[ParlTrack]

Labour MEPs are strongly committed to the transition to a low-carbon economy that will save money for consumers through lower fuel costs; contribute to curbing climate warming and improve human health; and ensure EU and UK manufacturers lead the way in industrial and technological innovation.Labour MEPs also backed social measures to make sure that no one is left behind during this transition. Targeted programmes at EU, national and regional levels for re-skilling of workers, as well as education and job-seeking initiatives in regions and communities most affected by the transition.With time running out in the fight against climate change, this legislation can ensure investment in new, innovative developments in low-carbon technologies, which can foster economic growth, boost job creation, and improve citizens’ health and wellbeing.

2016/11/22

More than 700 000 plastic bottles are littered in the UK every day, many of which end up in our oceans. New sources of plastic leakage, such as single-use plastic products and microplastics, are on the rise, posing new potential threats to animal and human health. Labour MEPs support efforts to reduce plastic waste and with legislation to reduce single-use plastics, the European Union will be the first in the world to adopt a blueprint to put an end to plastic litter, both on land and sea.This is in stark contrast to the UK government, from whom we continue to see numerous consultations, but no concrete proposals on how it plans to reduce plastic waste. Unless the UK agrees to mirror EU action on plastics after Brexit, the Tories risks turning the UK into a dumping ground for cheap, non-recyclable, plastics.

2016/11/22

For the S&D Group, the main objective is to ensure circulation of fertilising products in the internal market in a way that safeguards human, animal and plant health, protects the environment, and creates incentives for the reuse of materials that are currently being disposed of as waste, in line with the principles of the circular economy.The outcome of the trilogue negotiations overall respects this position and represents a significant improvement in comparison to the current Fertilisers Regulation, but it is shameful that the Member States have nor prioritised the protection of human health and the environment, and that they have rather followed economic arguments in favour of the established fertiliser industry.

2016/11/22

Today’s vote is a further step to protect millions of workers from exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. This will improve the working conditions for workers across the EU and prevent thousands of cases of ill health at the workplace.

2016/11/22

Thanks to our S&D colleagues and the European Parliament Labour Party, we pushed for a phase-out of polluting subsidies for power generation, improved consumer rights and promoted more affordable electricity for all.

2016/11/22

The UK Labour Delegation, along with the S&D Group, supports ACER’s enhanced role in the energy market and in the area of security of supply. This deal contributes to the completion of the Energy Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The UK Labour Delegation, along with the S&D group, back the Commission’s proposal to strengthen solidarity and ensure interoperability in the responses to any crisis. We strongly support the principle of mandatory solidarity and co-operation among Member States in times of electricity crises.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The directive on Digital Content provides for consumers across the EU to have a high level of rights when it comes to purchasing forms of digital content, such as downloading apps, songs, or signing up for websites. S & D fought hard to ensure that this legislation keeps up with the changing realities of the digital single market and this means that consumers who provide data to companies as a means of payment should realise that they are doing so; there is no reason for consumers to have a lower standard of protection online than offline. These harmonised provisions will make it easier for both consumers and businesses to buy and trade across borders, ensure that content meets the required standard and if it does not then a range of remedies are available to the consumer. The burden of proving that content is of the required level will now be on suppliers for a longer period rather than consumers – making it easier and quicker for citizens to cancel a contract and get a refund.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Thanks to the efforts of the S & D Group, the reform of rules on tangible goods, particularly for the ‘Internet of things’, which are goods that function with software or which connect to the internet like smartphones or smart TVs, will be considerably more consumer-friendly than originally envisaged by the Commission and the Council. This will contribute to the smooth functioning of the single market and promote greater consumer trust in cross-border purchases. In turn, it will assist SMEs in their efforts to attract more cross-border business. Consumers will be entitled to receive software updates in order to maintain the cyber security of their smart goods and keep them functioning properly, as well as a right to repair or replacement if something goes wrong. This is a key element to avoid early obsolescence. For all types of goods, it will now be up to the seller to prove that the product was not faulty when it was sold for at least the first year after purchase and countries with a longer period of burden of proof in place will be able to retain the provisions in their national law. Overall, this constitutes an improvement in consumer sales law and is why our Group could support the agreement.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs fully support the alignment of environmental reporting obligations, which will make environmental reporting simpler and will provide more transparency to NGOs and the public.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Given that emissions from road transport are projected to grow by 6% in the period 2015-2030, and that no significant progress has been noticed from manufacturers to improve aerodynamics of cabs as a way to achieve compliance with the upcoming CO2 standards for heavy goods vehicle, we very much welcome such initiatives of the Commission’s. CO2 emissions from road transport represent a quarter of all CO2 emissions in the EU and we must act as quickly as possible to prevent any further increase of this figure. Advancing by six month the date of the use of more aerodynamic and safer cabins as already set by the Directive is the first step to take, and that is why we have voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this proposal to extend the Pericles programme, an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting, for 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

Strengthening regional cooperation within the Western Balkans is a key element for political stability, security, economic regional cooperation within the Western Balkans prosperity and social development in the region. Until today, transport cooperation with the Western Balkans countries had been governed by the South East European Transport Observatory (SEETO) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) whose main objectives were to extend the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and related policies to the Western Balkans. If we wish to ensure that the legislation, standards and technical specifications applied by the Western Balkans partners will be compatible with those of the Union in the future, and bearing in mind that the Treaty fosters regional cooperation and is beneficial for the accession processes of these countries, we should give a favourable opinion on its conclusion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. It embodies our vision of how a robust future cohesion policy – close to and in the interest of our citizens – should look.

2016/11/22

The TEN-T network is one of the most visible common projects that shows EU citizens the value of European cooperation. Therefore we should attach great importance to the implementation of the projects, which for the moment is running behind schedule for at least half of the number of corridors. The evaluations of the progress of various core projects had shown different result. While one corridor shows a large number of shortcomings in the implementation of the projects, others bottlenecks that should had been finalised had not even taken off yet. There seems to be a serious lack of cooperation, and coordination between the various national authorities, partly due to the different administrative and regulatory procedures. With this report today, we are calling for TEN-T projects of common interest to get fast-track procedures. To integrate the various permit-granting processes, the authorisation of TEN-T projects is to be handled only by one authority, which would act as a single entry point for project promoters and investors and deliver one comprehensive decision, within defined time limits; while to better coordinate permit-granting procedures across borders, the role of the existing European Coordinators will be strengthened. Finally, public procurement in cross-border projects of common interest would follow only one legal framework.

2016/11/22

I voted for this report, which aims to improve the Commission and Member States’ approach to researching, authorising, marketing, standardising and market knowledge of cannabis as a medicinal product. The scientific data we do have suggests that cannabis-based medicinal products can have a positive effect on the treatment of a wide range of severe and chronic conditions.This report is the first step for the European Union and its Member States to address this data, and put together appropriate research and funding into the potential positive effect that these products can have for quality of life for these patients, within a fully regulated environment consistent with all other medicinal products.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it aims to increase fisheries cooperation between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire and to promote sustainable fisheries policies based on the best available scientific advice.

2016/11/22

This is an important agreement, given that Côte d’Ivoire is reliant on its fishery imports, and the funding allocated to Côte d’Ivoire should further help to protect the marine environment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this agreement, as it puts in place a joint programme of scientific research to increase knowledge of the living marine resources of the Central Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems. This is an important agreement, as it promotes exploratory fishing with a view to gaining a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Central Arctic Ocean, as well as fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the region. Given the issue of melting ice caps, the agreement provides for safety measures, including applying the precautionary principle to fishing, whereby all parties (see above countries) will postpone and prevent any commercial fishing licensing if this is necessary to protect the marine environment. The report therefore hopes to encourage more sustainable fishing in this region.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this programme because it will provide support for EU operational and investigative activities, including through the provision of secure IT systems, and facilitate irregularity reporting by Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, as it aims to put in place conservation measures in the Western Waters to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment, as well as to create economic, social and employment benefits for the fisheries sector. This report will put in place important measures such as specific fishing bans for sea bass and pollock, as well as area closures for sea bass to enable stocks to recover, as well as avoiding and eliminating discards.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Water scarcity is a phenomenon that affects at least 11% of the European population and 17% of EU territory. Since 1980, the number of droughts in Europe has increased, and they have become more severe, costing an estimated EUR 100 billion over the past 30 years. Finding appropriate solutions at EU level to protect water has therefore become crucially important in maintaining a high level of wellbeing for citizens and in preserving the environment.This Regulation is a crucial part of our transition towards a circular economy, and will make it possible to reuse more than half of the current volume of water coming from EU waste water treatment plants. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

In its 25 years of existence, the single market has contributed to achieving a high level of integration among Member States, bringing tangible benefits to businesses, citizens and consumers in many ways. However, many barriers, such as gaps in legislation, administrative burdens, ineffective implementation and weak enforcement of EU law, as well as changing circumstances and emerging challenges and obstacles, continue to hinder its full accomplishment. The European Parliament has called on numerous occasions for improvement of the governance and the efficiency of the single market, and the Commission made market integration one of its main priorities. With the adoption of this report today, it is decided that for the next 2021-2027 period, a new Single Market Programme, which consists of six programmes and numerous actions previously separate, will belong to one coherent framework. The main aim is to implement and enforce various activities supporting delivery of the single market in the wider sense, improving synergies and flexibility as well as eliminating overlaps in existing EU programmes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which set out concrete measures to better design the post-2020 EU Framework on Roma inclusion and overcome the shortcomings of the previous strategy. It will be instrumental to guarantee basic human rights of Roma communities and further promote their inclusion within the EU, at all levels.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report and I support measures to ensure an AI revolution that can substantially improve the life and conditions of citizens across Europe – especially in terms of improving human rights and privacy, and measures focusing on education and retraining to guarantee a just transition and to avoid unemployment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I today abstained on the .eu domain name, due to the uncertainty that surrounds the UK withdrawal and the fact that we cannot measure the negative impact upon British citizens, industry and workers by any potential revocation of UK registered .eu domain users.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which aims to increase resources to promote democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights across the Union, including support to civil society organisations working in the field. At a time when European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values which are human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

2016/11/22

Even though the Late Payment Directive has brought positive changes to payment practices, late payments continue to be a problem for many (especially smaller) companies in the European Union. Together with the S&D, I supported this report, which calls for a combination of legal and voluntary measures involving the Commission, Member States and business associations with a view to improving payment practices.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today with this report we can give people who have lost their jobs new perspectives and opportunities after becoming unemployed, through the establishment of the European transition fund. Due to technological developments, climate change and globalisation jobs will change. Often the most vulnerable people are directly affected. With this new fund, we are well prepared to help more people re-integrate into new jobs and provide them with proper training. Drawing from the fund, it will become possible to acquire the skills necessary for a new job.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Investing in people and ensuring nobody is left behind is paramount to us Labour MEPs and the Labour party as a whole. We want to ensure that children, the youth and those most in need, suffering from material deprivation, are being taken care of and provided with equal opportunities to reach their potential. To this end, the S&D Group has put forward a new instrument to tackle the multidimensional aspects of child poverty, the European child guarantee, with a dedicated budget of EUR 5.9 billion.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because European territorial cooperation works to bring Europe closer together and by removing borders and red tape, aims to make living side by side without regard for borders an everyday reality. EUR 11.2 billion for the years 2021 to 2027 for the scope of cross-border-thinking and projects is a big political success in the era of growing nationalism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal for a Council directive because it establishes the measures needed to facilitate consular protection for the most frequent type of consular assistance provided to unrepresented citizens, namely the issuance of emergency travel documents.

2016/11/22

Although the principles of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights are enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights that must be respected when implementing EU law; we continue to witness breaches and violations of their provisions every year. I voted in favour of this report which underlines the major concerns in this field in the EU during 2017 without any intention to downplay any omission - Migration, Rule of law, Women’s rights, Freedom of expression, Discrimination and the mandate of the Fundamental Rights Agency. It is only by placing the well-being of the people and the respect of their personal, civil, political, economic and social rights at the centre of the European Union’s policies and decisions, that we will manage to counteract Euroscepticism and (re)engage with those citizens who are still struggling to overcome the consequences of the economic crisis and the severe austerity measures imposed by the EU for some years now.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as, together with my fellow S&D colleagues, I want the EU to lead the way in funding for better customs controls and safer equipment across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report to approve the status agreement between the EU and the Republic of Albania to allow European Border and Coast Guard teams to be deployed to that country. The status agreement sets out the scope of the operation, civil and criminal liability and the tasks and powers of the team members deployed, and should guarantee full respect for fundamental rights and the establishment of dedicated complaints mechanisms to be used if fundamental rights were to be violated during the operations.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The adoption of this initiative report calls for the EU to become a leader and maintain a globally leading position in autonomous transport and in particular in the deployment of safe systems for automated mobility increasing road safety and efficiency, combating congestion, reducing energy consumption, emissions from transport and even gradually phase out fossil fuels. It also urges the Commission to present a strategy, particularly regarding data, data access and cybersecurity and points out that the protection of privacy and sensitive data generated by autonomous vehicles must be an absolute priority. However, if we want to secure safety and liability on every level we need to ensure the adoption of life-saving technologies already available on the market -e.g. by supporting the Commission’s proposals revising the General Safety Regulation for motor vehicles and the Road Infrastructure Safety Directive- and to ensure fair and secure, real-time and technology-neutral access to in-vehicle data for the entire automotive value chain.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Directive for the use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road, as voted today, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the European road transport sector and it may lead to illegal cabotage, the proliferation of letterbox companies, as well as to potential fiscal distortions, as several Member States have already and rightfully indicated. It is disappointing that, despite repeated attempts by the S&D to find compromise solutions on issues such as the training of drivers, the environmental impact of hired vehicles or on the level of liberalisation of the market, the Rapporteur has shown little willingness to accommodate different views, leaving us with a weak text supported only by a narrow majority before the negotiations with the Council. We have therefore missed an important chance to close some of the loopholes that distort the market. If our goal was to have an integrated approach to the Mobility Package, then the vote today has achieved the opposite. The completion of the Single Market should not come at the expense of road safety, the environment or workers’ rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I support this report, which ensures that workers and consumers would not be affected by the new procedure, and that it only concerns purely commercial contracts. It also introduces more safeguards for SMEs. The report now therefore also takes consideration of the position of weaker parties in business-to-business relations.

2016/11/22

I supported strongly this report. Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving many strategic interests. Space supports many policies and strategic priorities of the Union. It can play a crucial role in effectively tackling new challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, border control, maritime surveillance and security of Union citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted for this report because as Labour, along with S&D colleagues, I support a brand new programme for the next MFF, focused on digital policy, and aimed to make the Union more autonomous and independent from other global players on key technologies, such as AI or Supercomputing. We need to invest in those technologies if we want to remain competitive in the global scene and we need to shape these policies to our European values and ethical standards.

2016/11/22

The draft amending budget updates both the expenditure and the revenue sides of the budget to take account of the latest developments. It shows that the implementation of the EU programmes of the current financial framework has reached cruising speed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Since EP/Council had not foreseen the refugee crises when they negotiated the last MFF, the flexibility instrument needs to be used to ensure that Heading 3 (which deals with migration and culture) is not underfunded.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because this vote ensures that there are funds available in the European budget to help Member States, which have been struck by a natural disaster, in an even more timely and efficient way.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Council’s proposal for the 2019 Budget

2016/11/22

Following today’s approval in the plenary session in Strasbourg, a progressive Budget 2019 of the European Union is now a reality.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of a comprehensive trade agreement with Japan. It is the largest bilateral trade deal ever concluded by the EU in terms of market size, covering almost one third of world GDP.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this resolution. The agreement is of major bilateral and global strategic importance, representing a timely signal in support of open, fair, values- and rules-based trade, while promoting high standards.

2016/11/22

I welcome this agreement. The Agreement strengthens the overall partnership between EU and Japan by promoting political and sectoral cooperation across a wide spectrum of policy fields, such as climate change, research and innovation, maritime affairs, education, culture, migration, counter-terrorism and the fight against organised crime and cybercrime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution. The EP welcomes EU-Japan joint efforts to promote shared values and principles, in particular, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. It calls on the EU to enter into a dialogue with the Japanese Government on a moratorium on capital punishment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this protocol. It will allow the Republic of Croatia to become a Party to the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union, its Member States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Article 1) and to provide for the necessary ensuing linguistic adaptations (Article 2).

2016/11/22

I voted for this report because we, Labour and S&D colleagues, have worked very hard to embed a progressive character to the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe. The main concerns of the S&D, such as the SME Instrument, global challenges, climate change, gender balance and SSH (social sciences and humanities) have been covered. This will give a social balance to this proposal that was missing in the European Commission text.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on a Single Market package.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament today backed an important report looking at the legislative and practical deficiencies in the fight against terrorism in Europe.

2016/11/22

Today, I supported the annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security policy. The report calls for ‘creative solutions’ in the area of CFSP and CSDP together with the UK post—Brexit, suggesting a policy more supportive of UK involvement than of any third country.

2016/11/22

The annual report takes stock of the most important developments in the realm of the Common Foreign Security Policy (CFSP) over the last year, in terms of the institutional set-up of the CFSP, horizontal issues, such as human rights, non-proliferation and spread of the EU values, and geographical issues concerning the main areas of the CFSP: enlargement, transatlantic relations, relations with Russia, EU neighbourhood, Middle East and Asia. I voted in favour of it.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The main aim of this report is to look at the human rights and democracy challenges in third countries and the parliamentary scrutiny of human rights in external policies for the year 2017.

2016/11/22

In a world where Trump does not fully back NATO and of increased volatility throughout the world, Europe is making the decision to step up its defence cooperation through initiatives such as PESCO. Part of this is to foster Europe’s defence industry supporting strategic autonomy and hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process. This new fund will support cross—border technology cooperation in the defence industry offering Europe’s armed forces more options whilst providing taxpayers with more value for money. Labour MEPs voted in favour of amendments to open up the possibility of the UK taking part in this fund in order to preserve thousands of quality jobs in the UK’s defence sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital. While the CEF is already performing well, we are nonetheless struggling to deliver when it comes to cross-border projects and synergies. In the new CEF 2.0 we are looking for such synergies between the transport, energy and digital sectors.Labour MEPs are of the opinion that taking into account the new climate targets, 60% of CEF funding should invest in projects contributing to climate actions, including cross-border renewable projects. On top of this, equally important in the final text adopted today is the outcome regarding the digital connectivity infrastructure domain, with projects which will contribute to improving access to very high-capacity networks, providing gigabit connectivity, including 5G. Finally, for the first time, the CEF will integrate a military dimension financed directly from the European defence fund, for the development of civilian transport infrastructure.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs voted in favour of the report on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement noting that Ukraine has improved over recent years but there is more to do in tackling corruption and improving the lives of ordinary Ukrainians.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because of the crucial need to prepare pupils and students to deal with social and economic challenges brought about by rapid technological and social developments. Educational institutions play a key role in order to equip learners with the appropriate skills, with particular attention to students with disabilities, minority groups, migrant communities, early school leavers, the long-term unemployed and the elderly. We recommend the introduction of cybersecurity-related teaching programmes in academic and vocational training curricula.

2016/11/22

In times of increased labour mobility, protecting social rights is of the utmost importance. Equally important is maintaining the continuity of social security when moving from one legislation to another. With this report, we seek to guarantee to all EU workers effective social protection that does not discriminate against anyone. We also want to bring more clarity to the rules applicable to posted and self-employed workers, as well as to people engaged in multiple activities abroad.

2016/11/22

Today we voted on a proposal to set up an efficient and effective European Labour Authority (ELA) in order to end labour exploitation and ensure fair mobility of workers across the EU. With over 20 million mobile workers in the EU, protecting labour and social rights and ensuring fair mobility are more crucial than ever. Yet national labour authorities can do little to monitor and apply EU rules across borders, thus leaving room for exploitation of loopholes in the current legislation. This is why we need a real and effective European Labour Authority. We want to make sure that cases of labour exploitation can be detected in time and that EU legislation is properly applied to protect mobile workers across the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of this report which enables Member States to use remaining committed funds of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to address Union priorities in the area of migration, including carrying out relocation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs support the proposal for a new LIFE programme for 2021-2027. The proposed increase in funding will be crucial to promote environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects in Europe. Labour MEPs also support the inclusion of provisions for the association of third countries in the programme.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today we took another important step in protecting European workers from work-related cancer. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council, reached an agreement on legislation covering a further eight cancer-causing chemicals, including diesel exhaust. This will ensure better protection for more than 20 million workers in Europe. Workers in the chemical, metal and car industry, professional drivers, construction workers and workers in the dock and warehouse sector, in particular, will benefit. At the same time, it will make our internal market simpler and fairer, with particular attention to help small and micro-enterprises comply with health and safety rules

2016/11/22

Today I voted for a stricter and impartial European system to exclude any dangerous substances from the food chain.

2016/11/22

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) is one of the longest-established EU agencies. As a leading centre of expertise, over the years Cedefop has broadened the scope of its activities to cover skills and qualifications, Today’s vote was essential to update Cedefop’s objectives and tasks in such a way that the Founding Regulation reflects the multifaceted nature of the agency’s work.

2016/11/22

The current revision of the EU-OSHA founding regulation, together with the Cedefop and Eurofound regulations, which are being updated in parallel, represents an important reform. It provides an opportunity to streamline aspects of the Agency’s organisation and to reinforce important principles such as evaluation, transparency and cost-effectiveness. The Rapporteur has sought to pursue these objectives while avoiding unnecessary changes, given the work EU-OSHA already undertakes in helping to ensure the highest standards of occupational health and safety.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of this report to amend the objectives and tasks of one of the longest-established EU agencies – the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) – so as better to reflect its current contribution to the development of social and employment-related policies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The Union needs to ensure preparedness for all possible outcomes related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, especially when it comes to a key sector such as the automotive industry. This regulation will deliver an element of preparedness to deal with any possible adverse effects that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union may have on manufacturers of motor vehicles. Manufacturers should not be punished for having chosen a UK type-approval authority, while provisions for preparedness should fully respect the Union framework for type approval. This regulation provides manufacturers with legal certainty, whilst maintaining liability for both type-approval authorities and manufacturers alike, and without altering the current framework of type-approval legislation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of this report, which calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal establishing a European Humanitarian Visa, giving access to European territory for the sole purpose of submitting an application for international protection. Humanitarian visas will help to address the intolerable death toll in the Mediterranean and on the migration routes to the EU, to combat human smuggling, and better to manage arrivals, reception and the processing of asylum claims.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Currently, travellers from 104 countries and entities are required to have a visa in order to enter the EU. The number of visa applications has increased by 50% in the last few years, from 10.2 million in 2009 to 15.2 million in 2016. Labour MEPs voted in favour of this report, which aimed at facilitating legitimate travel for tourism, trade and business, whilst preventing irregular immigration and contributing to internal security. In addition to the positive changes proposed by the Commission, the S&D rapporteur secured further simplified procedures for bona fide travellers and a positive link between visa and migration policy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs did not support the generalised reverse charge mechanism for VAT, as it creates risks not to collect the entire amount of VAT on the last company before selling to the final consumer. We would then lose the benefit of fractionated transactions as collecting VAT only at the end increases the risk of VAT fraud and also makes it more difficult to spot it.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of this report which urges the Council to admit Bulgaria and Romania to the border check-free Schengen area as soon as possible as all the necessary conditions for the full application of the Schengen acquis were met by Bulgaria and Romania already in 2011.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of a report supporting increased cooperation at the EU level on military mobility. It stresses that it is the sovereign right of each country to decide which military equipment and troops are permitted to cross their borders but that in line with either their EU or NATO commitments, countries should have coordinated rules on military movements. Given the increased instability on Europe’s borders it is essential that, provided each country agrees, military forces are able to move across Europe quickly to respond to a crisis.

2016/11/22

We welcome the New Agenda for Culture and stress that it represents a huge opportunity to adopt a comprehensive and coherent policy for culture at European level.We must recognise that true value of cultural and arts education by moving from a STEM to a STEAM.We consider that culture is an essential part of the political dialogue with third countries and call for systematically integrating culture into external action projects and programmes.We need to improve the social and economic situation of artists and cultural professionals.We believe that an ambitious strategy needs to be backed up by adequate funding and reiterate the call for doubling of the budget for the Creative Europe programme and a proper support for all creative and cultural sectors.We propose to put in place a single one-stop-shop or portal where all existing EU funding instruments for culture would be listed in a user-friendly and comprehensive manner.We propose also to introduce a European year of cultural personality to celebrate the achievements of Europeans who have contributed to the flourishing of culture across the continent.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as Labour MEPs welcome the recast of the Regulation EC/850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants, so it can be updated to account for both institutional and substantial changes which have occurred since its adoption. The consolidation of existing EU law contributes to clarity and legal certainty.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution, which calls on the Commission to strengthen EU—funded research and to facilitate cooperation amongst Member States for the monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.The surge in the number of reported cases of Lyme disease in the EU is very concerning, particularly given the fact there are so many disparities in the testing methods and diagnoses across different European countries.In the UK, the question of the spread of Lyme disease is a particularly important one, given the worrying surge in numbers of reported cases of Lyme Disease to our National Health Service. Public Health England has recently estimated that there are 3 000 new cases of Lyme disease every year, figures show that the number of cases quadrupled between 2011 and 2015.That is why Labour MEPs have previously called on the Commission to take action on this important set of issues, with EPLP Public Health Spokesperson Rory Palmer submitting a formal question urging the Commission to prioritise future funding for research into the disease.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report calling for an end to EU countries exporting arms to Saudi Arabia and other countries violating human rights. The people of Yemen continue to suffer from war crimes perpetrated by Saudi Arabia using British-made bombs with Tory support. Labour wants to see binding rules, with human rights and international humanitarian law conditions on arms exports even after Brexit, to stop any future governments from continuing to sell arms to Saudis, and others, in contravention of human rights standards and other rules on arms exports.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report to facilitate better investments in the electronic communications sector for the benefit of consumers and citizens. Investments include 5G infrastructures and rollout and better protection of users from cybersecurity threats.

2016/11/22

CO2 emissions from trucks are not yet regulated in Europe, in contrast to countries including the US, Canada, India, Japan and China. A large number of readily available cost-effective technologies to improve fuel efficiency are already available but are not widely deployed in the market. Trucks are responsible for over one-quarter of all road transport emissions in the EU and, without new regulation, are projected to further increase - undermining our attempts to meet our international climate goals. I support this legislation which will deliver cleaner and more fuel efficient trucks - meaning cleaner air, less climate-harming CO2 and massive fuel cost savings for hauliers.

2016/11/22

I abstained on this report into Moldova and its implementation of the association agreement. Although, Labour recognises that there have been problems, including electoral irregularities in Moldova, the report fails to highlight positive steps taken by Moldova leading to an unbalanced report that should not have our support.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the European Commission to put forward a legislative proposal establishing a European Humanitarian Visa, giving access to European territory for the sole purpose of submitting an application for international protection. Humanitarian visas will help to address the intolerable death toll in the Mediterranean and on the migration routes to the EU, to combat human smuggling, and to manage arrivals, reception and processing of asylum claims better.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of providing EU solidarity funds to Latvia in the wake of the flooding last year, because it is vital that EU countries show solidarity with our fellow citizens and governments when they have been affected by national disasters. The UK itself made use of this fund in 2015 when we were hit by flooding, and it is right that we show the same compassion and solidarity to the Latvian people affected by these awful floods.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as education is a central building-block for supporting development and jobs in Africa and beyond, and for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International aid to education has been falling in recent years, and at a time when population growth means that more children than ever are in need of a decent education. This report calls for the EU and Member States to refocus their efforts on education, increase their spending and update their policies to make sure that we meet our collective goal for every child to have full primary and secondary education, free at the point of use, by 2030.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because the S&D Group and Labour MEPs are strongly committed to improving EU energy efficiency targets and ambitions. Energy efficiency is a fundamental part of the transition to a more sustainable EU energy mix and to achieving our Paris Climate Agreement goals. It is crucial for the competitiveness of our industries and to future growth and job creation that energy efficiency targets are strong and binding. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency targets will secure a better quality of life for those who already experience or are at risk of energy poverty.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted for this report because it ensures that the planning, reporting and monitoring obligations of the EU energy and climate legislation are all brought together in one document, in order to make compliance with these goals easier. This is essential as the EU must work together to achieve its Paris Climate Agreement targets and improve its use of clean energy. The S&D and Labour MEPs worked hard to include ambitious goals and targets, and crucially to include energy poverty indicators and guidelines for Member States to follow when reporting. Furthermore, the concept of a Just Transition has been included to ensure that re-training and funding is available for workers in traditional industries who will see the nature of their job change due to the EU’s energy transition. This report reflects the ambitious targets in the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive of 32.5% and 32% respectively.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it commits the European Union to a significantly higher 2030 target for renewable energy within the Energy Union, in line with the Paris Agreement. This is crucial legislation which will support the further development and integration of renewable energy into our energy mix, and will mean that high-polluting biofuels will be phased out and industry will be forced to innovate towards more advanced biofuels. This will also mean strong measures to support self-generation among consumers and support the establishment and growth of renewable energy communities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities is one of the EU’s founding principles, and the effective protection of minorities across the EU needs to be strengthened. Minority communities have specific needs and their full equality should be promoted in all areas of economic, social, political and cultural life. Labour MEPs therefore supported this report calling for a common framework of EU minimum standards for the protection of minorities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this regulation which aims to halt the illegal import and trafficking of cultural goods from outside the EU, which is often linked to terrorist financing and other criminal activity. It will stop this traffic in its tracks by banning the import into the EU of cultural goods exported illegally from their home countries. By preventing them from entering the EU, we can help dry up this important source of income for terrorist organisations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which calls for a more unified approach to tackling fraud cases in third countries. We must ensure that EU funds are spent effectively, on projects which warrant EU support.

2016/11/22

The aim of this revision is to provide a better, more tailored supply of veterinary medicines while ensuring a high level of public and animal health, tackling antimicrobial resistance and protecting the environment. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

This is the third revision of this Directive and marks the expansion of a measure with important environmental benefits first adopted 20 years ago. The European Commission was ambitious on a number of points, but the European Parliament went even further, adopting a clear and strong position on a number of key issues. These include bringing an end to time-based charging for HGVs, providing reasonable concessions for frequent users and for mountainous and peripheral areas, and allowing for HGV tolls depending on emission output. The European Parliament’s version of the Directive respects the ‘user pays, polluter pays’ principle, and provides for increased transparency on the allocation of tolling fee revenues. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted to back this legislation that will deliver clean air for our cities by putting cleaner and zero-emission buses on our streets. Public authorities should be at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission mobility, setting an example to the rest of the economy.The European Commission and governments must put their money where their mouth is and ensure local and regional authorities get enough funding to accelerate this transition and build the necessary infrastructure.

2016/11/22

There is now a scientific consensus that man-made global warming will lead to catastrophic changes to the planet’s climate and ecosystems unless urgent action is taken by world governments to curb and reduce CO2 emissions.The UNFCCC’s processes on climate change are the best chance we have for governmental action. I voted for this resolution as I believe it to be an important signal that the EU can, and should, do more towards reducing emissions and being a world leader in mitigating the worst effects of climate change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution because I believe the EU must do more to meet its commitments on conservation and biological diversity if we are to achieve many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. I particularly support the resolution’s call for the Commission and Council to do more work on raising awareness of these issues, as well as fostering technological and scientific cooperation and dedicating more financial resources to preserving and improving European biodiversity.

2016/11/22

While the overall economic conditions in Europe are positive, the situation particularly regarding youth unemployment, labour market segmentation and inequalities, in-work poverty, productivity, wage growth, pensions, social protection and healthcare systems leaves the room for improvement. I voted in favour of this report, as Europe needs to create truly inclusive labour markets, which provide quality employment for all, including the disadvantaged groups such as women, young people and persons with disabilities and with a migrant background.

2016/11/22

Transport is the only major economic sector in the EU where greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990, posing a real threat to the environment and people’s health. Amongst all modes, road transport represents almost 75% of all energy used in transport and causes almost 73% of transport’s GHG emissions. To tackle this worrying trend and pursue a real decarbonisation of European transport, the development of alternative fuels infrastructure is key. The S&D Group is disappointed that the initial directive did not contain binding targets for each Member State and calls on the Commission to rectify the situation as a matter of urgency. As the evaluation of the National Framework Plans (NFP) included in the directive showed that most countries lag behind the initial targets envisaged for 2025 and there is a patchwork of measures across Europe, it is all the more necessary to create the right incentives for an ambitious and simultaneously uniform application of infrastructure needed for the uptake of alternative fuels.

2016/11/22

The report sets out Parliament’s response to the Council’s position on the 2019 draft budget proposed by the Commission and sets the framework for further negotiations between the European Institutions as set out in the budget procedure. As things currently stand, the UK will not be a member of the Union for more than three months of the budget year. I have therefore abstained on the overall budget report and the European Parliament budget, which contains measure to enact Brexit and for the European Parliament elections of 2019.

2016/11/22

. ‒ As has been the case for many years, the Council has not provided Parliament with the information that needs to be considered in order to grant discharge, and it did not deem it necessary to reply favourably to the invitation from the Committee on Budgetary Control to its annual ‘other institutions’ discharge hearing. I note that, in October 2017, the Conference of Presidents transmitted to the Council a draft proposal from the Committee on Budgetary Control for an inter-institutional agreement on discharge. The Council replied in May 2018 and discussions are currently ongoing on the possible Parliament response to that proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which entitles Ireland to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching of dactyloscopic data. This procedure will strengthen cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report which entitles Ireland to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching of DNA data. This procedure will strengthen cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report which entitles Croatia to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching of dactyloscopic data. This procedure will strengthen cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report in order to further facilitate and foster information sharing between Member Stats so as to reinforce the SIS in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crime and better prevent child abduction. It is equally important that this report ensure that fundamental rights with regards to processing of personal data are protected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report setting up an EU-wide system for sharing information on returns decision in order to tackle irregular migration and increase the rate of return of irregular migrants while providing for clear safeguards and limitation purpose regarding the processing of personal data.This measure is necessary to secure public trust in the EU migration and asylum policy but it goes hand-in-hand with the renewed efforts to protect those in need of protection. Labour MEPs are thus committed to also complete Parliament’s work towards a fair and functioning common European asylum system.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area, in external agreements, with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area, in external agreements, with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area, in external agreements, with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area in external agreements with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area in external agreements with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aligning the definition of the term ‘short stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area in external agreements with EU law. All other provisions of the existing agreements on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today, I voted to provide support for workers who have lost their jobs due to the effects of globalisation. These workers deserve our solidarity and support to find new jobs.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal because addressing youth unemployment is a priority. The Youth Unemployment Initiative provides support to young people living in regions where youth unemployment was higher than 25% in 2016, helping Member States implement measures to ensure that young people up to age of 25 receive a quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within 4 months of leaving school or being unemployed.

2016/11/22

I voted to fully support the alignment of environmental reporting obligations, which will make environmental reporting simpler and will provide more transparency to NGOs and the public.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as the EU 2020 strategy on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth highlights the need for inclusive growth, which amongst other things empowers citizens through employment, investing in skills, fighting poverty and modernising labour markets and social protection. The employee financial participation (EFP) offers tangible means in this respect by involving workers more in the decision—making of the companies they work for, helping to strengthen their skills and employability, ensuring a share of the financial benefits and fighting capital concentration, reactivating the unemployed and creating jobs. The EFP also has the potential to positively stabilise the European economy as a whole, as well as decrease wealth inequality in society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it calls for fair public procurement, which takes into account social criteria, workers’ rights, environmental criteria and SMEs, as well as those using publicly procured facilities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which changes Eurojust’s structure, field of action and operation, including a new governance model. This will enhance Eurojust’s efficiency in tackling cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this regulation, which aims to ensure the effective freezing and confiscation of criminal assets across the EU. Confiscating assets generated by criminal activities is a very efficient tool to fight crime and terrorism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal as the adoption of this Regulation represents an important step toward creating Europe’s Digital Single Market and towards achieving an increased competition for cloud services and a more varied choice for consumers. The new rules will encourage more flexibility in the market for cloud services, ensuring that businesses are free to choose the most cost-effective locations for IT resources, to switch between service providers, and to be free to make full use of cloud services.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This proposal is a vital step in reducing cross—border VAT fraud and helps to further reduce compliance cost for businesses by EUR 1 billion. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which will boost EU cooperation in the field of health technology assessment and help all EU Governments to make the best decisions about the added value of new drugs and technologies. The new rules will set up a mandatory EU structure to carry out joint clinical assessments, overseen by a coordination group made up of national representatives. This will allow countries to pool resources and avoid unnecessary duplication of assessments.The new rules will bring huge benefit to patients across the Union. The EU structure will help create a level playing field for all EU patients and, by removing the risk of diverging results, will minimise delays in access to new treatments.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as Labour MEPs are strongly committed to the transition to a low-carbon economy that will save money for consumers through lower fuel costs; contribute to curbing climate warming and improve human health; and ensure EU and UK manufacturers lead the way in industrial and technological innovation.Labour MEPs also backed social measures to make sure that no one is left behind during this transition: targeted programmes at EU, national and region levels for re-skilling of workers, as well as education and job-seeking initiatives in the regions and communities most affected.With time running out in the fight against climate change, this legislation can ensure investment in new, innovative developments in low-carbon technologies, which can foster economic growth, boost job creation, and improve citizens’ health and wellbeing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of funds to help redundant workers in the financial sector in three Dutch regions to find a new job. The majority of the redundant workers are women (59 %) who are part of the administrative personnel or receptionists and have lost their jobs due to the financial and economic crisis.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the revised directive – which will apply to broadcasters, video-on-demand and video-sharing platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube or Facebook, as well as to live streaming on video-sharing platforms – because it provides enhanced protection for children, stricter rules on advertising, and foresees that at least 30 % of content in programmes of TV channels and VOD platforms must be European.Effective and efficient new rules have been introduced into the law that prohibit any content inciting violence, hatred and terrorism, while gratuitous violence and pornography will be subject to the strictest rules. The European Parliament negotiators also secured a personal data protection mechanism for children, imposing measures to ensure that data collected by audiovisual media providers are not processed for commercial use, including profiling and behaviourally targeted advertising.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour redeploying funds to support humanitarian aid and to fund additional actions linked to the Central Mediterranean migratory route, that the Trust Fund helps address at the source, and to fulfil part of the pledge made at the conference ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region’. My group has tabled an amendment highlighting the importance of full respect of international human rights standards with regard to the treatment of migrants.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report to align the rules in the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies with that of the data protection standards now applied in the Member States.

2016/11/22

Dealing with public administration can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating, especially in a cross-border situation. The single digital gateway will greatly help citizens and firms to access information and administrative procedures online, for example, when applying for study loans or registering a car. It will pool together national and European-level information, procedures and assistance services into a single entry point of the ‘Your Europe’ portal, through which citizens can easily find and access what they need. The gateway will be user-friendly and multilingual, and will also help start-ups and SMEs looking to start operating in other EU Member States. Thanks to the S&D Group’s efforts, the gateway will cover a broader range of information and procedures than those the Commission originally suggested. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

It is estimated that more than 700 000 plastic bottles are littered in the UK every day, many of which end up in our oceans. New sources of plastic leakage, such as single-use plastic products and microplastics, are on the rise, posing new potential threats to animal and human health. I voted to support efforts to reduce plastic waste and with this strategy, and the proposed legislation to reduce single-use plastics, the European Union will be the first in the world to adopt a blueprint to put an end to plastic litter, both on land and sea.This is in stark contrast to the UK government, from whom we continue to see numerous consultations, but no concrete proposals on how it plans to reduce plastic waste. Unless the UK agrees to mirror EU action on plastics after Brexit, the Tories risks turning the UK into a dumping ground for cheap, non-recyclable, plastics.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this commitment for the EU to become a best practice region in the fight against antimicrobial resistance through the European Union One Health Action Plan. Together with our colleagues in the S&D Group, we call on the Commission and Member States to increase funding for early research into AMR pathogens, further incentivise research and development in the field of AMR solutions and improve data collection and monitoring of AMR cases within the EU. This important work is done through the European Medicines Agency, highlighting again how vital it is that the UK prioritises the negotiation of continued participation in EU-wide research programmes and medicines regulation through the EMA. Labour MEPs were proud to support this report aimed at protecting patients across the EU, and will continue to fight for the same protection for UK patients once the UK leaves the EU.

2016/11/22

The Report on the Commission Communication on ‘Europe on the Move: an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all’ builds on the proposals made by the Commission in the Mobility Package and addresses in a timely manner a wide range of issues facing the road sector. With a view to the future of mobility, the final text highlights profound structural changes that affect road transport, making a case for a comprehensive European regulatory framework to tackle issues such as digitalisation, the collaborative economy and the impact of automated vehicles on road safety and jobs. Most importantly, it underlines the urgency on investments into skills and new ways of working for the more than 12 million people currently employed in the sector. For these reasons I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the draft recommendation because I firmly believe that it is in the EU’s interest that we consent to the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of Amendment 1 to the Memorandum of Cooperation NAT-I-9406 between the United States of America and the European Union.

2016/11/22

The EU-Canada Air Transport Agreement is a comprehensive air transport agreement that includes a gradual phasing-in of traffic rights and far-reaching cooperation on a number of issues, including safety, security, environment, air traffic management, state aids and competition, although regrettably minimal provisions on social matters, labour rights and the far-reaching consequences of the liberalisation of the sector. Parliament’s approval will allow the Republic of Croatia to become a Party to the Agreement on Air Transport between Canada, the European Community and its Member States following its accession to the EU in 2014. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which proposes tightening controls on people entering or leaving the EU with EUR 10 000 or more in cash or precious commodities in order to prevent the smuggling of cash across borders

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report to deal more effectively with terrorist funding and to reduce the threat from terrorist organisations by making it harder for them to finance their activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report stating that the situation in Hungary presents a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values referred to in Article 2 of the treaties and calls on the Article 7(1) procedure. The report invites the Council to investigate the situation for its part and to address appropriate recommendations to Hungary in this regard. Any risk of breaching EU values harms the effectiveness and credibility of the defence of fundamental rights, human rights and democracy globally.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report taking stock of EU-US relations, currently at an all time low. No matter how much damage President Trump causes and how much he undermines the transatlantic relationship, the report emphasises that we cannot allow him to poison the important relationship between the US and Europe - a pillar of global peace, security and free trade. Europe must work hard to defend its interests while anticipating a time when Trump is no longer President.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this own-initiative report as it stresses that China is a strategic EU partner and that there is huge potential for further cooperation, but not without challenges. According to the report, human rights, rule of law and fair competition should be at the core of EU’s engagement with China. I believe that these core values should be at the heart of the report and future EU-China relations.

2016/11/22

The report welcomes the Commission’s proposal to ease the VAT compliance burden on SMEs. Small businesses bear proportionally higher VAT compliance costs than larger businesses and this hinders entrepreneurship. I voted in favour of this proposal, as it aims to foster entrepreneurship across the Union by introducing some administrative simplification measures for small enterprises.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which classifies several new substances as illegal, in order to implement the appropriate level of control to assure EU-wide protection of individuals against any synthetic opioids that may endanger their life or health and to prevent the financing of organised crime.

2016/11/22

The European Union Solidarity Fund enables the EU to provide financial support to a Member State in the event of a major natural disaster. Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania and Poland have been affected by earthquakes, floods or storms in 2017, and I have voted in favour of EUR 34 million of financial assistance to fund vital emergency and recovery operations in the affected areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe the financing of the PEACE programme must be continued post 2020, and participation in Interreg programmes, which are particularly important for the stability of the Northern Ireland, should also continue to be possible. Furthermore, the PEACE programme should be taken as the EU ‘model’ and promoted as a tool to overcome mistrust among conflicting communities to achieve lasting peace.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because exceptional circumstances sometimes require flexibility and in this case, these special measures played an important role in sustaining the Greek economy at a time of stretched financial liquidity. We have to bear in mind that the primary goal of the EU cohesion policy is to bring added value to public and private funding. In that sense, exceptional measures like the one foreseen in Regulation 2015/1839 can be justified only on an exceptional basis.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for EU Member States to introduce new and progressive legislation to ensure that those people in the workplace who suffer from chronic health issues and disabilities are adequately protected whilst in employment, and have the necessary tools to successfully transition back into the workplace should they choose to do so. Labour MEPs recently launched the Dying to Work campaign on the European level, which calls for additional employment protection for terminally ill workers. The amendments proposed in this report directly reflect the aims of this campaign, and are testament to the positive and progressive work Labour MEPs continue to achieve in the European Parliament despite Brexit.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it calls for more transparency around the equivalence granting process as well as making equivalence decisions dependent on satisfactory third-country rules on fighting tax evasion.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, as we must support border regions, which generally perform less well economically than other regions within a Member States by reducing the complexity, length and costs of cross-border interaction and promoting the pooling of services along internal borders.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the agreement in order to kick-start this interesting initiative, which will give young people the chance to take part in projects that will benefit communities across Europe. This programme is an important step in the process to strengthen solidarity in Europe, and Parliament negotiators secured within the programme a wide range of activities and actions, such as solidarity, education, health, environmental protection, disaster prevention, provision of food and non-food items as well as reception and integration of migrants and asylum seekers. Priority will be given to non-profit activities, which is key.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is important to tackle harassment in the workplace, in public spaces and political life in the EU. This report urges all Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention and to develop national strategies to deal with violence against women and girls. The report also calls on politicians to attend management training tackle the atmospheres in which workplace violence against women arises. Overall, the report is comprehensive covering the problems with sexual harassment and violence against women in public and professional life.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The extent of multilingualism is one of the greatest assets of cultural diversity in Europe and, at the same time, one of the most significant challenges in the creation of a truly integrated EU, in particular with the development of language technology – technology that supports not only spoken but also sign languages. Language technologies are used in everyday digital products and services. I supported the report as it is committed to promoting multilingualism and to tackling the deepening digital divide between widely used and less-used languages.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because it demonstrates the European Parliament’s commitment to tackling the human rights abuses and climate change issues caused by illegal forestry and unmanaged supply chains from forestry and forestry-related products entering the EU. This report will send a clear indication to the Commission, when it comes to reassess how the Union deals with this kind of trade, that supply chain due diligence is important for forests and forest-linked commodities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which will allow the EU budget to be implemented in a simpler and more flexible manner. The aim of this revision is to reduce bureaucracy, obtain financial savings, facilitate accessibility to funding for beneficiaries and allow the EU to promptly provide financial support in unforeseen situations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which introduces online checks on visa-exempt third country nationals ahead of their arrival at EU external borders, to prevent risks for irregular migration, security or public health. S&D members introduced measures to ensure that the system fully respects fundamental rights and EU data protection rules to prevent discrimination.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which introduces online checks on visa-exempt third country nationals ahead of their arrival at EU external borders, to prevent risks for irregular migration, security or public health. S&D members introduced measures to ensure that the system fully respects fundamental rights and EU data protection rules to prevent discrimination.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report which notes the draft EU Budget for 2019 proposed by the Commission and which sets the terms for the negotiation between the Commission, Parliament and Council within the budgetary procedure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is an important and progressive report on what the EU should be doing at the UN General Assembly. We want to see reform of the Security Council so that permanent members cannot block investigations into war crimes as we have seen happen with Syria. We also want to make clear our support for the people of Western Sahara and their right to self-determination. This report is a proud reflection of Labour’s commitment to internationalism and progressive values.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because this report recommends the creation of a ‘European Social Label,’ which would allow social enterprises to be recognised throughout the EU – something that currently varies greatly between Member States. The label would be optional and would guarantee that social enterprises have the same benefits, rights and obligations across borders. This report also highlights the role that social enterprises play in job creation and growth.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it provides European Union citizens with stronger provisions for participating in the European elections and introduces higher standards for electoral procedures among Member States. The European elections will become more accessible, with the possibility to introduce electronic voting, postal voting, and granting voting rights to EU citizens residing in third countries. The minimum deadline for the establishment of electoral lists will act as a safeguard against arbitrary last-minute decisions by national parties in the Member States and the measures against double voting will strengthen citizens’ trust in the electoral process. Lastly, the new provisions on displaying logos and names of the European parties – even if not obligatory – represent an improvement of the political link between national parties and their European political family.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted to support the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Armenia and the EU to bring Armenia closer to Europe and promote free trade, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Labour backs the new Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and welcomes the example of a peaceful change of government that will bring tangible benefits to Armenians. By insisting that cooperation between the EU and Armenia requires progress on improving human rights, freedom of speech and protecting trade the EU is able to achieve real progress for ordinary Armenians.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it addresses the challenges Iraq is facing following the territorial defeat of Daesh, including ongoing humanitarian, stabilisation, early recovery, reform and reconciliation needs. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement underpins the EU-Iraq partnership and supports the Iraqi authorities in the reconstruction phase and in tackling the underlying political, social and economic drivers of instability.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it has no negative impact for the EU’s trade and the agreement is necessary to comply with the WTO standards.

2016/11/22

The text adopted by the Parliament subscribes to the view that the European transport system needs to be based on a user-pays principle. The changes brought to the Eurovignette Directive will allow Member States to reduce the minimum taxation rates applied to heavy goods vehicles, which merely reflected the ownership of these vehicles, not their actual use and contribution to noise or air pollution. The gradual reduction of annual taxes in two steps will counterbalance the introduction of distance-based taxation for companies, while ensuring a low administrative burden for legislating authorities. For these reasons I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the Draft Amending Budget will enter the 2017 budget surplus into the 2018 budget, thereby diminishing accordingly the contribution of the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the amending budget because these funds (EUR 500 million) help ensure the humane management of refugee pressures from conflicts in the region and are important to allow for the schooling of refugee children in Turkey to continue seamlessly.

2016/11/22

Under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, countries around the world pledged to end child marriage by 2030. Child marriage occurs in every region of the world, in staggering numbers. The EU therefore has a key role to play. The EU and many of its Member States contribute significant amounts of aid to countries with high rates of child marriage. Donors can provide critical assistance for legal and policy reform in these countries. They can also help provide the support – access to education, sexual and reproductive health information and services, economic security, and social empowerment. This report addresses all these points above. It underlines that the EU must play a leading role in cooperation with regional organisations and local communities to tackle child marriage in a comprehensive way. It also calls those EU Member States who have not already done so, to include a complete ban on child marriage in their domestic law by setting the minimum age at 18 years, and to ratify the Istanbul Convention. For these reasons I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report calling on the Council to ensure better human rights standards in Azerbaijan before concluding a new partnership agreement. Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU as a major energy supplier, but we cannot let that stop us from calling out human rights abuses where they happen and insisting that Azerbaijan pursues a democratic path before coming closer to the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as without decent working conditions in all transport sectors, there cannot be fair competition. A total reform of the rules governing road transport and freight in Europe is needed. The mobility package is very important legislation, having an important impact on pay, time spent with family, quality of resting time, and driver, passenger and road safety. Good working conditions and respecting such conditions are relevant factors for the health and safety of workers and for operational safety in all modes of road transport. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs therefore stipulates that the Posting Directive should be applied from day one to all transport operations, including those that are international.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as without decent working conditions in all transport sectors, there cannot be fair competition. A total reform of the rules governing road transport and freight in Europe is needed. The mobility package is a very important piece of legislation, having an important impact on pay, time spent with family, quality of resting time, and driver, passenger and road safety. Good working conditions and respecting such working conditions are relevant factors for the health and safety of workers and for operational safety in all modes of road transport. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs therefore stipulates that the Posting Directive should be applied from day one to all transport operations, including those that are international.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the final text of this Regulation on cabotage as it brings substantial improvements and much-needed clarification to the existing law. An important step forward is that cabotage will now be limited to two days per Member State and will be followed by a cooling off period – two conditions to ensure that market distortions are avoided. In addition, we have succeeded in closing loopholes that allowed dishonest companies to circumvent European Union law and ‘cherry pick’ establishment conditions, a situation that over the years has led to the erosion of rights for drivers and road safety.However, doubts remain about the enforceability of the provisions agreed and it is disappointing that those which refer to the temporary nature of cabotage do not go far enough to protect drivers from becoming nomadic on Europe’s roads. Not all companies are dishonest, but it is clear that too many are seeking to avoid these important legal duties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for European standards of data protection, human rights and accountability not to be watered down in the negotiations for agreements between the EU and various countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East/North Africa to exchange personal data between Europol and those countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as the EU must help foster the development of the African continent. It is important to allow African countries to use the system produced by the Galileo programme, radio spectrum, standards, certification and international organisations, safety, research and development, human resources, communication and visibility, personnel exchanges and the promotion of satellite radio navigation services on the African continent.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it is important to continue investing in R&D for Europe to meet societal challenges, and association with countries where excellent science is developed can only be beneficial for EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the early establishment of this joint undertaking that will provide the basis for the EU to have an independent high-performance computer infrastructure, enabling our scientists and industry to lead key areas of research and industrial innovation.This machine will give researchers access to complex massive calculation, bringing huge benefits to society, such as the early detection and treatment of diseases, forecasting climate evolution, preventing and managing large-scale natural disasters or accelerating the design of new materials.

2016/11/22

Today I voted to provide support for workers who have lost their jobs due to the effects of the serious economic disruption undergone by the international air transport sector. These workers deserve our solidarity and support to find new jobs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it is about the added value which cities bring to the EU’s development and their contribution to the multi-level governance system of the Union. It recommends increasing cities’ and municipalities’ involvement in EU decision-making by strengthening their political role, which I believe is essential to further strengthen the solidarity value of our EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ 3D printing technology in Europe is growing and has the potential to be used outside of specialist work/academic settings. As the technology becomes widespread, existing provisions in civil law and intellectual property law may need to be adapted accordingly. I voted in favour of the Legal Affairs committee’s own-initiative report to reflect on these issues, highlighting the need for careful assessment as to whether changes to laws are required, and the need to avoid duplicating existing laws.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In a world where Trump does not fully back NATO and where there is increased volatility throughout the world, Europe is making the decision to step up its defence cooperation through initiatives such as PESCO. Part of this is to foster Europe’s defence industry, supporting strategic autonomy and hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process. This new fund will support cross-border technology cooperation in the defence industry, offering Europe’s armies more options whilst providing taxpayers with more value for money. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I did not vote for this report as the Commission’s Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme ensures that EU legislation delivers results for citizens and businesses effectively, efficiently and at minimum cost. REFIT aims to keep EU law simple, remove unnecessary burdens and adapt existing legislation without compromising on policy objectives.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as value added tax (VAT) is an important source of tax revenue for the Member States. Yet countries are missing out on some of that revenue due to fraud. Within the context of VAT, cross-border tax fraud is one of the major problems facing the Member States. Cooperation between Member States in order to help them fight the VAT fraud more easily, quickly and efficiently is essential and this report addresses this issue.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as I believe it is extremely important to protect the rights of indigenous people. This report highlights the vast violations of human rights which are faced by indigenous people all around the globe, with a particular emphasis on land—grabbing. We must strive to ensure that key initiatives such as EU cooperation policy with third countries and sustainable and economic development for indigenous people are implemented with the objective of protecting the rights of indigenous people around the world.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because it demonstrates the EU’s commitment to addressing the nexus between climate change and international security. The S&D Group were the driving force behind having this report published, and as a Group we are very aware of the connections between damage to the planet and ecosystems, and the pressure this places on some communities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because access to culture and participation empowers people, improves health and well-being, fosters social cohesion and is a transformative force for community regeneration. However, barriers to participation remain despite cultural organisations’ efforts to adapt to changing patterns of cultural expressions, consumptions and creation. I voted in favour of this comprehensive report, which carries out a crosscutting analysis of the existing structural, financial, educational and social barriers to access to culture, as a crucial step in the process of increasing cultural access and participation, which is a fundamental right.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as regulated professions, such as doctors, engineers or architects, play a fundamental role in the EU economy, making a major contribution to the employment rate, representing up to 22% of the European labour force.In the absence of EU—level harmonisation, the regulation of professions is a Member State competence. In doing so, Member States have to respect the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality. Member States should also be transparent about the regulation that they put in place and consult stakeholders before introducing new rules. This is also in the interest of the mobile European workforce, who should be able to rely on transparent, proportionate and non-discriminatory requirements when they decide to work in another Member State.For the S&D, the most important aspect in this regard is that regulating professions is key to safeguard crucial public interest objectives, such as the protection of public health, the protection of consumers, recipients of services and workers, or the protection of the environment. The S&D considers that proper regulation of professions is of paramount importance for preserving the EU economic, social and cultural model.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because ensuring that there is a timely and correct application of EU legislation in Member States is important. Currently, there remains a serious challenge and priority due to the high number of infringement procedures, which in 2016 rose to a five-year peak. The Parliament’s report raises concerns linked to late transposition of directives, problematic issues when it comes to the implementation of EU environmental law, and measures adopted in the area of asylum and migration. The report emphasises the role of social partners and civil society in in reporting shortcomings in the transposition and application of EU law, which is an issue that needs to be effectively remedied.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the proposal aims to ensure that the scope of the recast regulation is adapted to the actual legal framework of the Member States on insolvency by the time of its application. It therefore seeks to replace the list in Annex A to Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on Croatia with a new list taking account of the information notified by that Member State.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which serves to accomplish a key objective of the Schengen acquis: to share responsibility for an efficient, high and uniform level of control at the external borders in order to ensure, on one hand, a uniform and high level of control and protection of the external borders, including by the tackling of illegal immigration and, on the other hand, the smooth crossing of the external borders, in compliance with the Union’s commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which serves to accomplish a key objective of the Schengen acquis, namely to share responsibility for ensuring, on one hand, a uniform and high level of control and protection of the external borders, including by tackling illegal immigration and, on the other hand, the smooth crossing of the external borders, in compliance with the Union’s commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as Labour MEPs want a more sustainable and ecological circular economy both for our environment and to ensure quality green jobs and a more sustainable and fair economic system. We are in favour of a ‘circular economy’ as one of the five policy goals for the next cohesion policy 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

Despite the improvement of the economic situation in Ukraine since 2015, a number of vulnerabilities remain due to the country’s high dependency on commodity exports, the slower-than-expected replenishment of its international reserves and its elevated external indebtedness. The unstable domestic political environment and a continued threat of intensification of tensions in the Eastern part of the country are downside risks that could weigh on the still timid recovery. Ukraine is in need of financial aid and for these reasons I support this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The EU and Chile are close partners on climate change, international security, sustainable development and global governance. This report would strengthen these relationships whilst also taking into account human rights issues, such as the right to water, which is currently not easily accessible by all Chileans. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because it calls for stronger and better relations between the EU and NATO, underlining that the two institutions have different roles and should complement each other. It recognises that although the EU is taking on a security role, the main responsibility for collective defence remains with NATO. In order to ensure that the EU’s and NATO’s responsibilities and obligations do not overlap, the two institutions must work closely together and the report welcomes progress made in this area already. As Britain moves closer to leaving the EU, it is imperative that the EU maintains close relations with NATO and the UK, which will remain one of NATO’s most important members.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Cyber—attacks, such as WannaCry which crippled the NHS in 2017, are taking place more often and causing increasing damage. In this report, Parliament is calling on Europe to invest more in collective cyber—defence to improve countries’ ability to deter cyber—attacks, better attribute who is responsible and better respond to each cyber—attack. In an era of increasing global instability, some countries will exploit the anonymous nature of cyber—attacks to cause harm to their rivals. Only by countries working together at the EU level and alongside NATO can IT systems be best protected. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it focuses on data collection, which is essential, given that the share of total catch for some species by recreational fishers can reach as high as 72% (European eel). Furthermore, as is clear from the above statistics, recreational fisheries have a significant social, economic and environmental impact. The report also takes Brexit into account, noting that it will have an impact on the shared stocks and also that it will be important to ensure that British fishers who travel for their hobby are taken into account in future relationship discussions and are able to have easy, fair and legal access to sites and stocks after Brexit.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the new EASA Regulation which is a major step forward for European aviation and a victory for the S&D Group, bringing additional safety for passengers and employees in this sector. The greatest achievement is the inclusion of a link between poor working conditions and flight safety, as EASA will now be able to monitor and sanction precarious working conditions if they endanger flight safety. Given the worrying spread of exploitative employment models in low-cost airlines, it was imperative to act and protect the pilots and crew who are more and more under pressure.The safety of passengers and aircraft was also behind the new provisions on drone handling, and in its negotiations with the Council, the Parliament opposed the so-called flexible approach of the industry and insisted instead on clearer rules for the registration of drone operators. As result, the Basic Regulation will ensure that drones will only fly following registration and only while protecting security, privacy and the environment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as a fully transparent heavy-duty vehicle market will enable purchasers to make better-informed choices, give manufacturers a stronger incentive to innovate and provide the authorities with comprehensive data for the development and implementation of policies linked to heavy-duty vehicles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report because I am of the opinion that future-proofed education systems should ensure the right of people to access quality education, take into account the different spaces and forms of learning, including informal, non-formal and lifelong learning, and include learning for sustainability, entrepreneurship and media literacy. I believe education must also be part of a broader reflection on ‘occupational literacy’ in the context of a growing digitisation and robotisation of European societies, focusing not only on economic growth but also on learners’ personal development, improved health and well-being. Finally, I welcome the highlighting in the report on the need, in a fast changing world, to train the trainers and ensure proper support for teachers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as I believe the EU should be a role model for others in quality and sustainability of aquaculture, particularly in regards to the environment and food safety.

2016/11/22

Having a global ambitious strategy is key to progress in delivering concrete change for young people across Europe. I therefore voted in favour of the report which recommends a range of measures to strengthen and improve the future EU Youth Strategy, in particular the inclusion in the labour market of all young people through the creation of equal opportunities, but also creating the conditions to grant young people the right to live in a healthy environment and have access to education and culture, which should be considered a fundamental right. Importantly, the report also calls for young people and youth organisations to be systematically involved in youth policy-making.

2016/11/22

It was right that we voted in favour of the implementation of the Ecodesign Directive. As the EU embarks on the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, it is crucial that our products do more with less energy. The European Union’s Ecodesign Directive has saved European families around EUR 490 on their energy bills per year. A 2015 UK government study concluded that each pound invested in ecodesign generates 3.8 times that in earnings for the British economy. However, some implementation gaps remain and Labour MEPs support the calls for more product groups to be added to the scope. By making more energy efficient products available to consumers, the EU can help more households bring their energy bills down.

2016/11/22

In 2017 the island of Lesbos (Greece) was affected by an earthquake, there were fires in Galicia (Spain) and Portugal and the islands of Saint Martin and Guadeloupe (France) were hit by Hurricanes. I voted in favour to provide EUR 104.2 million to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal to support reconstruction efforts and cover some of the costs of emergency services, temporary accommodation, clean-up operations in the aftermath of those natural disasters to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by natural disasters.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour despite the outcome of the trilogues not being perfect. However, the new rules will be better than what we have in place now and are the best we could get from an obstructive Council. The new trade defence instruments merit our cautious welcome.For the first time, social and environmental standards will be taken into consideration when determining if dumping has taken place. This is a big step forward towards a more progressive trade policy. However, there are great challenges with these new instruments; the EU must show more ambition if we want to effectively protect European jobs and industries. Nevertheless, with the new rules, the EU will be much better prepared to fight unfair trading practices than a post-Brexit UK will be.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I fully endorse the call for equal treatment of imported and EU fishery and aquaculture products in an effort to create fairer competition, foster consumer protection and traceability as well as sustainability, and raise standards in third countries. Controls on fishery and aquaculture products should be increased and improved, and efforts to ensure a more harmonised implementation of existing legislation should be intensified. The role of the European Fisheries Control Agency should be reinforced. The EU’s trade and fisheries policies should be closely coordinated, including during the negotiation of trade agreements with third countries involving fisheries matters.While we acknowledge the high standard of the EU fleet, we lament the fact that the EU and Member States do not give sufficient consideration to the protection of fishers, as is evident in the failure to ratify important instruments such as ILO Convention 188 concerning work in the fishing sector.

2016/11/22

The current interinstitutional agreement on better law-making offers a wide set of opportunities to improve the quality of EU legislation. The IIA needs to be monitored in order to fully assess its potential and to show that better law-making should not lead to deregulation. I voted in favour of this report because it calls for further action on: priority treatment for certain legislative files agreed upon in joint declarations on annual programming should not be detrimental to the quality of EU legislation; timely presentation of important legislative packages; better consultation of parliamentary committees throughout the annual programming preparation and implementation process; more detailed and reliable Commission Work Programmes; improving the quality of impact assessments; better identifying cases of gold-plating.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe in enabling more and better instruments to protect victims of crime in the Member States of the EU.

2016/11/22

I want a values-based trade policy that provides economic opportunity to the citizens of the EU and our trading partners. It must be based on the Sustainable Development Goals.The debate on the enforcement of commitments on labour standards and environmental protection in trade agreements is not over. The Commission cannot proceed to exclude sanctions as a last resort.

2016/11/22

I supported this technical file in order to ensure the application of a concept of origin corresponding to that set out in the rules of origin in the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) of the Union, Switzerland and Norway has modified their GSP rules of origin. It is therefore necessary to revise the agreements in the form of an exchange of letters between the Union and the two countries.

2016/11/22

I have voted in favour of this proposal because I believe that in order to fight VAT fraud, that we must increase cooperation with the tax authorities of third countries.

2016/11/22

I encourage all stakeholders to come together and pool their efforts to implement these measures in order to optimise the value chain in the fishing sector of the EU. Indeed, options that are available in the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund should be used and the potential of producer organisations and fisheries local action groups should be tapped. New opportunities (i.e. innovation, strategies, marketing and cooperation with the public sector) and synergies should be made the most of. Awareness-raising efforts with regard to consumer information, such as labelling, should be greatly improved.

2016/11/22

As a representative of a region with a sizeable agricultural sector, I am proud to report that I supported this report on the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy’s young farmer tools. I believe that in the future, CAP reforms need to continue the current scheme for young farmers and increase its funding. Young people entering the agricultural sector are more likely now than ever to be involved in small-scale, nice market farming operations, which reflects the challenges in land access and the difficulty in accumulating sufficient capital to compete in scale-driven markets. Member States need to develop policy tools such as land banks to improve access to land and to chart unused land available for young farmers.

2016/11/22

This multi-annual plan for North Sea demersal fisheries is the second management plan proposed by the European Commission since the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy agreed at the end of 2013. Such multi-annual tools are essential for the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and offer better predictability over time on catches allowed to fishermen.

2016/11/22

Socialist voices from all across Europe have been calling for the revision to the Posting of Workers Directive for years. Europe’s trade union and socialist movement should rightly take credit that it has finally been achieved. Far too many posted workers are paid lower salaries and enjoy less protection than the local workforce does - with many working and living under awful conditions. These new rules will put an end to the exploitation of posted workers and ensure equal pay for equal work will not only be achieved, but be applied from day one. All too often unscrupulous bosses are undercutting wages and standards, cynically distorting competition and undermining the single market. It is essential to protect the two million - and counting - posted workers in Europe today and safeguard fair competition for companies in the internal market.

2016/11/22

As the largest single market for fisheries products in the world, the EU plays an important role in promoting sustainable fisheries and better governance through a number of international organisations and regional fisheries management organisations such as the SPRFMO. I welcome the Regulation that provides for a swift transposition of SPRFMO measures into EU law, including the measures adopted at the recent 6th meeting of the SPRFMO in Lima, Peru (30 January - 3 February 2018).

2016/11/22

We have to use the momentum on sustainable finance from the Commission and Member States to meet the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Both the private and the public sector need to play their part in order to move towards a system of sustainable financial investment.

2016/11/22

Excellent work by my colleagues Jytte and Sylvia for guiding this report through the JURI committee and now the Plenary. The EU Justice Scoreboard gives a good overview of the quality, efficiency and the independence of the justice system in EU Member States, helping national authorities to improve the effectiveness of their judicial systems.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, in part due to the great achievements made by the S&D Group in Committee:1. Enhanced access to beneficial ownership registers of companies and trusts, and interconnection of the registers between Member States;2. Access to information on beneficial ownership: (a) public access to beneficial ownership information on companies (b) access on the basis of ‘legitimate interest’ to beneficial ownership information on trusts and similar legal arrangements and (c) public access upon written request to beneficial ownership information on trusts that own a company that is not incorporated in the EU;3. Improving cooperation between Member States’ Financial Intelligence Units;4. Improved checks on risky third countries;5. Lists to identify politically exposed persons.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In response to the Dieselgate scandal, which revealed the serious failure of the current system of approval and motor surveillance of cars, the Socialists and Democrats have taken the lead in tightening up the approval and surveillance of new cars to better protect consumers and the environment, and restore faith in the car industry and the system.It is clear today that the manufacturers that have abused the system will not respond to anything except for a new system that is strong and enforceable. With the text of this agreement, we will now be able to put in place the controls, safeguards and transparency that the current system is so desperately lacking. The Member States will have clear minimum targets to fulfil, the Commission will have obligations and powers for real European oversight, and the whole system will be more transparent and allow independent market surveillance by interested parties such as consumer organisations.Next, it is time for the Commission and the Member States to deliver on these new rules. The S&D will closely monitor the implementation of the new rules and continue to fight in the interests of the European consumer and for lower emissions to ensure that this industry too acts in line with sustainable development.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I fully support this text which covers the labelling of organic products and their production. Unfortunately, regulations in this sector have not kept up to date with the strong developments of the sector and constituted one of the last areas of agricultural legislation which had not been brought up to speed under the Lisbon Treaty to make use of the new competences and potence of Parliament.Under new rules we can expect to see controls and checks being improved and causes of contamination of organic produce being systematically investigated and monitored by the Commission over four years, so that new solutions and legislative proposals can then be made to stop future incidents. These measures offer a more streamlined set of rules for producers and more certainty for consumers of organic food in Europe.This legislation puts in place safeguards and opportunities which will help the EU’s organic sector to develop and expand further.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the employment guidelines which define the common priorities and targets for Member States’ employment policies. Together with the broad economic policy guidelines, they form the basis of the European Semester and the country-specific recommendations. The revision of the employment guidelines introduced the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, with a special focus on equal opportunities, fair working conditions as well as social protection and inclusion for all citizens. The S&D introduced a call to tackle child poverty by providing access to health care, education and childcare that are free of charge, as well as to decent housing and proper nutrition. In order to put the employment guidelines and the European Semester on a sound basis, we call on the Council to incorporate the recommendations by Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this year’s own-initiative report on competition issues, which this time around amongst other things congratulates the state aid cases as led by Commissioner M. Vestager (e.g. Amazon, Google, Apple), at the same time as reminding us that state aid can help secure infrastructure and Services of General Interest. It is highlighted that adequate resources are needed both at the EU and national levels in order to properly carry out the tasks of various competition authorities, and it calls on the Commission to create guidelines to shorten the duration of antitrust investigations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution which calls for wider and more affordable access to vaccines in Europe. S&D have called for information campaigns, aiming at raising awareness in the public opinion to combat the danger of misleading vaccine hesitancy as well as more investment in research and monitoring in order to guarantee the highest level of health safety.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for an effective implementation of the European Protection Order Directive to assure the EU-wide protection of individuals against any act that may endanger their life, physical or psychological integrity, dignity, personal liberty or sexual integrity.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text, joining my Socialist and Democrat colleagues in calling on all key stakeholders to work consistently and together to ensure better implementation of the Bologna Process, as it contributes to the personal and professional development of students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff and to the quality of learning, teaching, research and administration.There is a need to ensure mutual cooperation and political engagement as well as the comparability and compatibility of standards in the different higher education systems.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on the Framework Agreement between the EU and Australia, which was carried in the Committee on Foreign Affairs with a large majority. Australia is one of the EU’s closest allies and friends and, at a time of harsh international rivalry, mistrust and isolationist/nationalist/populist temptations, and with the US withdrawing from numerous multilateral agreements, the EU is bucking the trend by confidently looking forward to even closer alliances with other like-minded nations. This is not a vote for a free-trade agreement, it is important to stress.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Convention in order to provide more effective cooperation to respond to the threat of terrorism, as becoming a party to the additional protocol would broaden the EU’s existing cooperation to include partners outside the EU.

2016/11/22

Labour are committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes reuse, efficiency, durability and recycling. We cannot continue with the existing paradigm. The UK produces more than 100 million tonnes of waste every year, although this could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.I also support and voted for measures to introduce deposit return schemes to cut the 5.5 billion plastic bottles – 43% of the total – that are not recycled every year in the UK. As plastic bottles – a third of all plastic pollution in the sea – continue to harm marine life, the UK Government continues to drag its feet on introducing such a scheme in the UK.

2016/11/22

I support this report on the proposal for procedural rules in the field of environmental reporting because establishing the correct rules is vital and this report goes some way in achieving this.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, joining my colleagues in the European Parliament in supporting the efforts of the UN to strengthen global migration and refugee policies, to better match the current situation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting discharge to the European Parliament for the financial year 2016 as all accounts were found to be regular by the Court of Auditors. I note with satisfaction that the overall audit evidence of the Court indicates that the spending on ‘administration’ is not affected by a material level of error. Furthermore, I am pleased that the report includes calls for some vital progress on workers’ rights, especially for trainees. The budget execution of an institution is not just about figures and money being well spent, it is also about the work environment it creates and which makes the Institution resilient.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting discharge to the European Parliament for the financial year 2016 as all accounts were found to be regular by the Court of Auditors. I note with satisfaction that the overall audit evidence of the Court indicates that the spending on ‘administration’ is not affected by a material level of error. Furthermore, I am pleased that the report includes calls for some vital progress on workers’ rights, especially for trainees. The budget execution of an institution is not just about figures and money being well spent, it is also about the work environment it creates and which makes the Institution resilient.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Following the recommendation of the ITRE Committee, I voted in favour. Because this partnership is the most ambitious EU-Mediterranean research and innovation initiative in this field so far. Lebanon has expressed its wish to join PRIME as a Participating State on equal footing with the Member States of the European Union and those third countries associated with Horizon 2020, and in order to ensure that Lebanon can participate in this way an international agreement is required.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Recommendation and welcome the new protocol. It will contribute to sustainable fishing in non-EU waters and to maintaining a European presence in distant water fisheries. Indeed, the failure of the EU to act on this would allow the emergence of private agreements which would not guarantee sustainable fisheries.The new protocol recommendation provides for 40 EU tuna seiners, 45 surface long liners, as well as 20 supply vessels to assist in operations. In return, the EU will provide an annual financial commitment of EUR 575 000. Together, the EU and Mauritius will work to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and establish a joint committee to evaluate the progress of the protocol.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the consent to conclude this agreement, having an interest in making it easier for the farmers (and any agricultural producers) to export to Norway. This will deepen the relationship between the EU and Norway and further our demands to further the protection of geographical indicators, which would come as a welcome development to producers in the West Midlands.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because proteins are at the centre of various challenges of food safety, environmental protection and food and the EU wants to implement a plan to grow more protein crops and reduce the import of genetically modified soybeans.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I joined my Labour colleagues by voting in favour of this report on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework. It is important that we get the substance of the 2030 Framework right so to best improve our environment and reduce GHGs as much and as fast as possible in order to avoid catastrophic climate change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this directive because it encourages energy efficiency and will increase energy savings in the building sector. It brings the existing rules up to date by taking into account recent technological developments with a clear outline of relevant national actions that contribute to the alleviation of energy poverty. Increasing the renovation of the EU’s building stock over the next few years to improve its energy performance is crucial. The new simplified framework will cover the speed, quality and effectiveness of building renovation, with the long-term aim of moving to the decarbonisation of buildings. As a result, the energy consumption of buildings in the EU, which currently accounts for 40% of total energy, will decrease, contributing significantly to reaching the EU’s 2020 and 2030 energy efficiency targets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. However, despite progress in some areas, the EU’s environmental objectives are unlikely to be fully met by 2020. Labour MEPs call on Member States and the Commission to ensure that the environment is at the heart of all EU policies going forward. Improving policy coherence, implementation, knowledge and funding will be crucial to ensuring that our environmental goals are met. The report also makes it clear that the EAP adds value to EU and national efforts in this policy field. Cooperation and policy coherence between European states are crucial to reducing the impact of pollution on our environment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe – like my Socialist colleagues – that women should be equal partners in telling the stories portrayed in the media. And I want to thank Iratxe for her great work on this report, and receiving a good majority in both committee and plenary.

2016/11/22

The nature of employment and education is being changed by the rapidly progressing digitalisation of various sectors. If women had access to resources to improve their e-skills, digitalisation could function as an opportunity to increase their labour market participation and pay levels. Furthermore, work-life balance could be improved and this could give a boost to female entrepreneurship. According to a Commission report from 2013, equal participation of women in the ICT sector would contribute as much as EUR 9 billion to the EU economy every year. This is why women and girls need support in their e-literacy.

2016/11/22

We have 12 years ahead to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the expectations of the European Consensus on Development. I voted in favour of this report, which tries to make creditors and sovereign bond issuers accountable for illegal loans and tries to make concrete proposals to overcome the current shortcomings of the loans system.

2016/11/22

I have voted in favour of this report, which acknowledges cohesion policy as the key public investment tool of the European Union, representing one—third of the EU budget. We must fight for an inclusive, fair cohesion policy in order to create quality jobs for the well-being of citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I want to fight against IUU fishing and regret that Comoros failed to meet its obligations in this regard, resulting in the denunciation of the EU-Comoros Fisheries Partnership Agreement. It is also regrettable that the long-lasting sectoral support provided for under the FPA was not adequately used and has failed to deliver tangible improvements in the Comorian fisheries sector. As a Small Island Developing State and Least Developed Country, it is essential for Comoros to continue cooperation with the EU, notably in terms of development policy.

2016/11/22

Over twelve years, more than 100 million Europass CVs have been created online. Labour MEPs voted in favour of updating and promoting this tool. With a single online portal, both recruiters and applicants will have easy access to available information that can be useful for job searches, applications, recruitment, the choice of education, training or career paths. To this end, the Europass online platform and tools will be more user-friendly and safer, available free of charge to all users, and accessible for persons with disabilities.

2016/11/22

The EUYO is the only organisation of its kind that brings together young people from all 28 EU Member States every year to work together culturally and artistically at the highest levels of excellence. Since its formation in 1976, following a proposal by the European Parliament, it has provided a route to employment for thousands of Europe’s young EU musicians and attracted a global reputation for excellence. Since 2016 the orchestra has been in danger of being forced to shut down because of a lack of funds. The amended regulation aims at ensuring its financial survival until 2020, given its unique institutional nature and its history. However, it is important for the sustainability of the organisation that it diversifies its revenues and increases its visibility, and ensures full transparency in its selection process. We must also ensure that we use this opportunity to debate the role of arts and culture in order to develop Europe and provide funding in a stable and coherent manner under the future Creative Europe programme. I voted in favour of the proposed text, as I believe that it reflects this approach.

2016/11/22

The European Commission needs to significantly strengthen the cooperation with the European Parliament when drafting the list of projects of common interest. They have to come earlier to the EP to ensure that MEPs can have a say in the whole process.

2016/11/22

. ‒ After the Treaty which established the European Coal and Steel Community expired in 2002, most of its activities were transferred to the European Union under the Treaty of Nice and the remaining loose-ends of the treaty moved to the Research Fund for Coal and Steel. This Research Fund aims at funding research activities in these sectors, respectively 72.8% for steel and 27.2% for coal. These activities are financed by means of financial investments with a low level of risk, operated by the Commission. Given the monetary policy done by the European Central Bank, those investments are substantially lower than the previous years. Indeed, it is expected that the RFCS programme envelope for 2018 amounts to EUR 27 million, corresponding to a decrease of EUR 19 million compared to 2017. According to the Commission’s forecasts, this figure should be reduced further and reach a total of between EUR 14 and EUR 18 million in 2019. Indeed, I voted in favour of this recommendation because Research for Coal and Steel are paramount to re-orient raw material and energy sources policies towards de-carbonisation and any available financial mean to do so should be mobilized.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendation, as I believe that because the EU and New Zealand are close partners, this agreement will foster deeper partnership and provide practical arrangements between our administrations and theirs, securing global supply chains and facilitating the fight against customs fraud.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because over 25 500 people lost their lives on EU roads in 2016 and over 130 000 people were recorded as seriously injured. These shocking figures underline that targeted measures and new technologies with clear road safety benefits are urgently needed. We therefore welcome the communication by the European Commission as well as the report of the European Parliament, considering that the cooperation between intelligent systems has the potential to significantly improve road safety: it helps the driver to take the right decision and adapt to the traffic situation. We are of the opinion that policymakers should not merely focus their eyes on futuristic systems, but should also ensure the adoption of life-saving technologies that are available now or that are near-to-market, and that is why we are insisting that further legislative action should be taken at EU level if no significant progress is made by 2022.

2016/11/22

These new rules are an important element of the Commission’s Digital Single Market strategy in supporting e-commerce growth as part of a modern and fair social Europe. In this context, we are confident that with this new regulation we will assist in securing for the parcels sector more transparency of tariffs and employment practices and a better deal for consumers and small businesses ordering cross-border parcels.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Happy to see so much progress being made on reforming the European transport sector in this plenary session. I voted in favour of this report, which recognises that in a competitive EU market with constant cross-border services development and continuous shift towards a digital economy, transport companies often tend to offer more services, but without investing enough on their drivers’ training and skills development or their working conditions. There is evidence that this has unfortunately caused more accidents involving trucks on EU roads. The efficiency and safety of the road transport business rely heavily both on the quality of vehicles used and on the skills of the drivers employed by the transportation companies. For this reason, the qualification and periodic training of drivers, and the ability to verify those skills and enforce the legislation that regulates them across the EU must be regularly updated to match the fast moving changes influencing the industry and its operators.

2016/11/22

I support gender mainstreaming in all trade policies through binding enforceable measures in EU trade agreement.The first Gender chapter in an EU Trade Agreement will be integrated in the ongoing modernisation of the Chile association agreement; we want this example to be followed by all trade agreements.We call for disaggregated data by gender, taking into account both socio-economic groups and industrial sectors country by country, a picture of regulatory and procedural trade barriers and existing information gaps; monitoring and sustainability impact assessments prior and post agreements, and women experts in negotiation processes and in expert’s panels.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it emphasises the need to apply tailor-made strategies/programmes/actions to suit the need of different lagging regions in order to stimulate their economic growth and sustainable development.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I support the fight for mandatory climate targets for Member States. It is important that we take the lead on working towards sustainable growth and green jobs for Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour to set up this special committee, as a follow-up to the TAXE, TAX2 and PANA special committee recommendations. This special committee will take on board all key S&D issues into the mandate, and will look into the impact of EU tax policies on developing countries as well as new developments in the economy, how to deal with taxation in the digital economy and tackle VAT fraud. It is essential that we keep the pressure on EU governments in order to build a fairer tax system in Europe.

2016/11/22

When buying anything, be that spirit drinks or otherwise, consumers must be able to trust the labels. Particularly for alcohols like vodka, whisk(e)y and rum, it is essential that the labels accurately reflect the contents. I, like my socialist colleagues, still want to see alcohol properly labelled with ingredients and nutritional labelling.

2016/11/22

This report is the result of some very good and hard work by my colleague Emmanuel Maurel. I voted in favour of this report because of the great achievements that the S&D were able to make in the committee, from calling for the extension of the scope to auditors and any scheme still in force, the inclusion of DAC 3, 4 and 5 into the central depository and strong and proportionate sanctions (which should also be financial).Indeed, it is high time that we tackle the issue of intermediaries and the role they play in setting up complex schemes for tax avoidance purposes, while the rest of us take up the slack in tax contributions.

2016/11/22

I would have liked to have seen more socialist and progressive amendments pass in committee, as well as in plenary. However, I still voted in favour because the report still represents a step in the direction of achieving equality and justice across the EU.Discrimination against any of our citizens is not acceptable and neither are threats to the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which focuses on cutting terrorist funding, a balanced approach to the source countries and does not single out individual countries and has realistic demands on financial oversight. We must cut the sources of terrorist funding as a key area for successfully addressing this threat. I fully support blocking financial means to be available to the terrorist organisations. In pursuing the effort, law enforcement and prevention strategy is key, both among the Member States of the EU and in the external relations of the EU.

2016/11/22

The changes in this revision to the framework agreement will likely come into force this year, so provisions related to the cooling-off period for Commissioners still have relevance to UK citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it is imperative that we conclude negotiations on the Equal Treatment Directive before the end of the term – not only to enhance citizens’ trust in politics, but also because it’s the right thing to do. Moreover, the Commission needs to come forward with concrete legislative measures to combat discrimination against LGBT persons, particularly relevant during LGBT History Month in the UK.

2016/11/22

I am joining my colleagues across the political spectrum to call for an end to FGM NOW.

2016/11/22

This was a simple yes/no vote to the extension to the cooperation agreement. Neither myself, Labour MEPs nor the S&D have cooperated with the ENF when voting on this file. In principle, I support the renewal of this agreement because it has been so beneficial for both the EU and Brazil.

2016/11/22

Despite its limitations, I voted in favour of this report. It does go in the right direction by supporting an end to consumer discrimination based on nationality or residence when cross-border purchases are made online. However, I am still disappointed that a technical mistake in the report has meant that the amendment in the geo-blocking regulation refers only to the existing Consumer protection Cooperation Regulation. Something which I can foresee not making much progress at Council.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which, alongside highlighting the usual key messages in an ECB annual report from this chamber, introduces some more socialist nuances, which I am pleased to see. For example, it highlights the high level of unemployment in certain Member States, the need for more transparency in the ECB purchase policy, the focus of the Paris agreement and a call for wage increases. I am also very pleased to see that Labour MEPs at committee stage were critical for the final shape of the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on accelerating clean energy innovation because I believe that accelerating the transition to a low-carbon competitive economy is both an urgent necessity and a tremendous opportunity for Europe and the European Union can and should play a decisive role in this transition. The report acknowledges the tremendous impact that the energy transition will have on employment in some regions of the European Union and underlines the need to support these regions in the development of inclusive, local and just transition strategies and in addressing societal, socio-economic and environmental impacts. Furthermore, it calls on the Commission, the Member States and relevant authorities to identify best practices in addressing households in energy poverty, which is an issue that S&D and Labour MEPs have worked hard to include.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because we need to be serious about inserting a human rights dimension into dual-use export controls. But this must not be window-dressing. We want a control regime that works in practice. The EU should lead by example internationally when it comes to export controls, by having a race to the top, not the bottom. This means that we must engage in the relevant international forums and help emerging countries to build their capacity.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour and I commend the success of having Parliament agree to a 35% RES target, which is greater than the Commission’s proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal which aims at transposing into EU law the conservation, control and enforcement measures adopted by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) to which the EU is a Contracting Party. The SPRFMO is responsible for the management of fishery resources in the South Pacific and adjoining seas excluding tuna and tuna-like species.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which examines how EU macro-regional strategies can construct a platform to improve cross-sectoral coordination. In future, we must ensure these strategies are implemented effectively, ensure participating countries invest enough and focus on making results measurable.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of these measures as they implement much-needed regionalisation and simplification. These will achieve the key objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy: meeting the MSY objective, gradually eliminating discards and reducing unwanted catches. This will ensure that the impacts of fishing activities on the ecosystem are minimised. I advocate a Technical Measures Regulation which restores the confidence of the fishing sector through greater stakeholder participation and clearer rules and reduced administrative burden. I want to see more abundant stocks and a more attractive fishing sector with more and better paid jobs, which these technical measures represent a step towards.

2016/11/22

Oceans, along with coastal and marine resources, play an essential role in human well-being and social and economic development worldwide. Coastal and marine resources contribute an estimated EUR 1.3 trillion to the global economy each year through ecosystem services. However, those resources are extremely vulnerable to environmental degradation, overfishing, climate change and pollution.I voted in favour of the report because oceans need more and better care. Only strong international cooperation can do that. The EU is taking the lead to create a stronger system of ocean governance around the globe for improving the way oceans are managed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because women are key agents in the fight against climate change. The report focuses on various technical tools to ensure gender equality and climate justice/ climate change are interlinked. It proposes the development of a UNFCC Gender Action Plan; to appoint a national gender focal point during climate negotiations and within the platform on disaster displacement, to ensure women’s participation in the decision making and to commit to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the institutional process, both at EU and MS level.

2016/11/22

I support this proposal which calls for united, effective action to eradicate sexual abuse and exploitation and, more generally, all sexual crimes against children, and for the full and correct transposition of the Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

2016/11/22

I am proud that the European Parliament has long been at the forefront of the development of the petitions process in an international context and it is by far one of the most open and transparent systems in Europe today. This allows for full participation of petitioners which can only be a good thing. The PETI committee has the potential to reconnect the institutions of the EU and the citizens it serves by directly involving them and assessing the impact of Union legislation on their everyday lives.

2016/11/22

Transport represents almost a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions and is the main cause of air pollution in cities. This has an impact on the health of millions of EU citizens and on the environment around us. The adoption of this initiative report calls for a change towards more sustainable modes of transport, a deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and an ambitious action plan for the market uptake of electric vehicles. A shift to low-emission mobility is a key factor in reaching COP21 goals; this shift requires radical action of users, civil society, social partners, SMEs, start-ups and major corporations. In addition, the European automotive industry must adapt to mobility transition and also ensure socially fair and sustainable production standards.

2016/11/22

I share my colleague’s relief that the phase one agreement will be put into a legal form, this will give certainty to business and the economy. I am not convinced however that all of the issues have been met and I am greatly concerned that the lack of a solid agreement on the Irish border will continue to be dredged up in the second phase. Similarly, citizens of the EU living in the UK will still be in limbo about their future position in the country, unable to plan properly for the future and putting the UK economy under more uncertainty.The UK Government has handled these negotiations incredibly irresponsibly and I fear that the second phase will not be handled any better.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this impressive report which presents the Committee’s findings on discrepancies between the practices revealed in the Panama Papers and EU law, notably the Directives on Anti-money Laundering (AMLD) and on Administrative Cooperation in the field of Taxation (DAC). This report includes a factual part collecting and analysing the evidence taken into account by the Committee to arrive at its findings as well as the conclusions identifying contraventions of EU law and instances of maladministration.Among the many shortcomings identified, the lack of cooperation between EU Member States, the chronic underfunding and lack of human resources for the supervisory authorities, the deficiency in implementing and applying laws and sanctions, the lack of a fair common tax policy are all major concerns. There are many more and this is just a snapshot of the situation today.

2016/11/22

The reason I voted in the way that I did on this report is because I am opposed to EU defence integration and cooperation in the way that this report details.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe that human rights are universal and are indivisible.

2016/11/22

Although I believe that the content of this report could have been more balanced, the report does come at a timely period and reflects many of my concerns about Hong Kong.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which sets out a new legislative framework with transparent and harmonised rules for managing fishing authorisations for vessels from the EU fishing in third country waters, and third country vessels fishing in EU waters.

2016/11/22

I voted today in favour of this report because aviation activities are a significant source of Greenhouse gas emissions and in the absence of further measures, emissions from international aviation are estimated to quadruple by 2050 compared to 2010 levels. This risks undermining the EU’s and global efforts to live up to the Paris climate commitments and effectively tackle climate change. Further action is needed by the sector to ensure that it plays its role in the fight against climate change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of extending the lifetime and raising the investment target of the European Fund for Strategic Investment. It is a very important tool to tackle the current investment gap in Europe. It supports investment for innovative projects and small businesses. Based on experience and lessons learned, EFSI 2.0 also introduces several technical improvements.

2016/11/22

In accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure, parliamentary immunity is not a Member’s personal privilege but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole, and of its Members. As such, Parliament shall act to uphold its integrity as a democratic legislative assembly and to ensure the independence of its Members in the performance of their duties. Members of the European Parliament shall not be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties. In this case the right of immunity was not respected and the immunity should therefore be defended.

2016/11/22

As with other requests for the waiver of immunity, it is right that such immunity be granted to MEPs in order to guarantee and maintain the Parliament’s independence, but this should not mean a departure from justice. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which fully preserves the content of the acts being codified. This will make EU Law more accessible and clear up certain ambiguities from their non-codification.

2016/11/22

Based on its 10 year provisional application, the agreement should be considered a success. It has proved its worth by bringing significant benefits to both sides. Indeed, it is for these reasons, I voted to conclude the EU-USA air transport agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the ENVI report recommending to the Council conclusion of the agreement between the EU and Switzerland. It is my hope that this recommendation will hopefully lead to the creation of a solid international carbon market. However, more transparency in the future for similar agreements must be a prerequisite for ensuring the environmental integrity of our planet as well as the acceptance of such agreements by the public.

2016/11/22

I joined my Labour colleagues today in voting to support the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU to bring Kazakhstan closer to Europe and promote free trade, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. By insisting that cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan requires progress on improving human rights, freedom of speech and protecting trade, the EU is able to achieve real progress for ordinary Kazakhs.

2016/11/22

I also voted in favour of the resolution, as well as giving consent to the same agreement. It is an important step to seeing progress in Kazakhstan. See my explanation of vote on the Consent vote, where I explain the human rights and trade aspects to this agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which does a good job of both highlighting the work the EU does on the issue of citizens’ rights, and of calling for them to be enhanced. S&D amendments on the report made reference to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union as an unprecedented instance where citizens would have their acquired rights removed and calls on negotiating teams on both sides to preserve these rights where possible.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, but it must be noted that this is not a blank cheque for the free flow of data in Free Trade Agreements. However, it is also important to note that it is neither closing the door in principle to rules on data transfers in trade agreements. We outline the conditions under which that will be acceptable to us at Parliament. Indeed, it is important that Digital Trade is recognised as requiring cross-border cooperation between authorities. EU Trade policy must promote net neutrality as a principle.

2016/11/22

I have voted for this technical budgetary measure which reflects an underspend on various EU programmes and therefore results in a refund to the Member States of nearly EUR 10 billion, EUR 2.6 billion of which accrues to the UK.

2016/11/22

Today I voted for the technical budgetary measure to ensure that funds are available to address natural disasters within the European Union should they arise.

2016/11/22

I have voted for this technical budget measure to enable the EU to continue to address the challenges of migration and refugees from beyond its borders over the coming years. The proposal is a result of the budget agreement between Parliament and the Council, representing the Member States.

2016/11/22

Today I voted to provide support for people who have lost their jobs due to the effects of changing patterns in world trade. These citizens deserve our solidarity and support in seeking new jobs.

2016/11/22

The outcome of the 2018 budget conciliation is an agreement between the Parliament and the Council representing the Member States. The 2018 outcome gives strong support for the priorities for which the Labour Party has argued, including the research programmes of Horizon 2020, Erasmus plus, the Youth Employment Initiative, COSME and the security work of Europol. These are the programmes from which UK institutions benefit disproportionately. The budget reinforces the strong political message sent to Turkey concerning the rule of law and human rights by removing spending on pre-accession programmes. The budget represents a ‘zero growth’ position overall, the outcome is within the expectations of the Member States.

2016/11/22

We should be using, not losing, financial means for investments and to give the green light to use ~EUR 500 million for investments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file because I want to see cooperation with third countries in R&D&I, which is a fundamental tool for science diplomacy and could also help address the forced displacement of residents of the Mediterranean, and thus tackle some of the root causes of migration.

2016/11/22

I welcome more states signing up to the Hague Convention, which will help organise better and secure better the rights of access to a child, of which the Convention is of crucial importance.

2016/11/22

I want to see the prompt return of abducted children wherever in the world, this proposal will help to organise and secure the effective rights of access to a child. Indeed, the Hague convention is of crucial importance to protect children and I therefore welcome more states signing up to the Convention or similar.

2016/11/22

I welcome more states signing up to the Hague Convention, which will help organise better and secure better the rights of access to a child, of which the Convention is of crucial importance.

2016/11/22

It is crucially important that as many states as possible sign up to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. I, like many of my colleagues in this Chamber, want to see the safe return of any and all abducted children and welcome additional signatory states to this convention.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I would first like to congratulate my colleague Peter Simon on this well produced report and the excellent work that he has done on it as rapporteur.This is a fast-track of one section of the Capital Requirements Regulation, which is currently under review in the broader ‘Banking Package’ that includes the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive and the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation, in addition to the Capital Requirements Directive. Together with the ranking of creditor hierarchy, this is a first step towards the review of key legislation in the banking legislative framework. The new IFRS 9 impairment model may lead to an increase in the expected credit loss provisioning and a consequential fall in capital ratios. The five-year transitional period and its functioning ensure that the negative effects are mitigated.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the proposal for a regulation concerning the establishment of an instrument contributing to stability and peace because I believe and am committed to securing an effective development policy, believing that there can be no security without development and no development without security. My labour colleagues and I voted to support an improvement in the EU’s development funds to enable funding for security in developing countries. In effect, this funding is strictly limited to non-lethal equipment and is designed to support crisis assistance when carried out by the military such as transport and IT equipment as well as funding to help mine clearing and disaster response as it is often the military who are the first responders in such cases.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as a first step towards the approval of stronger rules for the banking sector.

2016/11/22

A new VAT system, levied on where customers rather than suppliers are based, was introduced in 2015 to prevent aggressive tax avoidance. However, the system did not accommodate the varying VAT thresholds in EU countries, causing some British small and micro businesses to find themselves subject to VAT for the first time. Therefore, we voted in favour of this proposal aimed at simplifying VAT obligations for business, in particular start-ups and SMEs. Specifically, we are pleased with the introduction of a threshold under which cross-border sales are treated as domestic sales, reducing unnecessary administrative cost and burden for small and micro-businesses. We have supported amendments increasing the threshold, in line with the UK national threshold, which would allow our small businesses to grow. Labour MEPs have long been calling and will continue to push for a proper crackdown on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. However, we want to make sure that any changes made do not put unreasonable costs on small businesses.’

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this motion because I believe, much like the rest of the S&D Group, that the war in Yemen is exacting a devastating toll on the Yemeni people. All sides involved in the conflict are guilty of gross human rights violations. We call on immediate end of hostilities and genuine talks on inclusive political transition.

2016/11/22

I joined my Labour colleagues today by voting to call on the Commission to end discrimination on the grounds of disability and provide a more equal society, better suited for people of various abilities. There are estimated to be over 13 million disabled persons in the UK, who all have the right to live independently, with dignity, equal treatment, and – above all – to be able to fully participate in society.

2016/11/22

I voted to support the ratification of a Partnership Agreement on cooperation and closer relations between the EU and New Zealand. Labour supports closer cooperation between the EU and New Zealand on global challenges such as the fight against climate change, global terrorism and for the promotion of sustainable development.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on this point because New Zealand is one of the EU’s closest friends and allies anywhere in the world.At a time of harsh international rivalry, mistrust and populist temptations, and with the US withdrawing from numerous multilateral agreements, the EU is bucking the trend by confidently looking forward to an even closer alliance with other like-minded nations, like New Zealand.I must point out that this vote does not necessarily represent a vote on the free trade agreement.

2016/11/22

This report has taken a balanced position on issues of security and immigration, as well as including a much needed progressive commitment to economic and social development in Africa. It is important that we support these developments if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

2016/11/22

I want to start this explanation of vote by expressing my thanks to Marlene Mizzi and to the whole of the Committee on Petitions who have done a fantastic job on this report. It is fair and balanced and highlights the good work of the Ombudsman in holding institutions to account as well as calling for further transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file because we need to put implementation problems high on the political agenda and to create a structured implementation dialogue.

2016/11/22

Congratulations to my excellent colleague, Javi López, on what is an excellent report.The Commission has already acknowledged that austerity policies have increased inequalities, poverty and in-work poverty in the Member States of the European Union. However, inequalities are neither inevitable nor irreversible and must be corrected through political action at European and national level, not only because they are unfair but also due to the fact that they undermine growth and impair economic efficiency.Keeping in mind that the number of people at risk of poverty has increased by seven million in Europe as a result of the crisis, we need urgent and more decisive action and policy coordination to reduce inequalities and promote equal opportunities, to fight poverty – especially child poverty – and to tackle unemployment. It is essential that no worker is left uncovered in terms of social and labour rights and that full—time stable jobs enable Europeans to earn a decent living.

2016/11/22

The proposal for a decision seeks to extend the delegation of power for an additional period of five years starting from 27 August 2017. This extension is important in order to guarantee the further deployment of the digitalisation of transport and in particular the interoperable ITS in road transport and their interfaces with other transport modes. This received unanimous support in committee, I believe that it should receive unanimous support in plenary as well.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal which calls for strong trade defence instruments and protection for our industries against unfair competition. This is particularly important in my region where the ceramics and steel industries are being hit hardest by Chinese dumping.

2016/11/22

Today I voted to provide more and better support and assistance for the countries of the Eastern Partnership, which consists of the 28 EU Member States and the six eastern European post-Soviet states. This is going to include a trust fund for Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to help better those countries cope with aggression and pressure from Russia on their territories. I look forward to a substantial Eastern Partnership Summit, where we will call for the endorsement of the 20 ‘deliverables’ for 2020 by Heads of State or Government. For this reason, an EaP+ formula could be offered to those association countries that implement reforms and demonstrate they are ready to undertake new enhanced commitments.

2016/11/22

I took my lead from my Polish colleagues on this matter, who reminded me that respect for the rule of law is crucial for the functioning of not just Poland, but for the functioning of the European Union. All Member States have a commitment to rule of law and must ensure the fundamental rights of their citizens remain protected.

2016/11/22

The Italian company Almaviva Contact SpA has laid off 1 646 call-centre workers in the Lazio region. Italy has requested support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. 1 610 redundant workers are expected to participate in the measures. Almaviva is a call-centre company. Between 2009 and the first quarter of 2014, a third of all Italian enterprises in the sector have ceased activity.I voted to provide support for workers who have lost their jobs due to the effects of the economic and financial crisis. These workers deserve our solidarity and support to find new jobs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which received broad support in the TRAN Committee. The adoption of this initiative report calls for new cars to be fitted as standard with a range of life-saving technologies, including automated emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and intelligent seatbelt reminders in all seats. Mandatory safety standards for new cars sold on the European market have not been updated since 2009 and, even though there has been progress over a longer timeframe, a 6.7% year-to-year reduction was needed over the 2010-2020 period to reach the EU 2020 target. Unfortunately, for the third year in a row, the UK remained among the countries that saw an increase in its figures on road accidents and no significant efforts were made to register a drop in the number of road deaths. As a result of the failure to reduce deaths at the pace required, significant and urgent efforts are now needed for the EU to stay on track.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file as these typologies and their methodologies had no legal recognition and were not formally recognised by the European Statistical System as an issue that needed to be addressed to establish them as recognised, impartial statistical typologies. Consequently, the NUTS Regulation needed to be amended. Council had slightly amended the original proposal by the Commission. Therefore one short trilogue was organised between the EP and the Council to agree on a common text.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal because the inland navigation sector employs some 41 500 workers, but the market consists mostly of SMEs employing fewer than 10 people. The workforce is ageing – self-employed workers in particular – and it is difficult to recruit new young entrants to the professions which are seen as unattractive. As the demand for inland navigation transport is expected to increase, the sector could face a severe shortage of skilled workers in the future. Efficient labour mobility could help address the gap between the demand for mobile workers and the regionally available offer. The adoption of this new regulation will end the current patchwork of certificates on European rivers and help the sector deal with its staff shortage. In addition, safety of navigation is guaranteed by the common competence requirements for qualification, which also apply to crew members sailing on European rivers with certificates from third countries.

2016/11/22

I voted to support the growth of e-commerce and to tackle widespread infringements of consumer law in the EU. This requires efficient tools for cooperation between the enforcers of consumer law. The rules and tools need to be fit for the digital age to ensure that consumers can shop with confidence online, including across borders. The reform of the CPC Regulation is key to empower consumers by giving the national authorities far-reaching powers, including the power to impose fines and penalty payments, and to order the trader to compensate consumers who suffered harm as a consequence of the infringement including, amongst others, monetary compensation.Our political group stands firmly behind consumer rights and fully supports this report; this swift agreement on an important piece of legislation will be a crucial piece in the puzzle of ensuring strong and enforceable consumer rights for everyone in the EU.

2016/11/22

With my Socialist and Labour colleagues I voted in favour of this report because it would highlight the importance of cohesion policy measures as they are often the main provisions that address demographic challenges at the regional and local levels and often complement national and regional strategies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which represents an important step for creating a stronger single market for retail financial services, putting consumers first.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the application of the ELD which looks at revising the ELD - the Environmental Liability Directive - and aims to improve its harmonisation by:Updating the definition of ‘environmental damage’ and subsequently extend the scope of the Directive so as to include pollutants from industrial activities which damage the air, as well as to review the list of activities for which operators are strictly liable; considering the introduction of legislation assisting operators and insurance companies in making more widespread use of insurance schemes for cases of environmental damage and to examine the option of making financial security mandatory for operators affected by the Directive; putting in place national and European registers for ELD cases and operators who engage in the activities listed in Annex III and/or a scheme of financial control regarding those same operators; investing in training programmes for currently unprepared national government departments. And many more.

2016/11/22

I welcome this proposal because securitisation can widen the access to financing for businesses, but we need clear European prudential rules, transparency and supervision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the proposal for a regulation on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms which revises the prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and is closely linked to the proposal that lays down common rules for all securitisation and creates a European label for Simple, transparent and standardised securitisation (STS). These two regulations represent one of the main pillars of the Capital Markets Union, which aims at creating further means for financing the real economy.Securitisation can widen the access to financing for businesses, but we need clear European prudential rules, transparency and supervision.

2016/11/22

The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have long said that ‘our fight is women’s rights’, and I echo this sentiment, calling for Member States, as well as the Institutions of the European Union to ratify and embrace the Istanbul Convention on violence against Women.‘No’ means no.

2016/11/22

As with the trade negotiations with New Zealand I would like to see the sustainable development chapters being robust and ambitious as well as - crucially - enforceable.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this recommendation because I want to see a robust, ambitious and enforceable chapter on sustainable development. Labour and Socialist MEPs advocate the establishment of a joint civil society forum to monitor the implementation of the agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which is critical of the way in which the measures in the area of asylum and migration have been implemented. I am disappointed in the deficient implementation of the relocation mechanism proposed by the Commission to deal with the refugee crisis. The report includes a call on the Commission to come forward with a comprehensive legislative proposal on a European law of administrative procedure which is a long-standing demand by Parliament. It also emphasises the need for the Commission to bring together various portals, access points and information websites in a single gateway that would provide citizens with user-friendly information on infringement procedures.It is notable that the area of employment, social affairs and inclusion shows the highest number of new complaints. A positive sign is the decrease in the number of new complaints and the new EU Pilot files opened in 2015 compared to previous years.

2016/11/22

The Parliament response to the 2018 Budget proposals of the Commission and the Council sets the framework for further negotiations between the European Institutions. The EP proposals restore cuts proposed by the Council which fell disproportionally on areas from which world-leading UK institutions and organisations gain substantial benefit.Today I have voted for a strong negotiating position for the budget which focuses on Labour priorities such as tackling youth unemployment, strengthening research and programmes such as Horizon 2020 from which UK organisations are leading beneficiaries, and proposes measures to strengthen the EU response on migration and security.

2016/11/22

Today I voted for those elements of Parliament’s response to the 2018 budget proposals of the Commission and the Council which provide strong support for the programmes from which the UK most benefits and which contribute to a strong, sustainable and stable Europe.Parliament’s budget position sets the framework for further negotiations between the European institutions. I voted to restore cuts proposed by the Council which fell disproportionally on areas from which world-leading UK institutions and organisations gain substantial benefit.I voted to support Labour priorities such as tackling youth unemployment, strengthening research and boosting programmes such as Horizon 2020 from which UK organisations are leading beneficiaries. The budget proposals for which I also voted continue to strengthen the EU’s response to the challenges of migration and security.I voted against increases in the administrative budgets of Parliament and the Commission as I believe there remains considerable scope for savings, not least through the creation of a single seat for Parliament. I also voted for greater transparency to apply to all MEPs, akin to that implemented by Labour MEPs ourselves.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal because, every year, hundreds of thousands of workers in the EU die simply because they are exposed to carcinogenic substances at the workplace. With this report, we are calling for the introduction of new limit values for further substances, and for the scope of the directive to be broadened to include reprotoxic substances. Delay is not an option, as the health of millions of people depends on this.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report today because an estimated 10 to 12 million Roma are excluded at every level of society, not only in the UK, but also across the EU. I believe that this report provides a good assessment of Roma integration, albeit broad, and includes key recommendations for Member States and the Commission to ensure fundamental rights are upheld.

2016/11/22

Since the ratification of the Agreement in 2007, the opening up of the markets has brought some significant benefits. Passenger traffic between the EU and Morocco has more than doubled, reaching 12 million passengers per year – an increase of almost 109% since 2005. The services and destinations on offer have also significantly increased while important reductions in average ticket prices have been noticed to the benefit of consumers Finally, key aspects of the European rules in relation to aviation –including those concerning safety, economic regulation, competition, air traffic control and consumer protection – have been aligned on aviation legislations of both sides. For all these reasons, we are happy to give our consent today.

2016/11/22

With my Labour and Socialist colleagues, I voted in favour of this report because 40 000 direct and indirect jobs are connected to this sector as well as 5 000 agricultural firms. The decision reflects a technical adjustment based on an agreement going back to 1923.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file as I – and my Socialist and Democratic colleagues – support bio-based industries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the health of the citizens of the West Midlands is extremely important to me.

2016/11/22

Despite the economic upswing, young people in the EU are still struggling to find jobs. The EU has already achieved a lot, but we must do more. Not only do we need to gear up our efforts financially, but better sharing of good practices and better monitoring of spending is needed. Member States must use available support and dedicate more national resources to tackle this ongoing issue.

2016/11/22

I voted to support this recommendation for a second reading as it seeks to effectively reduce the demand for new psychoactive substances that pose severe health, social and safety risks, [and promote the] dissemination of evidence-based public health information and early warnings to consumers as an integral part of an inclusive and participatory strategy to prevent and reduce harm.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal because safe and correct use of fertilisers is important for agricultural sustainability, for food safety, and protection of the environment. The update of the Fertilising Products Regulation is a possibility to bring organic fertilisers onto a level playing field along with traditional ‘mineral’ fertilisers, and has the potential to reduce waste and the environmental impact of fertilising and agriculture. Recovery of nutrients already present in the EU for example in the form of waste is a crucial step in moving towards a circular economy!

2016/11/22

I supported this proposal because with this new agreement new psychoactive substances will be, to a greater extent, avoided.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal because it has become increasingly necessary, as the preparation and adoption of multiannual plans that include discard plans takes longer than was envisaged at the time of the adoption of the Basic Regulation. The S&D Group acknowledges the need for this amendment with a view to facilitating the implementation of the landing obligation for the fishing sector, yet regrets the slow progress in the adoption of multiannual management plans.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which is shows a pragmatic approach to the controversy surrounding glyphosate. Glyphosate is a matter of concern for us all, who believe that public health is a major priority. Conflicting evidence on the effects of glyphosate, coupled also with serious allegations of industry influence, enhance our resolve to work harder for this substance to be replaced by less harmful ones.The Monsanto Papers scandal puts the conclusions the EU agencies arrived at in serious jeopardy and this undermines the credibility of our agencies, a situation which is totally unacceptable.

2016/11/22

I am voting in favour of the financing of the European Fund for Sustainable Development.

2016/11/22

I would like to congratulate my colleague Jens Geier of the SPD on this report on this proposal. This is because this fund is important to catalyse investment from public and private sources to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development in the European neighbourhood and Africa and thereby addresses root causes of migration by placing it more clearly in the context of supporting better and more economic opportunities, the eradication of poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

2016/11/22

Today, I followed my S&D colleagues in voting in favour of this report. Indeed, this report represents an initial response to the Commission, a consideration of ideas for a period after the UK leaves the European Union. These decisions may, however, affect the UK’s future relationship and possible future contribution depending upon the settlement and future relationship negotiated between the UK and the European Union. I am therefore happy to support the report as an initial response to the proposals of the Commission and as a framework for further discussions within Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it is thanks to whistle-blowers acting in the public interest that we know the extent of dodgy dealings and tax practices of the global elite in Europe. Whistle-blowers are not criminals. They need to be protected, not prosecuted. LuxLeaks and the Panama Papers showed us clearly that we need European rules. It is time for the European Commission to finally take action.

2016/11/22

I, along with Labour MEPs, voted in favour of this report which calls for the introduction of and improvement to minimum income schemes across the EU. An effective minimum income policy, which takes better into consideration the real cost of living, can lift thousands of people out of poverty and improve their work-life balance and family life. Crucially, there is a recognition of the high cost of housing in many areas. This report proposes a universally recognised threshold for when minimum income schemes should take effect, improve the suitability of such schemes for the most vulnerable and increase awareness of the scheme (only 33% uptake in the UK).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this recommendation on the draft Council regulation because enhanced cooperation will deliver better and more effective justice for all European Union citizens. I am disappointed that not all Member States have joined this enhanced cooperation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which recognises the difficulties and problems in the EU with regard to prison systems and conditions. There is no one solution to solve the myriad issues across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which highlights the historical and cultural links between the peoples of both the EU and of Latin American and the Caribbean. The EU-LAC International Foundation will enable stronger bi-regional dialogue and an in-depth study into the mutual relationship so that it can reach its full potential. It will enable the legitimate expectation of the citizens of both the EU and of the countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposed Council decision which aims to grant the Member States of Bulgaria and Romania passive access to the Visa Information system. I would like to see a speedy adoption of this Decision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file whose purpose is to authorise Czechia to receive and supply vehicle registration data for the purpose of automated searching. Czechia had conducted a successful pilot and I support the fact that the country is compliant and ready to be part of the Prüm network.

2016/11/22

I support this proposal - voting in favour of it - as it will allow Portugal to become part of the Prüm Network and we can all benefit from the increase in cooperation and participation of this network.

2016/11/22

Today I supported this proposal to authorise Greece to receive and send fingerprint data so to participate in and cooperate with the Prüm Network.

2016/11/22

. ‒ After resounding support for this proposal in the Committee on Transport and Tourism, I am happy to report that I voted in favour of the report today in plenary. This regulatory fitness check of the EU legislation on passenger ship safety proposes to amend the requirements set out in Directive 98/41/EC for counting and registering passengers and crew on board passenger ships, and to remove any overlap in reporting obligations or disproportionate requirements.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this regulatory fitness check (REFIT) of the EU legislation on passenger ship safety which proposes to amend the requirements set by Directive 98/41/EC for counting and registration of passengers and crew on board passenger ships, and to remove any overlap in reporting obligations or disproportionate requirements. After the directive enters into force, Member States will have two years to transpose the new rules into their national legislation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which calls for the reduction of the administrative burden for ship owners and increases the time during which ships can be commercially exploited. At the same time, the proposals will rationalise the inspection efforts of Member States’ authorities, while continuing to ensure a high common level of safety. Also, the focus of initial inspections changes from company-based inspections to ship-based ones.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution (as a whole) because I believe that the Commission should not be trying to change EU law without the permission of the two co-legislators, namely the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The Commission was asked to identify which chemicals are hormone disrupting: nothing more than that. Instead, the criteria ‘de-identify’ a chemical as an endocrine disruptor if it is a pesticide that is meant to be an endocrine disruptor for targeted species. By incorporating arbitrary exemptions for chemicals specifically designed to disrupt target-insect endocrine systems, the Commission illegally distorts the political balance achieved by the two co-legislators while drafting the law.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this objection, following my Socialist colleagues who also agree that herbicide-resistant GMOs should not be authorised, because they could encourage the increased use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this have not been taken into account.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this objection today because I believe, like the rest of the S&D Group, that herbicide resistant GMOs should not be authorised. They may encourage the increased use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this have not been taken into account.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution because girls are not for sale!

2016/11/22

. ‒ This report was excellent work by my good friend Gilles Pargneaux. I voted in favour of it because I believe that climate change is one of the most important challenges for mankind and that all states and all players worldwide need to do their utmost to limit the problems. The Paris Agreement is a major step in that direction. However, much more still needs to be done.At the same time, the efforts to fight climate change should not be seen as an obstacle to striving for economic growth but should, on the contrary, be seen as a driving force in the realisation of new and sustainable economic growth and employment.

2016/11/22

The Tory government, led by a lame duck Prime Minister, is to be blamed for the stalled Brexit talks. They are refusing to give guarantees on citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the future of Northern Ireland.As this motion for a resolution makes clear, it will be impossible to move on to the next stage of the negotiations UNLESS the Tories start to engage with the EU’s negotiating team constructively. Thousands of Britons from the West Midlands are living and working in the EU and it is completely and unjustifiably shameful that we still have no more clarity at the end of four rounds of negotiations.Tory in-fighting is to blame for this lack of progress. We’re fast approaching a desperate situation on the three main areas to resolve. There is still no clarity from the about the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. And still no clarity on the financial settlement. The bar has been set very low, colleagues. The government cannot keep burying its head in the sand and engaging in internal party fighting. We cannot abide a no-deal outcome. This would be disastrous for the country, for jobs, for trade and for citizens’ rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this technical report, which refers to the scope of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. A number of problems have been identified by the Commission that need to be addressed in order to avoid the legislation having unintended effects, like the interdiction of reselling and second-hand market operations for certain electrical/electronic equipment and spare parts.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the proposal for a regulation, which lays down management, conservation and control measures applicable in the convention area of the ICCAT. I believe that this will be an effective way to better manage fish populations, especially with regards to Atlantic Tuna.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which recognises that women’s economic empowerment is both the right thing to do and the intelligent thing to do. The report is calling not only for gender equality – a fundamental right – but also for a boost to economic growth and prosperity. Member States need to step up to the mark and introduce concrete legislation to tackle the pay gap and to enable women to participate in the labour market on a truly equal footing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe that a strong, independent civil society is an indispensable element of a functioning democracy and a vital tool for the protection and promotion of human rights and development. I am, along with my Socialist and Democratic colleagues, extremely concerned at the increasing measures in some countries to restrict the operations of NGOs and exclude them, often aggressively, from public life. I remain committed to supporting CSOs in developing countries and assisting governments and local authorities to develop robust and inclusive mechanisms for formalising the role of civil society in political processes. Civil society actors, including human rights defenders and development NGOs, must always have the space to operate free from intimidation, harassment, violence and undue bureaucratic burdens, and we will continue to press the Commission, EEAS and Member States to prioritise this in external policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which, at its core, states that cybersecurity strategies need to be based on fundamental rights and freedoms, rapid information exchange on the identification of and mitigation of cyber threats between Union, state and private actors. This will ensure that the common systems are resilient and both businesses and citizens are made aware of potential threats and ways to secure their digital environments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it recognises the growing importance of the ASEAN bloc in the 21st century.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because there are 80 million disabled persons in the EU and their numbers could reach up to 120 million by 2020 mostly due to the aging of the population of Europe. We need to improve the EU-wide accessibility of products and services to ensure the inclusiveness of our society. Many activities that we take for granted still remain inaccessible to people with disabilities and people with functional limitations.I am not content with the weak compromise adopted by a right-wing majority at committee level. Our Group defends the rights of disabled people so we need to ensure that this proposal is meaningful and tackles accessibility of products and services in an effective manner which the report in its current form fails to do.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which calls for a modern trade policy with Chile to ensure that consumers are able to access a wider choice of organic products, and – perhaps more importantly – provides for better access to information and security to validate organic products more effectively. It upholds the high standards of the EU, and promotes them abroad.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. It is a technical and necessary report which makes sure the association agreement with Chile takes full account of the recent accession of Croatia to the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe that it is crucial to improve the quality of statistics on sustainable development and ensure that our policies are determined on more than just mere GDP and debt/deficit indicators. This is crucial to devise new legislation to combat high unemployment, especially youth and long term unemployment, as well as poverty and social exclusion.

2016/11/22

I voted to support this report, following my Socialist and Democratic colleagues in calling for this important contribution to the creation of the capital market union (CMU). The implementation of these proposals will move the CMU towards a more integrated internal market, with access to capital and funding for companies, big and small, in all Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which contains an important plan to maintain sustainable levels of fish stocks in the North Sea, from which fishers, both commercial and recreational, will benefit.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I want to see better transparency in the European Parliament. I am pleased to see a high degree of cooperation with the Greens by the S&D to generate a positive outcome of the transparency report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because of the great benefits which many young people across the West Midlands are already deriving from the programme. The further potential of this programme is welcomed by both myself and the Labour Party in the European Parliament. Indeed, Erasmus+ is one of the most successful EU programmes and an essential tool in supporting activities in the fields of education, training, youth and sport and in bringing Europe closer to its citizens. I hope that students in the West Midlands continue to benefit from this initiative for many years to come.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which focuses on the need to upgrade the European education and training systems in line with the fast changing economic and societal environment. The report also highlights the growing need to invest in transferable and social skills, as well as media literacy and inter-cultural skills, and to adopt a lifelong learning perspective. It also recognises further the key role played by non-formal and informal learning in order to equip people with competences and skills needed to become active and responsible citizens in more harmonious societies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this agreement, which creates an open framework accessible for neighbour countries to the EU who wish to be fully integrated into the aviation community of Europe. The European Common Aviation Area is based on the principles of free market access, freedom of establishment, equal conditions of competition, and common rules including in the areas of safety, security, air traffic management, social issues and environment. The ECAA partner countries commit to align their aviation legislation with the Union acquis. Since this Agreement was originally negotiated, passenger numbers between the EU and the Western Balkans, direct city connections, and the number of carriers have all seen a significant increase. We should therefore recognise the practical relevance of the agreement and support its extension.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour on this, because, as the report notes acryloylfentanyl has been detected in six Member States. Having been available since April 2016, there have been 47 deaths associated with the substance as well as 20 acute intoxications. We should therefore be extremely cautious of any liberalisation of this dangerous chemical.

2016/11/22

This report outlines the political priorities for the EU’s relations with India. I voted in favour of it as it advocates for a much-needed strengthened partnership between what are the two largest democracies in the world. It is vital that we use this opportunity to tackle areas of common concern such as climate change, global peace and stability and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Labour colleagues and I join the Parliament in calling on both sides to tap into the potential of relations between the EU, as the world’s leading trading bloc, and India, which tops the leader boards of the fastest growing major economies. Such a relationship can result in a better strategy to deal with the fight against poverty, creating jobs and growth and advance gender equality and women’s rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of providing EU Solidarity Funds to Italy in the wake of the terrible earthquakes of last year, because it is vital that EU countries show solidarity with our fellow citizens and governments when they have been affected by national disasters. The UK itself made use of this fund in 2015 when we were hit by flooding, and it is right that we show the same compassion and solidarity to the Italian people affected by these awful earthquakes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the mobilisation of EGF funds which relates to 1 248 redundancies of the enterprises concerned, operating in the economic sector classified under NACE Revision 2 Division 62 (Computer programming, consultancy and other activities) at the Microsoft Mobile Oy and 11 suppliers and downstream producers in Finland operating in the economic sector classified under the NACE Revision 2 Division 62 (Computer programming, consultancy and other activities), operating mainly in the regions of Helsinki-Uusimaa, Länsi-Suomi and Etelä-Suomi, during the reference period from 12 July 2016 to 12 November 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/87/EC to continue current limitations of scope for aviation activities and to prepare to implement a global market-based measure from 2021. Aviation activities are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and in the absence of further measures, emissions from international aviation are estimated to quadruple by 2050 compared to 2010 levels. This risks undermining the EU’s and global efforts to live up to the Paris climate commitments and effectively tackle climate change. Further action is needed by the sector to ensure that it plays its role in the fight against climate change.

2016/11/22

Today I voted to support this report, which recognises the crucial role that forest management has in combating climate change. All sectors must contribute to the overall EU emissions reduction target, but in the case of forest management it should be measured using a more scientifically objective approach and not allow countries to hide the impact of polices that actually increase emissions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of adopting this report, which wants to update the annex in Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 which lays down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals. The annex shows a new design for such residence permits for increased security.

2016/11/22

I voted against this objection as I agree with the S&D Group that health concerns for specially formulated dietary products must come first.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection today as I believe that herbicide-resistant GMOs should not be authorised in this way, as there is a real risk that they could increase the use of herbicides and the knock-on effects to the wider public health as well as having real environmental implications. I do not believe that this has been properly taken into account.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this objection as food from Fukushima and the surrounding areas must be strictly controlled for radioactive contamination before being imported into the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as Labour MEPs had fought incredibly hard to place the issues of tackling youth unemployment at the forefront of EU policy. I welcome this budget proposal, which calls for additional resources to support young people to find a good-quality offer of employment, continued education and/or apprenticeships.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which is critical in the current regime of arms exports. In line with the report, I hope that we can find a means to make the system for the export of arms more efficient and better coordinated across the EU. It was in 2008 that the Council agreed to a Common Position on the Export of Arms from EU Member States (Common Position 2008/944/CFSP). In this position, eight criteria are listed which must be met in order to export arms to third countries. Only when all eight criteria have been met should a Member State grant an export licence. Although the Common Position is binding, the European Court of Justice has no jurisdiction over common foreign and security policy (CFSP), making it more difficult to establish which Member States are adhering to the rules or not. Each year, Member States must submit information to the EU Annual Report on Arms Exports. As the UK is in the top three largest arms exporters in the EU, this report is particularly salient.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which highlights the status of Latin America as a key EU partner. I agree with the report, which calls for further cooperation and expanded political dialogue. Indeed, negotiations with our strategic partners in the region should be speeded up. For example, an EU-Mercosur deal should be speeded up. The EU’s position as an ally to the LAC region needs to be reinforced as well as a real strategy to combat tax evasion in the region.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for a fight against corruption involving a partnership approach between public and private partnerships. I also supported the amendment to this report which strongly denounces attempts by – in particular – Azerbaijan and other autocratic regimes in third countries to influence European decision-makers through illicit means.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of waiving the immunity of Marie-Christine Boutonnet today, which is in response to a request made by the French Ministry of Justice on 14 April 2017 in connection with a case pending before the Examining Magistrates at the Paris Regional Court pertaining to a judicial investigation on the grounds of breach of trust in connection with funds received by virtue of the parliamentary assistant’s contract of a named individual.It is right that her immunity be waived so that justice may be better served.

2016/11/22

This was a single vote on the full list of members to sit on the special committee on terrorism. I believe that it is important that such a committee is created.

2016/11/22

The EU and Iceland are both signatories to the European Economic Area Agreement, which provides for the free movement of goods. This is to the exception of agricultural and fisheries products (although wines and spirits are already provided for under mutual recognition). I voted to expand the protections which are not covered hitherto.

2016/11/22

Today I joined my Socialist and Democratic colleagues in revising the EEA agreement. This revision will add additional trade preferences in agricultural products. The agreement’s main beneficiary is the EU agricultural sector, and I would be very glad if other EEA partners could be as constructive in building on agricultural trade preferences.

2016/11/22

This was a single vote on the implementation of certain aspects of the mediation directive. Indeed, mediation can, in certain cases, be a useful tool to alleviate overloaded court systems and to resolve certain matters in a simpler way. In order to ensure the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial, it can thus be a way for both citizens and companies to settle disputes out-of-court, more quickly and more cheaply.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, principally because it calls for action on franchising in Europe. Franchising must be fairer and more sustainable, and this can only be achieved by ensuring a better representation of franchisees. By establishing homogeneous guidelines which reflect best practices on the functioning of franchising in conjunction with thorough collection of information on the state of franchising and the prevalence of unfair trading practices (e.g. unfair contract terms) and ensuring that the Union’s regulatory framework – which ought to include competition law – we can achieve this goal.

2016/11/22

This was an exciting report expertly guided through the ITRE committee by Constanze Krehl of the S&D. In my view, space policy is a key contributor to the current and future implementation of the EU’s policies and must be given a high level of recognition. I, of course, voted in favour of this report which calls for the development of the Galileo and the Copernicus programmes to tackle climate change and improve transport systems. This report also calls for a better synergy between the space programmes and the European Defence Action Plan, wider involvement of the private sector in space development and more investment in education and training of European citizens in the area of space.

2016/11/22

I’ve been pleased to see so many S&D amendments included in this report, and I have voted in favour of this report. This report recognises that many education and training institutions are facing significant challenges as a result of the digital transformation, which have an impact on teaching and learning processes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this mainly procedural report. The three regulations which it affected, which I welcome their update are: Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89, Regulation (EC) No 2888/2000 and Regulation (EC) No 685/2001.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as I believe that every European should be able to benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity, no matter where they live or how much they earn. I echo the message from my colleague Theresa Griffin: this is about the internet of people, not things.

2016/11/22

I supported this report, as it represents a big step towards strengthening the EU’s energy security. For the first time, the solidarity principle will apply. In the case of a serious gas supply crisis, EU countries will have to help their neighbours out in order to prevent Europeans from being left without heating supply in cold weather.As gas covers around a quarter of the EU’s energy demands and more than two thirds of the EU’s gas is imported securing gas supply is a priority. Although EU countries had taken some steps after the gas crises of 2006 and 2009 some countries still remained vulnerable to supply disruptions. Closer regional cooperation among Member States on preventive and emergency measures is the best way to ensure security of gas supply.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and I am pleased to see that it passed with such a clear majority. The Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and girls. The accession of the EU to this convention will hopefully provide a coherent legal framework to combat violence against women. The adoption of this report – which has been back by ALL Labour MEPs – demonstrates that we must have an absolute ZERO tolerance of gender—based violence. I wish for a swift ratification by all Member States without any reservations.

2016/11/22

Finally today, I voted in favour of this report which promotes the right to association and collective bargaining as well as an obligation to investigate accidents properly. I, along with my Socialist colleagues, favour the multilateral approach to finding solutions in this area and demand stronger legislation on corporate accountability and due diligence to enhance standards but also to ensure a level playing field for European businesses.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of suspending accession with Turkey if it goes ahead with constitutional reforms that threaten the rule of law and separation of powers. Importantly, this report makes it clear that if accession talks are suspended, any accession funding that the EU currently provides should go directly to the NGOs and civil-society organisations that are under threat in an increasingly authoritarian Turkey.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The proposal will bring together a new European Fund for Sustainable Development Guarantee Fund and existing tools into a single fund designed to boost investment in Africa and the Neighbourhood and to help tackle the root causes of the migration crisis.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty for blind and visually impaired persons is long overdue. The main aim of the report is to achieve its swift adoption and implementation, so that people can finally profit from this exception and use more extensively copies adapted to their specific needs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which ensures that accessible format copies that have been made in any Member State in accordance with the national provisions adopted pursuant to the corresponding Directive may be exported to third countries that are parties to the Marrakesh Treaty.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The dispute resolution mechanism is a welcome proposal from the Commission aiming at easing the resolving of disputes between Member States on how to eliminate double taxation of income from business and the rights of taxpayers in this context.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact virtually every aspect of the EU’s work. The SDGs represent not only a blueprint for a better society and world, but essential elements – deliverable through practical and measurable action – for achieving better and more equal health outcomes, greater well-being among citizens, higher overall prosperity, action against climate change and the conservation of the environment for future generations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is important that the social and economic rights of citizens in the outermost regions of the EU are respected and that we address the challenges faced by these regions because of their remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, and economic dependence on a few products.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report because it aimed at incrementing the efforts to reach the objectives regarding the long-term protection of the environment and human health.

2016/11/22

Today I voted I favour of this recommendation as Cuba is a country of great strategic interest to the EU. Europe needed to establish this agreement to complete the map of its relations with Latin America. Cuba is no longer an exception.

2016/11/22

Today I supported this report in plenary because the PDCA is a very good agreement and also very demanding on human rights.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. The main driver of the MoU is the implementation of the right of Eurojust to access SIS II.

2016/11/22

Today I voted against the rejection of the Council proposal. The adoption of this Directive also paves the way for the creation of a European Public Prosecutors Office.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the closure of first reading for this report.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. With it the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) calls for a new EU strategy on HIV, TB and viral hepatitis.

2016/11/22

Today I voted for a rejection of this resolution.

2016/11/22

today I voted in favour of the mandate for the trilogue. ‘New initiatives means fresh money’. Hence the EPLP’s insistence on having new projects or new political commitments financed by additional resources without prejudice to existing programmes and without having recourse to flexibility instruments. The Commission proposal falls short of complying with this principle, notably for priorities expressed by Parliament and the Council such as growth and quality jobs or migration.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. The report stresses the important role of cultural diplomacy, education and cultural exchanges in strengthening a common core of universal values and promoting a global order based on peacekeeping through intercultural dialogue and conflict prevention. Culture has an intrinsic value and should be considered a transversal pillar for sustainable development together with social, economic and environmental dimensions. 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage and we should use it to promote the protection of cultural heritage in the world.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. The following requests are addressed to the Council for the 72nd session of the United nations General Assembly: deliver on peace and security, the development and SDGs, human rights, conflict prevention, the role of women in the peace process, reproductive health and rights, a human-rights based approach for refugees/migrants, the reform of the UN Security Council and more specifically the reform of the UN Security Council including a EU single seat, support to the ICC.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the waiver of the immunity of Marine Le Pen.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because EFSI is a key achievement to boost investments in the EU. The EU continues to work to make it a success by increasing its efficiency and coverage.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The collaborative economy creates new opportunities for consumers and entrepreneurs and would make an important contribution to jobs and growth in the EU.The success of collaborative platforms is very challenging for existing market operators and practices, but by enabling individual citizens to offer services, they also promote new employment opportunities, flexible working arrangements and new sources of income. Labour MEPs call for workers’ rights to be preserved also in the collaborative economy, including for self-employed workers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This report aims to present a targeted approach in response to questions about online platforms following the Commission communication. Online platforms play a key role in innovation and growth in the digital single market as they have created new business opportunities, revolutionised access to information, increased consumer choice, enhanced citizens’ participation in society and democracy, and connected buyers and sellers in a better and more efficient way.At the same time, the growing importance of the digital economy, linked with the diversity and rapidly changing nature of platform ecosystems, raises new policy and regulatory challenges, such as the security and liability of platforms, data protection and ownership, new forms of employment and ‘fake news’.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution. It is important that the European Union, its Member States and the international community exert all their influence and pressure on the two sides to reach a ceasefire, to allow humanitarian aid access to the populations in need, and to open the ports and airports so that staple foods can be brought in.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution because the funding of European political parties and foundations should support political activities in line with the principles of the Union, and should be transparent and not open to abuse.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of an ambitious reduction of greenhouse gas across the EU to deliver on the Paris Agreement.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the request for the waiver of the immunity of Rolandas Paksas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of waiving the immunity concerned.

2016/11/22

An application for waiver of the immunity was forwarded by the General Procurator at the Paris Court of Appeal relating to allegations made against Jean- Marie Le Pen of having made a statement during a radio broadcast amounting to incitement to discrimination, hatred or racial violence, which is a criminal offence under the French Criminal Code. I voted in favour of waiving the immunity concerned.

2016/11/22

Today I voted against the Motions for resolutions on Objection pursuant to Rule 105(3): 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.

2016/11/22

Today’s gender pension gap (GPG) which is at nearly 40% (EU average) is an unacceptable manifestation of gender inequality and the reason for high female poverty in older age. The EPLP wants the Commission and the Member States to tackle the underlying causes for the GPG which are the gender pay gap (still at 16%), labour market segregation, part-time-work, stereotypes, lack of facilities for a better work-life -balance and discrimination.This is the reason for which I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the Report on Serbia. It is important to welcome progress, but also draw attention to problematic areas, especially following the elections.

2016/11/22

Voting in favour of this report means supporting the European path of Kosovo. The EPLP calls on the new government to continue to show clear political will and determination to implement the agreed roadmap. Regarding the persistent polarisation of the political landscape, the EPLP calls on all the parties to show responsibility and ownership and to create the conditions for a positive dialogue aimed at facilitating the progress of the country on its European path.

2016/11/22

I welcome the adoption of the report after several postponements and that there is a new government that should immediately pursue with vigour an inclusive and reformist consensus on the Pržino Agreement and Urgent Reform Priorities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the Resolution on the State of Play of the Implementation of the Sustainability Compact in Bangladesh.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it urges the Commission to differentiate its communication strategies towards net contributor and net beneficiary Member States, while highlighting the specific benefits that cohesion policy brings in terms of the real economy, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, creating growth and jobs in all EU regions.

2016/11/22

EU research funding is very important and it is vital that it is spent in a cost-effective manner. This report concludes that overall, research money has been cost-effective, but that important improvements should be made.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The right to nationality is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

2016/11/22

This report is on the assessment of the current situation of cross-border mergers and divisions and recommendations for improvement. I voted in favour of this report has a strong wording on workers rights and insists on full transparency and consultation with workers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this partnership which develops fully piloted and demonstrated common innovative solutions for water provision and food systems in the Mediterranean region, to make them more climate resilient, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable, and to contribute to solving nutrition, health, well-being and migration problems upstream.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. Europe needs to be able to quickly provide additional effective support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Member States and regions hit by major or regional natural disasters, complementing the means available under the European Union Solidarity Fund.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The new rules will help customers to buy low—consumption household products, and save both on energy and hundreds of euros in electricity bills every year.

2016/11/22

To be the European Capital of Culture is to be synonymous with urban sustainable regeneration, increased investment, quality job creation and long term local social and economic development. Most importantly, it changes the aura and vibrancy of a city. Designation indeed brought in millions of extra visitors and pounds to Glasgow in 1990 and Liverpool in 2008, contributing greatly to the regeneration of areas that Margaret Thatcher shamefully urged her government to abandon or leave ‘to rot’. These are great examples of the deep and positive transformations that such a title can bring to cities and more broadly to the regions around them. It is crucial that the UK is able to participate in the programme in 2023 and beyond, celebrating cultural heritage and innovation in Britain’s cities and demonstrating that we are still part of the European cultural family.

2016/11/22

This report asks for ‘excellence’ to continue as the cornerstone of the EU’s R&D&I programmes; further simplification; for a better balance between small, medium and big projects; recognises the problem of the involvement of the under—represented EU regions and the integration of the under—represented fields of science, such as SSH, and the exploitation of the research infrastructure financed from ESIF, which seem to be important for successful implementation of the European Research Area and providing synergies between FP and ESIF.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it represents the main attempt to formulate the post-2020 cohesion policy. The Union should strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion. This objective shall be pursued with the EU Cohesion policy, the main EU-wide investment policy for jobs and growth. I believe that the fight against unemployment will be one of the main issues, next to the integration of migrants and the fight against climate and demographic change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it calls for an urgent, coordinated and inclusive (all-stakeholder and cross-sectoral) response to avoid the collapse of critical fish stocks, adopting a socio-economic approach based on science, respecting and enforcing the targets and measures laid down in the CFP.

2016/11/22

Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland participate in the single market under the EEA Agreement. In accordance with the Agreement the three countries also contribute financially to the alleviation of economic and social disparities in Europe. These new agreements detail the updated future financial contributions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it ensures fair and sustainable investment tools for jobs and growth also for the upcoming post-2020 financial period.The main projects and political fields such as education, social affairs or help for job seekers have to rely on grants from the EU cohesion budget and only bigger projects with clearly defined settings and circumstances should deal with financial instruments such as loans, guarantees, equity and other risk-bearing mechanisms.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it calls for a diffusion of information on the possibilities for regional and local authorities to participate, as well as a greater involvement of these authorities in the training. Furthermore, the report underlines the right of the cities, especially in the context of integrated sustainable urban development, to use the technical assistance.

2016/11/22

The Portability Regulation is an easy-to-use legal instrument meant to facilitate access to their online subscriptions for people that travel through the EU, or that have periods of work or study in other Member States.It is a small step towards better access across the digital internal market, but one that will immediately be felt by users of online subscriptions of movies, programmes, or other online content that will no longer be geo-blocked when they travel outside their Member State of residence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. I was in charge of the opinion of the employment committee for the socialist group on it and pushed for stronger labour rights. Korea committed to make sustained efforts to ratify ILO core conventions but has not delivered. We call on the Commission to step up international pressure regarding this failure. The Free Trade Agreement with Korea has generally been an economic success for both sides. But it also shows the shortcomings if the focus is one-sided on purely commercial considerations. We want values-based trade where the respect for labour rights is central.

2016/11/22

The S&D group welcomes and supports the EU strategy on Syria, as the EU can and must develop a distinctive policy aimed at bringing the parties closer together. The EU has to intensify its efforts in areas in which the Union can have added value.

2016/11/22

I strongly support trade unions’ request to make in the forthcoming road mobility package a better enforcement of social rights and to avoid present cases of social dumping.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of a report giving the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in Finland, mainly in the regions Helsinki-Uusimaa, Länsi-Suomi and Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this annual report examining the subsidiarity and proportionality of EU legislation, as stipulated in the treaty, meaning that all legislative initiatives should be taken at an appropriate level of governance (European, national or regional), and should be proportional to the policy aims.Some changes to the current system are proposed, including a ‘green card mechanism’ which has been supported by the EPLP previously (whereby a national parliament could suggest a legislative initiative to the Commission), and the extension of the eight-week period for issuing reasoned opinions for certain time constraints.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. Financial Technology (Fintech) is an important sector for the British economy and has a significant impact on the daily lives of British people e.g. through technologies such as cashless payments and crowd funding. It also has the potential to make financial transactions cheaper and faster. I am committed to supporting this sector while equally ensuring that it is regulated appropriately through enhancing cyber security requirements as well as ensuring high standards of consumer and investor protection as well as the data protection and privacy rights.

2016/11/22

The aim of the draft Council implementing Decision is to authorise Croatia to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data. Croatia has implemented the required data protection provisions into national law, the Commission has verified the pilot run and an evaluation visit took place in Croatia. I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

The European Union has to remain in the forefront in the fight against money laundering, terrorism and corruption. Therefore, when the EU has decided to go ahead and issue a list of identified high risk third countries with strategic deficiencies regarding their legal framework for Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism and criminal activities, then this list should reflect reality, and not be a political compromise as negotiated by the FATF.

2016/11/22

Herbicide resistant GMOs should not be authorised, because they could encourage the increase use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this have not been taken into account.

2016/11/22

The herbicides that this variety of GMO maize is resistant to potentially have endocrine-disrupting properties, and further information on this is required.

2016/11/22

I supported this call for a dialogue between Hungary and the Commission on issues such as human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, freedom of association, freedom of education and academic research, segregation of Roma in education, and protection of pregnant women in work.

2016/11/22

Continuous modernisation of education and training systems, updating of skills, knowledge and competences, and an increased comparability and recognition of qualifications are key to personal development, as well as the improvement of people’s chances on the labour market.Within the context of the current revision of the European Qualifications Framework, our Group’s priority is a removal of remaining barriers to qualifications recognition in Europe, increased involvement of social partners and civil society, and focus on informal and non-formal learning and qualifications of third country nationals.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which updates the EU framework agreement with Mongolia by taking into account the accession of Croatia.

2016/11/22

The Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) provides for the technical adjustment of the trade provisions in the SAA to take into account the accession of Croatia to the EU and prevent disruption of bilateral trade. I voted in favour of it.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which proposes to give Parliament’s consent to certain rules under which Norway may participate in and benefit from the Internal Security Fund (External Borders and Visa), a fund established in 2014 to replace the former External Borders Fund.The Internal Security Fund (ISF) Borders and Visa is intended to ensure a high level of security in the European Union while facilitating legitimate travel, through a uniform and high level of control of the external border and the effective processing of Schengen visas. As the ISF (Borders and Visa) represented a development of the development of the Schengen acquis and affects the legal framework of the agreement between the EU and Norway on Norway’s participation in Schengen, it is necessary to lay down rules for Norway’s financial contribution to and participation in the fund.

2016/11/22

I supported this file because I am committed to improving workers’ rights in third countries through initiatives such as the ICAC, traceability and mandatory due diligence. International cooperation on these issues is to be welcomed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it addresses the need for open, accessible, inclusive, trustworthy and safe eGovernment services which can improve public administration for all – citizens, businesses, and the public sector itself. It also focuses on the necessity to ensure that everyone has the skills and the means to participate in digital government. The development of eGovernment services is a key element of the digital single market and we need to ensure EU-wide interoperability of digital services to the benefit of our citizens.

2016/11/22

The protection of the EU’s financial interests should be a key element of the EU’s policy to increase the confidence of citizens by ensuring that their money is used properly and in accordance with the ‘best use of every euro’ approach. I voted in favour of this report because achieving good performance requires regular assessment of inputs, outputs, results and impacts through performance audits. It is my view that Member States should take the same measures to counter fraud affecting the financial interests of the Union as they take to counter fraud affecting their own financial interests.

2016/11/22

While 122 million EU citizens face the risk of poverty, over 100 million tonnes of food is wasted annually in the EU. This amount of food could solve the problem of world hunger. Every tonne of food waste prevented could save the equivalent of 4.2 tonnes of CO2 and decrease the use of natural resources.Reducing food waste is a top priority for the Labour Party, an aim which will be key to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and promoting an ambitious circular economy in Europe.

2016/11/22

I support functional, modernised and harmonised approaches to customs procedures and controls throughout the EU. There is a need to improve cooperation between customs authorities, international organisations, third countries, other governmental authorities, including Union and national market surveillance authorities, as well as economic operators and organisations representing economic operators.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. The resolution calls on EU Member States to actively oppose any attempt to undermine the concept of universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights and underlines the need to support Special Procedures and to preserve the independence and the adequate funding of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The objective of the regulation is to break the link between the trade and extraction of minerals, and the financing of armed conflicts. Instead of banning imports from conflict-affected areas, the regulation aims to create a European market for responsibly traded minerals sourced from conflict regions.

2016/11/22

I supported this report. Improved data collection will help found the best scientific advice on which to base quotas and total allowable catches on. Doing this will improve fish stocks and the profitability of the sector and help mitigate harmful effects on the ecosystem.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs abstained because of the integration of EU defence mentioned in the report.

2016/11/22

As the geopolitical importance of the Arctic region is growing, with climate change effects and competition for natural resources bringing new environmental and security risks for the region and for the world, the EU should protect the fragile ecosystems and push to keep the Arctic an area of cooperation. That is why I supported this report.

2016/11/22

I voted for this report which welcomes the continued progress in Montenegro’s EU integration and calls on the Council to speed up the negotiations with the country. In particular, it encourages the opening and closing of further chapters in the accession negotiations in 2017 and calls on Montenegro to deliver concrete results, especially in the fields of the rule of law, justice and the fight against corruption and organised crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. New digital communication tools and open and collaborative platforms can inspire creative, complementary solutions for improving the capabilities and performance of representative democracy, thus enriching it with greater legitimacy. The purpose of e-democracy is to promote, ensure and enhance transparency, accountability, responsiveness, engagement, deliberation, inclusiveness, accessibility, participation, subsidiarity and social cohesion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. With the accession of the Republic of Croatia, the EU enlarged its customs union and was required to enter into negotiations with WTO Members having negotiating rights related to the tariff schedule of Croatia in order to agree on a compensatory adjustment. Through this Agreement, the EU will incorporate into its schedule for the customs territory of the EU-28 that of the EU-27 with modifications related to tariff rate quotas on raw sugar and poultry meat. In connection with the Agreement, the European Commission is also preparing an implementing Regulation regarding several tariff rate quotas (TRQs).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report to approve the Council text to facilitate cross-border law-enforcement cooperation in the EU, specifically, the automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Denmark.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report to approve the Council text to facilitate cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime by enabling the automated data exchange of DNA data in Greece.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which aims to prevent, eliminate or reduce the level of health risks to humans, animals and plants which may arise along the entire food chain. This regulation is one of the most important pieces of legislation in the field of food safety in this legislature.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which aims at improving internet access and helping to develop cross-border applications. Spectrum needs to be better coordinated at EU level to avoid interferences and to allow innovative services, such as connected cars or remote health care, to work across the continent.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. The text points out that the economic crisis and the measures to combat it have provoked economic migrations within the EU while the EU and Member States must successfully address the lacking of employment opportunities and inadequate social protection in workers’ home regions in order to ensure that mobility is voluntary. It also calls for a better harmonisation of the interpretation of ‘habitual residence’.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this text as it reflects Labour priorities to criticise any discrimination in the road toll and hold the German Government and Commission accountable. The German Government has introduced a de facto exemption from a road toll, which results in German-registered vehicles receiving a rebate. The Commission believed this amounted to a discrimination in road charging within the EU, and launched infringement proceedings. Following discussions with the German Government, the infringement proceedings were halted in December 2016 following structural changes to the road toll implementation. Nonetheless, the discrimination remains in place.

2016/11/22

I supported the general guidelines for the preparation on the 2018 budget. Without increasing the current budget, the key points of the 2018 budget include: decent, quality and stable jobs – particularly for youth, economic growth and socio-economic convergence, the European Fund for Strategic Investments, migration, the External Investment Plan, EU Trust Funds, Facility for Refugees in Turkey, security, climate change, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and own resources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for greater EU-level acknowledgement of the equid sector (horses and donkeys). It calls on the Commission to supply statistical data on a regular basis on equid sector contributions and urges Member States to establish voluntary labour guidelines, including daily working hours and rest periods, to protect working equidae against over-work and economic exploitation.

2016/11/22

I voted to reduce exposure to mercury, a toxic substance that can seriously affect the nervous system and harm immune and reproductive systems. In particular, this regulation will protect vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women and children below 15, from the harmful effects of mercury.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The Shareholders’ Rights Reform is an important instrument to improve stability, increase corporate transparency and boost long-term investment as opposed to the short-term risk taking behaviour identified as a key driver of the economic crisis and the high turnover of shares.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The revised directive on the acquisition and possession of firearms in the EU will ensure that public security is strengthened via a better exchange of information among authorities, more stringent rules on deactivation and use of the most dangerous semi-automatic firearms, and better monitoring systems for checking the medical conditions of users. At the same time the rights of legal owners and users will be preserved.

2016/11/22

I voted for this report. Labour MEPs are committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes re-use, efficiency, durability and recycling. Around 600 million tonnes of waste are just thrown away in Europe, when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.It is only by setting ambitious targets and goals and giving Member States the instruments and tools to change attitudes and practices that there will be any serious shift towards a more sustainable, resource-efficient circular economy.

2016/11/22

Food waste in the EU is estimated to be at around 180 kg per capita per year. We want the Member States to adopt a food waste hierarchy which will contribute towards our goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. I voted for measures to halve food waste by 2030, along with a clear definition of food waste and a food waste hierarchy, as these are top priorities for Labour, which are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and promoting an ambitious circular economy in Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. A progressive reduction in landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment, and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The objective of this report is to prevent packaging waste and to channel it back into the production process: by raising recycling targets and simplifying the calculation method for measuring these targets; by removing incentives for the excessive use of packaging; by promoting the design of packaging which can be recycled or re-used more easily; and by making producers more responsible for their packaging products. I voted for proper waste management.

2016/11/22

This annual report analyses state of play and tendency with regard to gender equality in the EU in 2014/2015. I voted in favour of it as it calls for equal pay for equal work, for a package of legislative and non-legislative measures regarding work-life-balance, for the establishment of an EU child guarantee, and for measures to combat violence against women and girls (including cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment) and fight stereotypes in all areas of society and from an early age.

2016/11/22

In voting for this report, Labour MEPs call for strong protections in access to goods and services for men and women. As well as urging that action is taken to address the persisting discrimination against pregnant women and women with children, this report highlights the challenges in the digital sphere and sexual harassment.

2016/11/22

Gender equality is a fundamental principle and political objective of the EU which should be translated into policies and spending. In certain policy areas, gender equality as a principal is well applied. In some cases, EU funding is the only support that is aimed directly at women, whilst EU funds are some of the only funds in the UK that explicitly require the involvement and an analysis of the impact on women.I voted in favour of this report because it recognises the value of gender funding but identifies key weaknesses and areas for improvement, specifically the guarantee of gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting in all EU budget titles and in all phases of EU projects.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Further investment in digital literacy, strengthened transparency of algorithms and special attention to data used for law enforcement are needed in order to safeguard fundamental rights in the digital era. I voted in favour of this resolution which aims to address the fundamental-rights, discrimination and security challenges posed by big data analytics, and calls for specific guidelines, more transparency and algorithmic accountability.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported the report and voted in favour of the amendment that legislative proposals on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits should be drawn up. Currently in the EU, farm rabbits are typically caged and provided with an area of less than the size of two ordinary A4 sheets of paper per rabbit, and with no opportunities to exercise and express their natural behaviour. In addition, there is a high rate of disease and mortality amongst farm rabbits, owing to factors such as infectious diseases which occur with high frequency in the unsuitable conditions of the cage system.Improved animal welfare can enable a business to enhance efficiency and profitability. Unless we have minimum welfare standards for farmed rabbits there will be no incentive to improve the conditions in which farmed rabbits are kept across the EU.

2016/11/22

The immunity of the Members of the European Parliament is based on the principles and values of the Treaties of the European Union. Any decision on the case is to be taken by an independent Court. A request for waiver of the immunity of Marine Le Pen was forwarded by the French Minister of Justice about tweets.

2016/11/22

Lebanon is a key partner of the EU in the Middle East. Therefore, the European Parliament Labour Party (EPLP) supports updating the Agreement with this country, taking into account the accession of Croatia to the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. It proposes that Parliament give its consent to certain rules under which Liechtenstein may participate in, and benefit from, the Internal Security Fund (External Borders and Visa), a fund established in 2014 to replace the former External Borders Fund.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which is requiring Member States to notify the Commission of energy intergovernmental agreements which they intend to sign with third countries in order to allow for an ex-ante assessment by the commission to see if the agreements are compatible with EU legislation, notably the internal energy market and competition rules. Member States who have agreed to be a part of the internal energy market should not undermine it by signing up to agreements with third countries which go against its core principles.

2016/11/22

Citizens of five Member States are still required to obtain a visa if they want to travel to the USA.Because this situation has not been resolved by the deadline set by the regulation (12th April 2016) the Commission is obliged to adopt a delegated act suspending for 12 months the visa waiver for nationals of these countries. However, due to the sensitivity of the matter and consequences of such decision the Commission has not adopted this delegated act so far.Because of this, I voted in favour of this resolution calling on the Commission to adopt a delegated act on the basis of Article 265 TFEU within two months from the day of adoption of the present resolution at the latest.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report which calls for affordable and accessible medicines for all. The report covers a wide range of issues, including transparency of the costs of R&D, affordability of medicines which received public funding, the promotion of generics, the need for an in-depth study into intellectual property rights and access to medicines, criticising abuses of IPR when it comes to evergreening or ‘me-too’ medicines, the need for European cooperation on health technology assessments, encouraging the use of joint procurement of certain medicines at EU level, strengthening the negotiation capacities of Member States when agreeing prices with the pharmaceutical industry, calling for a revision of the Transparency Directive to enable comparison across Member States, the need to address supply shortages and many other issues.

2016/11/22

During its first two years (2014–2015), Creative Europe has supported 230 UK cultural and creative organisations and audiovisual companies, including from the gaming industry, as well as the cinema distribution of 84 UK films in other European countries with grants totalling €40 million. I voted in favour of the implementation report as I agree with the priorities it sets for the second half of the financing period, namely to improve access to the programme for small-scale organisations and grass-roots initiatives and projects, to elaborate qualitative monitoring criteria corresponding to the specific nature of the sectors and to further engage in simplification, especially in terms of application and reporting, as some great projects are discouraged from applying.

2016/11/22

So far 94 projects involving organisations from the UK have been funded through the Europe for Citizens programme. The Europe for Citizens programme is a key tool in order to strengthen a sense of European citizenship and belonging, to enhance solidarity, mutual tolerance and respect, to promote a better understanding of the EU, its origin and development, its values, its institutions and competences and to foster an active dialogue between EU citizens. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The EU is an important destination for illegal wildlife products but also a crucial transit route. It must do its utmost to stamp out this awful trade which threatens endangered species and fragile ecosystems.The report stresses that robust provisions on wildlife protection should be negotiated in the trade and sustainable development chapters of all future EU free trade agreements, including provisions and commitments aimed at the proper implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. It welcomes the close attention that has been paid to wildlife sustainability issues in the forthcoming EU trade agreement with Vietnam. Secondly, it emphasizes that existing EU measures must be implemented effectively, especially at Member State level. All EU countries must take responsibility for this issue.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is a key tool in the fight to prevent terrorism by responding to the phenomenon of aspiring or returning foreign fighters and lone actors or groups. It would do this by criminalising key preparatory acts, such as travelling abroad for terrorist purposes or terrorist recruitment. It also obliges Member States to exchange relevant information in relation to criminal proceedings on terrorist offences as soon as possible if the information can be used to prevent future attacks or assist other ongoing investigations or proceedings. In addition, it requires Member States to put in place emergency response systems in the event of an attack to ensure immediate help is given to victims and their families, for example through national websites and emergency support centres.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as I fully support increased security at the external borders of the Union, carried out with respect for fundamental rights. It is essential that Member States make full use of measures such as the entry/exit system, which will enhance much-needed cooperation in counter-terrorism within the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I abstained in this vote because, whilst it is essential to equip the European Union with the necessary competences and instruments to be more successful, important propositions such as a strong European pillar of social rights – introducing a framework on minimum wages, a guaranteed level of social protection across the EU and European unemployment insurance – were not kept in the report.

2016/11/22

Whilst there are many good things in the report with strong social positions throughout it, this is about how the EU wants to deal with its future which Britain will not be a part of.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is an important political initiative report on the future of the euro area and the reforms needed to make it work better.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the Commission to draw up proposals for civil law rules regarding robotics, in light of the creation of increasingly autonomous robots and their economic and legal implications. This revolution can bring huge benefits to our societies – new jobs in research and innovation, robots performing dangerous tasks currently done by humans, lower risk of car accidents by excluding human error, and smarter energy consumption. However, we need to ensure that the robotic revolution does not bring about unemployment, destabilise our tax and social system and widen the gap between the rich and poor in our societies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the harmonised development of the European Open Science Cloud will bring numerous benefits to the development of the digital economy in the EU. The use of data is essential for the digitisation of European science and industry, the development of new technologies and the creation of jobs. Consequently, myself and other Labour MEPs support the development of open science and cloud computing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. As the rapporteur observes, the key communication on projects should not be just about spending and bookkeeping, but also be targeted on European added value and visibility of successes of Europe. The report further insists that the communication on the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. The aviation sector is a strong driving force for economic growth, job creation and trade for the European Union, overall providing directly or indirectly between 4.8 million and 5.5 million jobs and contributing around EUR 110 billion to EU GDP. It is essential to ensure the reinforcement of decent terms and conditions of workers in the sector and the protection of passenger rights. This is a good step forward towards a strategy for achieving these goals, and is to be welcomed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution. The ESI Funds investments are meant to contribute to reducing the economic, social and territorial disparities in the EU while helping to achieve EU 2020 goals. As they often are the main/only investment source of public investments, the delay may negatively impact the achievement of the goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation in the Member States.

2016/11/22

In principle I support a trade agreement between the EU and Canada. However, the weak and unenforceable labour and environmental standards of this agreement are not sufficient for the deal to be termed progressive. Moreover, the inclusion of an arbitration mechanism in CETA in conjunction with the use of a negative list does not ensure full protection of public services. Nonetheless, given that the agreement will be enforced by the time Britain has already exited the EU, and that this is a treaty supported by EU institutions and the Canadian Government; it is unfitting for me, as a British MEP, to vote against this agreement supported by the Canadian Government and EU institutions, even if I do not agree with it.

2016/11/22

In principle I support a trade agreement between the EU and Canada, However the weak and unenforceable labour and environmental standards of this agreement are not sufficient to qualify the deal as being progressive. Moreover, the inclusion of an arbitration mechanism in CETA in conjunction with the use of a negative list does not ensure full protection of public services. Nonetheless, given that the agreement will be enforced by the time Britain has already exited the EU, and that this is a treaty supported by EU institutions and the Canadian Government; it is unfitting for me, as a British MEP, to vote against this agreement supported by the Canadian Government and EU institutions , even if I do not agree with it.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this recommendation. The EU’s relations with Canada is based on shared values as illustrated by a long history of extensive political and economic cooperation. Canada and the EU share a strong commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, the protection of human rights, liberal and open trade and multilateralism. Canada has been a Strategic Partner of the EU since 1996 and is an important ally on the international scene. Canada and the EU have worked together closely on global challenges such as climate change, human rights, energy security, conflict resolution, counter terrorism and forced migration.The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) aims to intensify this bilateral cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, the fight against organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this recommendation as granting consent for the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation is the European Parliament’s contribution to the further development of EU-Mongolia relations and to supporting reforms in that country.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report in support of the further development of relations with Mongolia based on a credible reform process, respect for human rights and socially responsible governance. The Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation provides a tool for effective engagement and should be used in the interests of both sides.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this recommendation on the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (ATCA), which eliminates import duties on all aircraft, other than military aircraft, as well as on all other products covered by the agreement – civil aircraft, all components and sub-assemblies of civil aircraft, and flight simulators.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I supported the ETS as it is the most essential tool in our efforts to reach the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals and a key tool for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. We have fought for a balanced report which protects the climate while being fair on industry and promoting European jobs.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report as it acknowledges the good and steady progress of reforms in Albania. It also calls for the re-opening of accession negotiations as soon as there is credible implementation of the judicial reform and progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report which welcomes the start of the consideration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) EU membership application. It also stresses that social and economic reforms need to remain a priority and that the reform process should bring tangible improvements to the lives of all BiH citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report which highlights the main economic developments in the EU. The report also makes important reference to the need to have responsible public finances in the EU, with respect to flexibility clauses, and calls for a tax reform focusing on tackling tax fraud.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report which calls for a better balance between economic and social dimensions in the European Semester and recalls the need to put emphasis on quality and inclusive employment for all.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report. Among other important points, it highlights the importance of taking into account the social dimension of the Single Market Pillar within the European Semester, and social aspects in order to achieve economic recovery which will guarantee equality, fairness and inclusiveness for all.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report, which is an important one highlighting the main trends, developments and challenges in the EU banking sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this resolution calling on the Commission to accelerate the approval process of low-risk pesticides of biological origin. The health of EU citizens is of paramount importance and any pesticide that can directly or indirectly cause harm to human beings and the environment should not be allowed to be placed on the European Union market. At the same time European agriculture has to remain competitive and food security in Europe has to be maintained. European farmers are increasingly looking for alternatives to conventional pesticides, which are nevertheless not available on the market. That is why we need measures that help farmers to switch to more sustainable practices to minimise the risks to human health and the environment.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this recommendation as this new agreement and protocol contributes to sustainable fishing in non-EU waters and to maintaining a European presence in distant-water fisheries. It will strengthen bilateral cooperation, in particular as regards the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In line with the reformed common fisheries policy, the agreement includes a provision concerning respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report linked to the Recommendation on the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between the EU and the Cook Islands. It stresses the importance of the Agreement, in particular as regards sustainability and the fight against IUU fishing, sectoral support, and respect for ILO principles and international labour standards. It also focuses on sustainability, sectoral support, respect for ILO principles and international labour standards, the need for improved and more accurate data, and the call for reinforced measures against IUU fishing.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report. Whilst expert groups play an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of EU policies, they must be properly monitored to ensure transparency and balanced composition.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report. An effective and comprehensive European whistle—blower protection programme across the EU is important. It is crucial that whistle—blowers have the right channels to disclose their information on possible irregularities affecting the EU’s financial interests.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report concerning Denmark being placed on the list of third States and organisations with which Europol shall conclude international cooperation agreements. A sudden departure of Denmark from Europol may lead to operational gaps and reduce the EU’s capacity to effectively fight organised crime. Combating cross-border organised crime within the European Union is important, and this necessitates close cooperation and the sharing of data between all European countries.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report, giving the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in the Netherlands, mainly in the regions Drenthe and Overijssel.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report as we must ensure that poverty eradication and fighting inequality remain at the heart of the EU’s development policy including in the new Consensus. The EU and Member States should put their efforts for the successful implementation of the Agenda 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the report on the Annual Report on Competition Policy because it is through a strong European competition policy that we are able to ensure that consumers are getting the best possible deal, and that small and local businesses are competing on a level playing field.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report as it lays out a holistic strategy for advancing gender mental health and well-being, and addresses the risks posed to women’s health from gender inequalities in medical research and clinical trials. The report emphasises the link between socioeconomic conditions and mental well-being, as well as the need for education and awareness-raising to break down the stigmas around mental health conditions. There is much to be gained from the EU and Member States bringing practitioners, policymakers, and experts around these issues.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this report which contains a strong message. It is essential that key priorities for women’s economic empowerment are recognised by the EU Council when presenting the EU position at the UN Conference in New York. The report calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and it highlights the importance of recognising women as economic agents whose participation in the labour market can stimulate economic growth. The report also calls for decent working conditions and involving social partners and women’s organisations in decision-making, and it supports the establishment of an ILO Convention to address gender-based violence in the workplace.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. EU-Kosovo relations are very important. The EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement paves the way for the future European path of Kosovo. In this context it is important that the agreement’s provisions are implemented and that concrete steps are taken to develop Kosovo’s economy sustainably.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. It is appropriate to consider abolishing the quotas for the level of textile imports from Belarus to the EU as a purely symbolic gesture to encourage Belarus on its path to increasingly open its society and political system. This is in light of the recent parliamentary elections which saw modest improvements.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. Safety challenges posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are a concern. This collaborative project amongst the participating countries is beneficial as it contributes to global, and European, security and safety. It supports measures aimed at preventing proliferating of know-how, technology and materials, as well as their means of delivery in this respect in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and G8 commitments, aimed at states and non-state actors attempting to acquire or use them.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in objection of the Revised Delegated Act as it does not correspond to the expectations of the European Parliament in the fight against money laundering, terrorism and corruption. A more ambitious list is necessary truly reflecting the problematic jurisdictions, with a full and independent assessment from the Commission.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of this report. The European logistics sector is contributing about 14% to the EU GDP, while in the UK the logistics and postal sector is worth approximately GBP 55 billion to the economy and comprises 5% of the UK GDP. Therefore, it is hard to overestimate the economic impact of freight transport logistics and its contribution to European growth and competitiveness. This report emphasises the importance and the potential of a sector which is constantly increasing in demand and plays a vital role for the smooth functioning of many services and activities in our economy, covering the production of goods to their delivery and recycling, and ranging from local to global levels. Making better use of available capacity of TEN-Ts could not only help reduce congestion and CO2 emissions, but also improve accelerated digitalisation and fair competition for talented staff in ageing societies.

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the report as it calls for a number of measures which can make a big difference in improving ordinary people’s lives and strengthening social cohesion across Europe: a ban on zero-hour contracts; basic labour rights and social security coverage for people in all forms of employment; internships that are paid; upward wage convergence with measures to end in-work poverty and legislation on work-life balance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of this resolution, as a properly functioning Customs Union guarantees consumers better access to safe goods and maximises trade opportunities for economic operators.

2016/11/22

564 Written explanations of Siôn SIMON

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