of consumer protection organisations and I sincerely hope that further mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that the UK can work closely with the EU, and to ensure that digital growth, which is so important to the economy of my constituency of London, continues to be supported.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to see that the Commission has now published draft negotiating directives and that trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand are likely to begin soon. I have always been a supporter of EU free trade agreements and as a British representative I particularly welcome agreements with these two countries given their similar approach to trade policy and their membership of the Commonwealth.Although I am not in favour of a sanctions-based approach to the trade and sustainable development chapters and would not want to see any sectors excluded, overall I support this ambitious drive towards trade liberalisation and so I am pleased to vote for the negotiating mandate to be approved.However, it is deeply disappointing that it is unlikely that the UK will take part in and benefit from a future Australia and New Zealand trade deal with the EU due to Brexit negotiations. Any future trade agreement is likely to have terms that are far more advantageous to the EU than any the UK could negotiate alone.

2016/11/22

The objective of finding a balance between external border security and flexible border-crossings is important and timely for the EU as UK looks ahead to its EU exit in 2019. I welcome efforts by the European Commission in this proposal to modernise border checks to enhance security but also to speed up waiting times and unnecessary delays for those legally travelling into a Member State. I am also pleased that interoperability between the EES and VIS systems has been prioritised and that law enforcement bodies will have access to data, which is a vital tool in tackling cross-border crime and the rise in terrorism across Europe. The UK does not take part in the Schengen acquis and so I abstain on this report. However, I support all efforts to make our borders work better and am aware that we will require similar innovative solutions to resolve the Northern Irish border conundrum over the next year during Brexit negotiations. I welcome the UK government’s strong commitment during phase two of negotiations to maintain full UK access to all EU crime and terrorism intelligence databases and avoid any decrease in security cooperation post Brexit.

2016/11/22

As Ambassador for the charity DePaul which works across Europe to help the homeless I am deeply concerned by the rise of homelessness in virtually all Member States and the extreme poverty and deprivation that this entails. In my constituency of London there is always more to be done to meet the fundamental needs of housing, quality healthcare services, and education of the poorest in our society. A compassionate welfare system, which is a national competence under EU rules, should provide for the vulnerable in our society, provide timely assistance to those in need, support those who are struggling to find and keep decent jobs, and enforce a minimum wage.However, although I commend the rapporteur’s ambition in this report to help those affected by poverty and social exclusion I do not agree that minimum income schemes at EU level are an effective way of achieving this. This report goes too far by calling for a new EU fund to assist Member States to set up minimum income schemes and a new framework directive on minimum income schemes. I cannot support initiatives that would undermine the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity, as social security is a national competence, and this is why I am voting against this report.

2016/11/22

With over 1 600 000 people in prison in Europe in 2014 and 14 prisons based in my constituency of London, the quality of our prison systems and conditions deserves a great deal of attention. In order for the objective of imprisonment to be met – to see that justice is done, to protect society and to rehabilitate offenders – we need effective spaces that uphold the human dignity of inmates whilst ensuring that crimes are punished.This is a difficult balance to achieve and whilst we should be working to share best practice and encourage other Member States to aim for excellence in this area, the prison system is and should remain a purely Member State competence according to the principles of subsidiarity. This is why I voted against this report which goes too far in calling for specific actions and funding. Cooperation between European prisons is an important issue however, and will remain relevant once the UK has withdrawn from the EU as new systems will be required to manage prisoner transfers and share information between the judiciaries of each Member State.

2016/11/22

With the explosion of digital technology and our reliance on it in almost every walk of life we must have a cyber security policy that is fit for purpose. Digital systems, given their nature, do not respect geographical borders. This is both a huge advantage and an open door to cybercrime on a massive scale. 500 million potential customers are just a click away from a purchase thanks to the digital single market yet the interconnectedness of the digital world can mean that attacks could have far-reaching impacts. This is why the UK cannot meet its cybersecurity objectives in isolation and needs to work together with EU neighbours to share information about attacks as they happen and help to build up each other’s digital resilience. Europe’s cyber security is only as strong as its weakest link. I am pleased to vote in favour of this report conscious of the fact that the UK must not withdraw from efforts to improve cybersecurity across Europe post Brexit. A step back from such cooperation would have a detrimental effect on our leading financial institutions in London for example who benefit from information sharing and assistance from other organisations facing similar challenges in Europe.

2016/11/22

The 30th anniversary of the Erasmus scheme, one of the EU’s culture and education projects that offers the greatest added value to the UK, should be celebrated. Since its conception in 1987 an estimated 600 000 young people from the UK have taken part and boosted their communication skills, cultural awareness and confidence as a result. Studying alongside students of other nationalities in a foreign country and welcoming foreign students to Britain is a powerful and effective way not only to preserve our close partnership and cooperation with our European neighbours but also to reduce unemployment and boost the economy. My constituency of London feels these benefits keenly given the high number of foreign students coming to study at our world-class universities. It is important therefore that Erasmus+ maintains its focus on helping people to study, train and volunteer abroad and its funding should not be diverted to other schemes such as the European Solidarity Corp or student eCards. I am pleased to vote in favour of this Resolution and I hope that UK citizens will be able to continue to take part in educational schemes in other European countries following Brexit.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of this own-initiative report into the functioning of franchising in the retail sector. My constituency of London is a thriving and growing business centre where all types of business models can and do succeed. Opening up the single market to enable franchise opportunities could provide exciting opportunities for those wanting to start their own business. However, it is clear that there is a lack of information on the functioning of the franchise sector across Europe and the implications of e-commerce also need to be addressed to ensure that both the franchiser and franchisee are rewarded on a fair basis.In order to increase market confidence in franchising I support the call in this report for the Commission to examine whether there are hurdles preventing successful franchise opportunities across Member States. The outcome of such a review should be examined closely by the British Government to ensure that such opportunities are still afforded to entrepreneurs in the UK following Brexit.

2016/11/22

Violence against women and girls and domestic violence is a gross violation of human rights and I oppose it in all its forms. It entrenches and reinforces inequalities and every effort must be made to eradicate it. I am pleased that the UK signed the Istanbul Convention in 2012 and remains committed to implementing and ratifying it.However, although this interim report makes many important statements, it goes beyond the principles of subsidiarity in some respects and encroaches on Member State competence. Calls to speed up ratification negotiations at the Member State level for example are unhelpful where complex changes to domestic legislation may be necessary. For this reason I abstained on this report but I make it clear that this is not because I disagree with the aims and ambition of the rapporteurs, who want to make Europe a safer place where the rights of women and girls are protected.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to support this resolution which outlines the EU’s strategy to combat three infectious disease which are interlinked, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis C. It is deeply concerning that despite economic development and advances in healthcare that my constituency of London is known as the tuberculosis capital of Western Europe with over 40% of UK cases. This is despite the excellent work being carried out by mobile TB diagnosis trucks, healthcare professionals and organisations making huge efforts to raise awareness and improve treatment and prevention. Similarly, London has the highest number of people living with HIV in the UK. The public health challenge posed by these infectious diseases is pressing and of particular concern given the impact on communities on the margins of society who can be hard to reach. Tuberculosis in particular can be seen as a barometer of health inequalities as it is the most vulnerable in society who are most at risk; those who are homeless, have chronic ill health and poor nutrition. Consequently, efforts by the European Commission to launch a multidisciplinary plan in coordination with Member States to standardise screening, testing and treatment protocols to address these diseases is welcome.

2016/11/22

Whilst I recognise that there is an important role for culture to play in EU external policy to promote stability and reconciliation, and as an engine for sustainable socio-economic and human development, this report moves towards using European culture as a single entity. It would be impossible to unify the different cultural histories, languages and practices of twenty eight Member States and to manage their external cultural diplomacy from one central point as this report seems to suggest. In my constituency of London world-class orchestras, theatre, film studios and sport organisations are setting standards of excellence. As British culture is exported so are British values which leads to improved mutual understanding with other countries. Every EU Member State has similar cultural products to offer and this soft power tool is vital in their engagement with the world. Any attempt to treat such cultural diversity as one block will dilute that which makes each country unique. The principles of subsidiarity and proportionality have to be respected in the field of culture and the Commission should not be seeking further integration in this area which is why I am voting against the report.

2016/11/22

Durable products that are manufactured to last will provide a good cost-benefit ratio for consumers and contribute towards developing a more sustainable economy. However, it would place an unreasonable and crippling burden on businesses should they be liable for never-ending repair of their products, and efforts should be focused instead on ensuring that when a product has truly come to the end of its life, materials can be reused and remanufactured within a circular economy. There are several initiatives in place which promote this objective and individual Member States are already taking steps to adapt. For example, in the city I represent, the London Infrastructure Investment Plan includes an ambitious target for a circular economy for London by 2050. A recent report has found that reusing, repairing and offering products for rent rather than purchase could create up to 40 000 jobs in London and add GBP 7 billion to the London economy as well as cutting down on waste. I am pleased to vote in favour of this report which suggests voluntary labelling initiatives as a means to extend the lifetime of products and contribute towards a more sustainable manufacturing sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ It is certainly the case that the digital sector is expanding at pace, and that one of the dilemmas facing policy-formers today is knowing how to define the digital innovations on the market. Without a clear definition of an online platform, for example, any EU legislation risks being a blunt instrument which will limit the growth of the digital economy rather than promote it.This report bemoans that fact that Europe’s tech sector is lagging behind other parts of the world and encourages the development of a start-up friendly environment. Yet it also calls for a legislative framework to govern the way online platforms can work and innovate. Instead, the best conditions to promote growth are those grounded in legal certainty, with a minimised administrative burden and without unrealistic expectations of what platforms can and cannot be responsible for.As the representative for London, which is leading the way in Europe with digital start-ups clustering together in Tech City, I voted against this overly-interventionist report. Instead of hasty regulation we must adopt a measured approach and work with the technology sector to form an environment where consumers can be kept safe, criminal activity can be quashed and innovation can flourish.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am delighted to vote in favour of this Effort Sharing Regulation, through which EU Member States have agreed to work together substantially to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions over the next 10 years. The aim is to cut emissions by 30% in 2030, with each Member State taking a share of the burden for reducing emissions in the transport, waste and agriculture sectors.In light of the recent decision by the USA to cancel its participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement, this vote is a timely one, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. It also anticipates the participation of all 28 EU Member States and sets out the way forward for continued cooperation. It is essential that we continue to work together in a coordinated manner to tackle global problems such as climate change, and it will be important that such agreements continue even after the Brexit talks have concluded.

2016/11/22

I am pleased to vote in favour of the energy efficiency labelling regulation for two reasons. Firstly, the regulation will simplify the current system of labelling, providing clearer information for consumers on the life-cycle costs of energy appliances and enabling them to make a more informed choice for their homes. Secondly, administrative burdens for manufacturers have been kept to a minimum and they will only need to submit information which is strictly necessary for market surveillance to a single database that will cover the whole of the EU, rather than responding to twenty eight Member States’ requests for information. The new system will also remain valid for ten years, further reducing burdens on businesses. This is an example of where the EU brings value, both for consumers and for manufacturers wishing to sell their products across borders. At a time when many believe that the EU only adds administrative burdens to businesses these changes will prove that working together with other European countries can cut red tape, reduce energy consumption and help consumers to make better—informed decisions.

2016/11/22

It is no secret that the UK is a net beneficiary of EU research funding and my constituency of London has so far received EUR 634 M in H2020 grants – the highest share of any UK region. Research Institutes, companies and universities based in London are partnering researchers throughout Europe to share expertise and ideas and work together to produce innovative solutions that can be brought to market. Projects at University College London, for example, where I worked as a senior lecturer, are studying the impact of shale gas fracking, cancer prediction and HIV therapeutic vaccines. I am pleased to vote in favour of this mid-term report into Horizon 2020 which maintains the focus on excellent science. Any attempts to widen the geographical location of research rather than awarding funding to the best science would not deliver the world—leading innovative research the EU needs. For the same reason, it will be vital that during Brexit negotiations a way forward can be found to continue the mutually beneficial partnerships existing in this area. A hard Brexit with no opportunity for the UK to take part in collaborative research would weaken European science across the board.

2016/11/22

The protection of the vulnerable in our society must be a priority for every Member State. Vulnerable adults, both the elderly and those with mental or physical impairments, who are no longer able to manage their personal affairs or property, will often require court orders to put protective measures in place. As a medical doctor specialising in mental illness I know how important it is for the most vulnerable in our society to receive timely and high-quality treatment and for information on these court orders to be shared when necessary.However, I do not feel that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that there is a problem with the way such protective measures are dealt with across borders. It is also the case that new legislation would duplicate the aims of the Hague Convention. I am convinced that when it comes to the protection of vulnerable adults each individual Member State is best placed to set up their own measures, sharing best practice and encouraging efficient communication between authorities should the need arise. Although I commend the aim of this report I choose to abstain as a greater role for the EU and the Commission cannot be justified.

2016/11/22

. – The digital technology sector in Europe is continuing to thrive as products and services are digitised and innovations in cloud computing, big data, data analytics, robotics and 3D printing add revenue to the booming digital economy. The East London ‘Tech City’ based in my constituency, is an example of where innovative technology is developing at speed. It is clear that inflexible EU regulation could have a stifling effect on the many successful businesses that are providing new services and solutions to EU citizens. I am therefore pleased to vote in favour of this report which encourages the Commission to further the digital single market in Europe and favour industry-led initiatives and ‘light-touch’ legislation which would provide certainty whilst allowing for continued innovation in the sector. In order to maintain access to opportunities within the digital single market for the UK technology sector it will be vital that the issue is discussed in depth during Brexit negotiations.

2016/11/22

The rapid expansion of digital services has meant that effective legislation to protect both consumers and rightholders has been long overdue. This cross-border portability of online content regulation is an important step in delivering a digital single market within the European Union. New rules, applicable in nine months time, will ensure that subscribers to online content services such as Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime etc. will still be able to access their accounts when temporarily abroad. At the same time, rightholders’ revenue will be protected by robust methods to determine a consumer’s place of residence. I am pleased to vote in favour of this regulation, the effects of which will be felt tangibly by many EU citizens who cross borders for both work and holidays. This relationship between consumer rights and the creative industry will need to be carefully considered during future Brexit negotiations to ensure that our world-renowned digital and creative industries continue to flourish and that British citizens do not miss out on advancements in digital rights.

2016/11/22

The exponential growth of digital start-ups in recent years has created opportunities for the financial sector to benefit from quicker and cheaper online services. In light of this growth, the Parliament has voted on a Fintech Action Plan, calling on the Commission to support and monitor the financial technology and software industry. It is important that, in order for legislation to keep up with technological advancement and support rather than hinder growth, regulators exchange best practice, improve consumer and investor protection and allow companies to use Fintech solutions in a relaxed regulatory environment at this early stage. Cybersecurity is also deemed to be a top priority in the report and it is vital that Member States and companies across Europe are able to work together to ensure our financial institutions are equipped to battle modern cyber attacks. The UK plays an important part in this fight and the practicalities of continuing this cooperation will need to be discussed carefully during Brexit negotiations. Overall, I am in favour of innovation-friendly solutions which will support the UK’s thriving financial sector which is why I am pleased to vote in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

The European Qualifications Framework is a sensible method of ensuring comparability and mutual recognition for qualifications and experiences. Qualifications should be recognised by Member States not only to empower those who have worked hard to attain them but also to enable everyone to contribute to economic growth and prosperity. Recognising equivalent qualifications from other countries makes sense and will help people find and keep jobs, increase workplace performance and productivity, and serve countries particularly lacking qualified professionals in some roles. However, steps could be taken to improve the EQF and it is important that the provision of education and training remains a Member State competence and that participation in the EQF is voluntary so that it can remain flexible and reactive. I am therefore pleased to vote in favour of this motion for resolution to revise the EQF to improve the transparency, comparability and portability of people’s qualifications in Europe. I hope that the Brexit negotiations will see continued mutual recognition of qualifications between the EU and the UK.

2016/11/22

69 Written explanations of Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

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