617 Written explanations of Jill SEYMOUR
Listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (Kosovo) (A8-0261/2016 - Tanja Fajon)
I have voted against this legislative report. I oppose the EU’s visa liberalisation policies and believe this should be a competency of a Member State to decide. In this case this is particularly important as not all Member States officially recognise Kosovo. For these reasons, I voted against this report.
Quality of water intended for human consumption (A8-0288/2018 - Michel Dantin)
I have abstained on this legislative report. Whilst being against any attempt of EU legislation, I agree with the aim of greater transparency when it comes to drinkable water and I believe that consumers have the right to know what are they drinking and which materials came into contact with their water.
'Erasmus': the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (A8-0111/2019 - Milan Zver)
Emergency situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0225/2019, B8-0225/2019, B8-0226/2019, B8-0227/2019, B8-0228/2019, B8-0229/2019)
. ‒ I abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst I support a resolution to the terrible situation in Venezuela brought about by the socialist policies of their government, this resolution attempts to define for the EU a leading role in the international communities’ response to the crisis. I remain opposed to the development of an EU foreign policy and its attempts to expand the EU’s foreign influence. EU policies abroad are often superfluous and could more effectively be carried out by international or regional organisations, and in many cases they are damaging.
Situation of rule of law and fight against corruption in the EU, specifically in Malta and Slovakia (B8-0230/2019)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative resolution. I strongly oppose any interference from the EU into the domestic affairs of a Member State. I firmly believe that it is the sovereign right for these Member States to determine domestic affairs including the rule of law and their fight against corruption. For these reasons, I voted against this resolution.
Decision establishing a European Peace Facility (A8-0157/2019 - Hilde Vautmans)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I am against the development of the European peace facility as it attempts to reorganise various existing funds, mostly paid for directly by the Member States, in an attempt to expand EU interference in affairs beyond Europe. This includes a greater role in policies having a more direct military or defence implication – the costs of which would have to be borne directly by the Member States. I am opposed to the development of such funds both on principle and because EU action has often proved ineffective and counter-productive. Such an EU capacity is entirely unnecessary.
Resources for the specific allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative (A8-0085/2019 - Iskra Mihaylova)
Products eligible for exemption from or a reduction in dock dues (A8-0112/2019 - Iskra Mihaylova)
I have abstained on this consent on vote products eligible for exemption from or a reduction in dock dues. The aim of improving the economic and social situation of the people in the territories concerned is a positive aim and so I wish to support this, however the French Government should not have to ask the EU in order to take action.
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (A8-0173/2019 - Pier Antonio Panzeri, Cristian Dan Preda, Frank Engel, Charles Goerens)
I have voted against this legislative report. I oppose the ever-evolving foreign policy of the European Union and reject the use of EUR 89 billion of taxpayers’ money to fund this. Member States should have the sole responsibility to manage their relationships with third countries and be responsible for any financial aid it may wish to give to these countries. For these reasons, I voted against the report.
Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) (A8-0174/2019 - José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Knut Fleckenstein)
European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund (A8-0094/2019 - Andrea Cozzolino)
I have voted against this legislative, first reading report. Although the aim of this report is to make funding simpler and more flexible, this could lead to more spending, which I disagree with. I have voted in favour of the rejection amendment. For other amendments, to summarise: I have voted against any amendments that wish to increase the scope of the legislation and funding, and in favour of any amendments that wish to decrease the scope of the legislation and funding.
Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles (A8-0287/2018 - Miriam Dalli)
EU fertilising products (A8-0270/2017 - Mihai Ţurcanu)
I have voted against this legislative, first reading report. I do not agree with the EU harmonising organic or secondary raw fertilisers, as I do not agree with harmonisation. I also disagree with this because it could lead to increased costs for farmers and diminished quality of fertilising products concerned
Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (A8-0382/2018 - Laura Agea)
I abstained on this legislation. Whilst I believe that standards of this nature should be decided by national governments based on scientific evidence, the legislative framework for this protection of workers is already in place, and this legislation merely amends existing legislation based on new evidence and adds further protections under the existing framework. We would expect to see the maintenance of such high standards against carcinogens and mutagens in the work place in an independent United Kingdom.
Common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those (A8-0043/2019 - Andrey Novakov, Constanze Krehl)
I have voted against the closure of the first reading on this legislative report. Although this report is aimed at simplifying the rules around EU funds, this could lead to increased spending due to easier access. Furthermore, the budget for this report is EUR 330 billion. Owing to this, I have chosen not to adopt the report and the amendments at first reading.
Objection pursuant to Rule 105(3): Instrument for financial support for external borders and visa (B8-0215/2019)
I have voted in favour of this resolution, which opposes a delegated act instigated by the Commission. In principle, I oppose delegated acts as they are instigated by the Commission and bypass parliamentary scrutiny. In this case, I also oppose the content that is proposed in the delegated act, which allows for funding to Member States to establish ‘controlled centres’ to process applicants for asylum. As the resolution in this report suggests, this is a highly controversial term that is not legally defined. Moreover, establishing these centres will infringe upon the sovereign territory of Member States. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this resolution.
Objection pursuant to Rule 105(3): Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (B8-0214/2019)
I have voted in favour of this resolution, which opposes a delegated act instigated by the Commission. In principle, I oppose delegated acts as they are instigated by the Commission and bypass parliamentary scrutiny. In this case, I also oppose the content that is proposed in the delegated act, which allows for funding to Member States to establish ‘controlled centres’ to process applicants for asylum. As the resolution in this report suggests, this is a highly controversial term that is not legally defined. Moreover, establishing these centres will infringe upon the sovereign territory of Member States. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this resolution.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Genetically modified soybean MON 87751 (MON-87751-7) (B8-0216/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Genetically modified maize 1507 x NK603 (DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 x MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) (B8-0217/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Certain uses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (DEZA a.s.) (B8-0218/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Certain uses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Kędzierzyn S.A.) (B8-0219/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Certain uses of chromium trioxide (B8-0221/2019)
Post-Arab Spring: way forward for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (A8-0077/2019 - Brando Benifei)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I do not believe in an EU foreign policy and it has become increasingly clear that Western policy in the Middle East especially most often leads to more instability, security issues for ourselves and we rarely achieve or national objectives. Whilst this report takes a critical look at current EU policy it supports further intervention.
Protocol to the EU-Israel Euro-Mediterranean Agreement (accession of Croatia) (A8-0164/2019 - Cristian Dan Preda)
I voted against this consent procedure. I am opposed both to the development of an EU foreign policy through the signing of such third-party agreements and to further accession to the European Union. I cannot, therefore, support the technical update to an existing agreement acknowledging such expansion.
Labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters (A8-0086/2019 - Michał Boni)
Contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services (A8-0375/2017 - Evelyne Gebhardt, Axel Voss)
. ‒ I have voted against this legislative, first reading report. I do not believe that the Commission should be creating rules in this area, nor with the harmonisation of contracts for digital content and services. The UK already have their own rules on this subject and therefore the EU does not need to act in this area.
Contracts for the sale of goods (A8-0043/2018 - Pascal Arimont)
. ‒ I have voted against this legislative, first reading report. I do not believe that the Commission should be creating rules in this area, nor with the harmonisation on rules surrounding contracts for the sale of goods. Member States are capable of creating their own laws and making their own decisions.
Alignment of reporting obligations in the field of environment policy (A8-0324/2018 - Adina-Ioana Vălean)
Low carbon benchmarks and positive carbon impact benchmarks (A8-0483/2018 - Neena Gill)
The report supports climate alarmism by obliging some private companies to disclose confidential and commercially sensitive information in the belief this will save the planet. In some cases, benchmarking companies that are regulated by the EU will be obliged to collate this information and publish it, even when doing so is not commercially viable. Accordingly, we voted against.
Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) (A8-0470/2018 - Pascal Arimont)
Fundamental rights of people of African descent (B8-0212/2019)
I have voted to abstain on this non-legislative resolution. I fully support the fundamental rights of all races and ethnicities, including people of African descent. However, I believe that it is the duty of a Member State to safeguard these rights, not the European Union. Moreover, this report goes beyond the scope of the resolution and includes controversial paragraphs such as calling on the commission to establish safe and legal routes for migrants to the EU. For these reasons, I abstained on the final vote.
Report on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance (A8-0170/2019 - Jeppe Kofod, Luděk Niedermayer)
I voted against this report because it seeks to maximise and centralise EU power, not only on taxation, but it also seeks EU criminal law procedures. What I think is worth pointing out is that, in several paragraphs, this report seeks to circumvent the clear Treaty provision that unanimity is required in the Council for taxation matters. This report repeatedly calls for the Commission to use the back-door procedure of Article 116 TFEU, which only requires qualified majority.
EU-Switzerland Institutional Framework Agreement (A8-0147/2019 - Doru-Claudian Frunzulică)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Switzerland developed a mutually beneficial relationship based on a unique structure of a series of bilateral agreements. The EU has long disliked this approach and they have bullied Switzerland into negotiating this agreement. The EU’s approach towards Switzerland has been one of coercion that has led to the undermining of a democratic referendum in which the Swiss people voted to end free movement of people and ended with an agreement that undermines the sovereignty of Switzerland and leads to the automatic application of EU law in Switzerland.There is a growing call within Switzerland for the EU to reopen negotiations, which the EU should be open to doing.
Amendments to Parliament's Rules of Procedure (A8-0462/2018 - Richard Corbett)
I voted against the amendments to the Rules of Procedure. Whilst it is important to have transparency and ensure protection against sexual and psychological harassment, we could not support the vote in its entirety when it is calling into question the right of choice and debate within political groups and allowing larger groups to dissolve smaller groups in order for them to have their own way.
Union Customs Code: inclusion of the municipality of Campione d'Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the customs territory of the Union (A8-0368/2018 - Jasenko Selimovic)
I have voted against this legislative, first reading report. I do not agree with a harmonised Union Customs Code, as this is something Member States are capable of doing on their own. The introduction of the municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano is an expansion of the Single Market and another reason why I voted against this report.
Rules on direct payments and support for rural development in respect of the years 2019 and 2020 (A8-0018/2019 - Czesław Adam Siekierski)
Accession of the Dominican Republic to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0451/2018 - Mary Honeyball)
. ‒ International child abduction is an abomination and the welfare of children should always be protected. However I could not support the EU acting as a ‘state’ in adopting the competence to force other Member States into accepting the accession of countries to the Convention. Member States should ensure that they are happy with the acceding country and then accept that they have adopted the Convention in a manner that meets their expectations.
Accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0452/2018 - Mary Honeyball)
. ‒ International child abduction is an abomination and the welfare of children should always be protected. However I could not support the EU acting as a ‘state’ in adopting the competence to force other Member States into accepting the accession of countries to the Convention. Member States should ensure that they are happy with the acceding country and then accept that they have adopted the Convention in a manner that meets their expectations.
Accession of Honduras to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0457/2018 - Mary Honeyball)
. ‒ International child abduction is an abomination and the welfare of children should always be protected. However, I could not support the EU acting as a ‘state’ in adopting the competence to force other Member States into accepting the accession of countries to the Convention. Member States should ensure that they are happy with the acceding country and then accept that they have adopted the Convention in a manner that meets their expectations.
Accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (A8-0458/2018 - Mary Honeyball)
. ‒ International child abduction is an abomination and the welfare of children should always be protected. However, I could not support the EU acting as a ‘state’ in adopting the competence to force other Member States into accepting the accession of countries to the Convention. Member States should ensure that they are happy with the acceding country and then accept that they have adopted the Convention in a manner that meets their expectations.
Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the EU, Greenland and Denmark (A8-0480/2018 - Maurice Ponga)
I have voted against this non-legislative report. This is money being used to allow the EU to set an agenda and influence Member States’ Overseas Countries and Territories. Sustaining and funding Overseas Countries and Territories should be the responsibility of the nation state, which is why I have voted against.
Annual report 2017 on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests- fight against fraud (A8-0003/2019 - Marian-Jean Marinescu)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. I support many of the themes within the text such as the concern for the widespread fraud and error rate in the EU budget, the calls for action to combat this and further measures for transparency. However, a lot of the report also contained calls for harmonised customs checks across the EU, more resources for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, more control of VAT at EU level and the encouragement of infringement procedures against the UK for billions of pounds.
Harmonisation of gross national income at market prices (GNI Regulation) (A8-0009/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
. ‒ This legislation seeks to harmonise the calculation of Gross National Income which is itself a factor in the calculation of member States’ contributions to the EU budget, the harmonisation would undoubtedly lead to increased figures for GNI for the United Kingdom and with it increased contributions to the EU, accordingly I voted against.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified oilseed rapes Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 × Rf3 (B8-0073/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified maize 5307 (SYN-Ø53Ø7-1) (B8-0074/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified maize MON 87403 (MON-874Ø3-1) (B8-0075/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified cotton GHB614 × LLCotton25 × MON 15985 (B8-0076/2019)
Application of the Euro 5 step to the type-approval of two- or three- wheel vehicles and quadricycles (A8-0346/2018 - Daniel Dalton)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative, first-reading report on type-approval of L-category vehicles. I oppose type-approval because it is total harmonisation, which we are strongly against. Moreover, it allows the Commission to adopt delegated acts for another five years, and are against extending the Commission’s power.
Trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel treatment or punishment (A8-0387/2018 - Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg)
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund: Re-commitment of remaining amounts (A8-0370/2018 - Miriam Dalli)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative report. I oppose the re-commitment of this funding programme which assists in the cost of relocating asylum seekers. I believe that Member States which wish to relocate asylum seekers should bear the cost, not the European taxpayer. Moreover, I oppose calls in this report for the funding to assist legal routes of migration which will, unquestionably, attract further migration into Europe.
Accession of Samoa to the EU-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement (A8-0376/2018 - David Martin)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/003 EL/Attica publishing (A8-0377/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
. ‒ I voted against this budgetary proposal as it will give over EUR 2.3 million to 550 workers who have lost their jobs in Greece. The money will be spent on support services such as job search and counselling. I oppose British taxpayers’ money being spent by unaccountable EU institutions as dole for poor economic decisions in other countries.
Temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders (A8-0356/2018 - Tanja Fajon)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative report. I firmly believe in the sovereign right of all nations to control their borders. I am, however, extremely disappointed that amendments to this report have drastically reduced the length of time for which Schengen states can introduce temporary border controls, as this report reduces the capacity for Member States to control their own borders.
Common rules for the operation of air services (A8-0150/2018 - Claudia Țapardel)
. ‒ UKIP voted to abstain. This vote ensures the continuation in wet-leasing in the event of aircraft and personnel not being available due to demand. In view of the UK leaving the EU at the end of March 2019, it is important to ensure that there are no interruptions to air services and that passengers are not inconvenienced.
The Cum Ex Scandal: financial crime and the loopholes in the current legal framework (B8-0518/2018, B8-0519/2018, B8-0520/2018, B8-0521/2018, B8-0525/2018, RC-B8-0551/2018, B8-0551/2018, B8-0552/2018)
Role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes (B8-0546/2018)
I regard this report as being an exercise in virtue signalling. Germany has been unusually generous and helpful towards its many newcomers, however unwise their immigration policy may be. I note that the fact-finding mission conducted to investigate the claims of discrimination made in this report were groundless. I feel that a claim which has been investigated and disproven requires no further action.
WTO: the way forward (A8-0379/2018 - Bernd Lange, Paul Rübig)
. ‒ I voted against this as we feel the EU has shamelessly used trade as a means to bash out a highly partisan and unhelpful political agenda. This creates ill will with trade partners, and goes against the spirit of the WTO and international trade. I want the EU to stick to trade, and not use trade as a political weapon.
2018 Report on Serbia (A8-0331/2018 - David McAllister)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I oppose further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. In particular I oppose to the infringements on Serbia’s right to conduct an independent foreign policy.
2018 Report on Kosovo (A8-0332/2018 - Igor Šoltes)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I oppose to further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. Further this report attempts to infringe the rights of Member States to conduct an independent foreign policy by attempting to ensure they recognise the independence of Kosovo. The European Union should not have such extensive relations with a partially recognised state and should certainly not be inviting them to join the EU.
2018 Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A8-0341/2018 - Ivo Vajgl)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I oppose further accession of states to the European Union and the extensive interfering in the affairs of these states by the European Union during the process. Whilst I support the normalisation of relations between the FYROM and Greece, I am concerned at attempts by the Commission to interfere in the internal affairs of the two states and the procedures for both countries to legitimise the Prespa Agreement. The settling of the naming dispute should not be used to catalyse the FYROM’s accession to the European Union.
Defence of academic freedom in the EU's external action (A8-0403/2018 - Wajid Khan)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding recommendation. Whilst I support the principles of freedom of expression and thought that this issue represents generally I am opposed to the consistent politicisation of the internal affairs of Hungary to attempt to discredit the democratically elected government by the European Union.
The situation of women with disabilities (B8-0547/2018)
I voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. The resolution calls to ensure that more is done to tackle gender-based violence, that there is adequate access to healthcare, and that labour regulation, application for maternity and paternity leave, and education are all tailored to the needs of those with disabilities. Although there are some calls on Member States and the Commission for more action and legislation, which I would otherwise oppose, this report is of a sensitive nature: I cannot oppose giving those with disabilities better access to services.
Transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (A8-0355/2018 - Enrique Calvet Chambon)
I voted against this legislative decision. I do not recognise the European Union’s authority to legislate for the Member States. The framework through which legislation is created within the European Union is fundamentally undemocratic. We oppose the interinstitutional negotiation process as it is non-transparent.
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (A8-0340/2018 - Bogusław Liberadzki)
UKIP abstained on this report because it is important to ensure that the rights of those passengers who are disabled or have difficulty with mobility are always safeguarded. However the problem is that the rights of passengers should not be something that is dictated by the EU. Matters of such importance should be dealt with at Member State level.
Care services in the EU for improved gender equality (A8-0352/2018 - Sirpa Pietikäinen)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Although I fully support the aiding of care services, as well as encourage men and women to enter labour market. This report called for the implementation of more EU directives and legislation, more EU investment and more harmonised definitions. It further suggested that social security contributions ought to be borderless, so that contributions made in a Member State of origin, could be utilised by the same person in another Member State. Such we believe should only be agreed bilaterally between individual Member States, this is not for the EU to enforce. Overall, I do not believe that care services should be conducted at EU level, but at national level.
Interim report on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – Parliament's position with a view to an agreement (A8-0358/2018 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas, Janusz Lewandowski, Gérard Deprez)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative report setting out Parliament’s position on the MFF negotiations. The Commission proposal is to set the future MFF at EUR 1.2 trillion, with increases for defence spending and EU administration budgets. Parliament’s proposal is to increase this further to over EUR 1.4 trillion. As it is likely that the UK will still be making contributions towards the future MFF, UKIP voted against this as we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending British taxpayers’ money.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0335/2018 - Sabine Lösing)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I oppose the EU Common Position as it has an undue influence on the foreign policy and industry of the United Kingdom. I am also concerned by proposals to increase the use of qualified majority voting in more foreign affairs matters. The UK has its own standards to meet for arms exports and ultimately decisions of foreign policy and industry must be made by our own democratically-elected government.
Need for a comprehensive Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights mechanism (B8-0523/2018, B8-0524/2018)
Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (A8-0320/2018 - Andrejs Mamikins)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. EU foreign policy has contributed to the destabilisation of security in Eastern Europe. The security situation in Georgia is extremely sensitive and the EU has proved itself to be institutionally incapable of managing such complex foreign policy. We are opposed to the development of an EU foreign policy and as such are opposed to all association agreements signed between the European Union and third countries.
Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (A8-0322/2018 - Petras Auštrevičius)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. EU foreign policy has contributed to the destabilisation of security in Eastern Europe. The security situation in Moldova is extremely sensitive and the EU has proved itself to be institutionally incapable of managing such complex foreign policy. We are opposed to the development of an EU foreign policy and as such are opposed to all association agreements signed between the European Union and third countries.
Humanitarian visas (A8-0328/2018 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP rejects any attempts by the EU to control migration policies. Moreover, UKIP opposes the suggestion in this report that Member States who issue these visas should be compensated out of the EU budget and, therefore, at the expense of the other Member States.UKIP believes that it is the sole right of a nation state to be able to control its borders and manage migration. We believe that if a nation wishes to offer this type of visa, it should be enacted in their national law under a mandate given to them by their electorate.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Latvia (A8-0357/2018 - Inese Vaidere)
I voted against this budgetary proposal to give over EUR 17.7 million to Latvia. While I of course sympathise with the people of Latvia due to the awful weather conditions and to the flooding that has caused so much destruction, I object on principle when unelected EU institutions spend British taxpayersʼ money. Only our own elected and accountable national government should decide how our money is spent on this type of foreign aid.
EU development assistance in the field of education (A8-0327/2018 - Vincent Peillon)
I voted against this non-legislative report. I fully support the right for all children to have access to basic education. I am opposed, however, to calls for Member States to increase their budgets in this sector and to outline minimum targets for spending. I believe that a sovereign state has the right to decide on its foreign aid budget.
Minimum standards for minorities in the EU (A8-0353/2018 - József Nagy)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative report. I fully support the rights of minorities and we believe that the UK already has incredibly high standards of protection for minority groups. However, I oppose calls in this report for standards to be included in an EU pact for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Moreover, I believe that protecting minorities is best dealt with at Member State level, rather than by the EU, as the situation of minorities differs greatly between Member States.
Digitalisation for development: reducing poverty through technology (A8-0338/2018 - Bogdan Brunon Wenta)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative report. I believe that improving technology in developing countries is one way to reduce poverty. I oppose, however, calls for Member States and the EU to increase their funding in this sector. I believe that it is the right of a sovereign state to decide its foreign aid budget.
Protection of the EU’s financial interests - Recovery of money and assets from third-countries in fraud cases (A8-0298/2018 - Cătălin Sorin Ivan)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative, non-binding report. The main thrust of the report shows concern over the loss of taxpayers’ money through fraud especially when the EU makes transactions to beneficiaries and countries outside the Europe. It calls for better management, transparency and oversight of taxpayers’ money which of course UKIP supports. However UKIP opposes some other ideas in the report which include further empowering the European Public Prosecutors Office, criticism of bilateral agreements and calls for an EU wide data collection method forcing each member state to comply with.
Unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain (A8-0309/2018 - Paolo De Castro)
I oppose the legislation and therefore it going for negotiation because – although there could be good legislation to secure proper competition, contractual symmetry and equivalence, this is absolutely not it – instead we have archetypal, EU protectionist corporatism and perverse behavioural economics of the very worst kind – which is extended well beyond SMEs to even the largest of global behemoths.
Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use (A8-0035/2016 - Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu)
Veterinary medicinal products (A8-0046/2016 - Françoise Grossetête)
I abstained on this legislative report. I believe in the importance of improving access to medicinal products and make them more widely available; reduce the administrative burden; promote innovation and competitiveness within the sector. However, I believe that such topic should be regulated by Member States’ national Parliaments.
Manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed (A8-0075/2016 - Clara Eugenia Aguilera García)
Charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (A8-0202/2018 - Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy)
UKIP voted against this legislative report because it will increase the level of admin expected from hauliers. Eventually it will lead to heavy goods vehicle drivers requiring a personal assistant and a filing cabinet in their cabs just to deal with the extra red tape. Furthermore, the report insists that the monies that are acquired through the charging of heavy goods vehicles must be used on infrastructure. This goes against the concept of subsidiarity.
Rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe (RC-B8-0481/2018, B8-0481/2018, B8-0482/2018, B8-0483/2018, B8-0486/2018, B8-0488/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative resolution. UKIP deplore and condemn neo-fascist ideologies, organisations and any acts of violence committed by these groups. Moreover, UKIP also vehemently oppose the use of violence for political gain by any organisation, regardless of their political leaning. UKIP MEPs voted against this resolution, therefore, because it failed to condemn all political violence, notably excluding the rise in far-left violence and the rise in Islamist extremism in Europe. UKIP MEPs also voted against this report as it calls for consolidated EU action to tackle this issue; we believe that this issue varies drastically between Member States and that they are therefore in the best position to tackle these issues.
Animal welfare, antimicrobial use and the environmental impact of industrial broiler farming (B8-0484/2018, B8-0484/2018, B8-0485/2018, B8-0487/2018, B8-0489/2018)
Employment and social policies in the euro area (A8-0329/2018 - Krzysztof Hetman)
The use of Facebook users’ data by Cambridge Analytica and the impact on data protection (B8-0480/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative resolution. Whilst UKIP are in favour of strong data protection rules, UKIP believe this resolution is yet another attack on Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to enhance the claim that the Brexit result was won, or strongly influenced, by foreign forces. Moreover, UKIP MEPs oppose the suspension of the Privacy Shield agreement which would cause major disruption to companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul (RC-B8-0498/2018, B8-0498/2018, B8-0499/2018, B8-0500/2018, B8-0501/2018, B8-0503/2018, B8-0505/2018, B8-0508/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned by the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and the role both Saudi Arabia and Turkey are playing in the Middle East. However we do not believe that the EU should have any capacity in foreign affairs and that international relations should be conducted by sovereign states in appropriate international fora.
Situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0351/2018, B8-0351/2018, B8-0502/2018, B8-0504/2018, B8-0506/2018, B8-0507/2018, B8-0509/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned by the situation and the terrible cost of the government’s Socialist policies on the people of Venezuela. However we do not believe that the EU should have any capacity in foreign affairs and that international relations should be conducted by sovereign states in appropriate international fora.
Promoting automatic mutual recognition of diplomas (B8-0492/2018)
I voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution calling for the mutual recognition of diplomas. The EU want this to coincide with the creation of a European Education Area, despite the existence of the Council of Europe voluntary group, the European Higher Education Area.The UK Government already has a system in place called NARIC, National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications, and there is also a UN Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region, which has existed since 1979.We believe it is for National Governments to conduct their education schemes how they wish, and unnecessary to have a similar recognition system set up at EU level.
Deployment of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the EU: time to act! (A8-0297/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
Harnessing globalisation: trade aspects (A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster)
We oppose the attempts of the EU to use trade as a political weapon. Whilst we support free trade, we believe the EU’s needless attempts to attach non-trade related demands and clauses to trade agreements is bad. This sours relationships with trade partners, and is unacceptable in a world economy that depends on good will and free trade.
Draft general budget of the European Union for 2019 - all sections
UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal to set the EU budget 2019. UKIP will voted in favour of all cuts and against all increases. The Commission proposal for 2019 is to have the EU budget set at EUR 166 billion (a 3% increase on last year). The Council proposal is to set the 2019 EU budget at EUR 164.1 billion (a 2.09% increase on last year). The EU Parliament’s position was to have even larger increases. The proposal now goes in to negotiations for a final conciliation agreement vote later in the year. UKIP opposes unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money.
General budget of the European Union for 2019 - all sections (A8-0313/2018 - Daniele Viotti, Paul Rübig)
UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal to set the EU budget 2019. UKIP will vote in favour of all cuts and against all increases. The Commission proposal for 2019 is to have the EU budget set at EUR 166 billion (a 3% increase on last year). The Council proposal is to set the 2019 EU budget at EUR 164.1 billion (a 2.09% increase on last year). The EU Parliament’s position was to have even larger increases. The proposal now goes into negotiations for a final conciliation agreement vote later in the year. UKIP opposes unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0300/2018 - Marco Valli)
. ‒ UKIP voted for this proposal to refuse discharge for the Council. In the discharge procedure, the European Parliament looks through the individual budgets of every EU institution to give a positive or negative opinion. The Council, historically, has challenged the competence of Parliament to do this and does not cooperate with the procedure. UKIP opposes the continuation of all EU institutions and agencies, because of their cost to the British taxpayer. In the case of the Council, we believe they should submit themselves to extra scrutiny and transparency in respect of their budget.
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Ireland (A8-0344/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Ireland (A8-0343/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Croatia (A8-0345/2018 - Branislav Škripek)
Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (A8-0317/2018 - Frédérique Ries)
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of border checks (A8-0347/2017 - Carlos Coelho)
I have abstained on this legislative first reading report. I believe that the updated SIS for border checks will help to combat illegal migration into the Union and therefore make it harder for illegal migrants to reach the United Kingdom. However as this is EU legislation, and it does not directly affect the UK, it was more suitable to abstain on this report.
Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (A8-0349/2017 - Carlos Coelho)
I voted against this legislative first reading report. I, whilst in favour of cooperation with other nations, strongly oppose this part of the SIS which facilitates the use of European Arrest Warrants. Moreover, this report seeks to permit more EU law enforcement agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust, to have access to this information and these changes will cost the taxpayer EUR 60 million to implement.
Use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals (A8-0348/2017 - Jeroen Lenaers)
I abstained on this legislative first reading report. I believe that the updated SIS for returning illegally staying third-country nationals will help to speed up deportations of those who are in the Union’s territory illegally. Moreover, as many of these illegal migrants attempt to enter the UK from EU territory, this legislation should assist the UK in tackling illegal migration. However as this is EU legislation, and it does not directly affect the UK, it was more suitable to abstain on this report.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Renewing the authorisation for genetically modified maize NK603 × MON 810 (B8-0490/2018)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: Authorisation for genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 (B8-0491/2018)
Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0299/2018 - Bart Staes)
. ‒ UKIP voted against granting discharge to the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). The discharge procedure is the process whereby the European Parliament looks through the individual budgets of every EU institution to give a positive or negative opinion. In the case of the EASO, there have been a number of budget problems, with a high incidence of irregularity of payments, as well as accusations that upper management used bullying tactics, which led to the Executive Director stepping down and to the EASO being investigated by OLAF. UKIP opposes the continuation of all EU institutions and agencies, on account of their cost to the British taxpayer.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/002 PT/Norte – Centro – Lisboa wearing apparel (A8-0311/2018 - José Manuel Fernandes)
. ‒ I voted against this budgetary proposal as it will give over EUR 4.6 million to 730 workers who have lost their jobs in the Portugal. The money will be spent on support services such as job search and counselling. I cannot support British taxpayers’ money being spent by unaccountable EU institutions as dole for poor economic decisions in other countries.
Quality of water intended for human consumption (A8-0288/2018 - Michel Dantin)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative report. I support the idea of universal accessibility to water as well as the focus given by this report on most vulnerable people and their difficulties accessing water. However, I believe the EU Commission should not legislate on this issue - it should be exclusive competence of National Parliaments.
Resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal (A8-0282/2018 - Iskra Mihaylova)
The role of employee financial participation in creating jobs and reactivating the unemployed (A8-0293/2018 - Renate Weber)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst I am sympathetic to some of the issues raised within this report, ultimately economic policies should be determined solely by the Member States. This report contains numerous calls for the Commission to involve itself in Member State policy, which we cannot support.
Structural Reform Support Programme: financial envelope and general objective (A8-0227/2018 - Ruža Tomašić)
Partnership Agreement between the EU and EAEC and Armenia (resolution) (A8-0179/2018 - László Tőkés)
EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (resolution) (A8-0224/2018 - Tokia Saïfi)
EU-New Zealand Agreement relating to the modification of concessions (accession of Croatia) (A8-0220/2018 - Daniel Caspary)
. ‒ We voted in favour of this as we recognise it is a tidying-up exercise intended to reflect the fact that Croatia has joined the EU since certain international agreements were made. This means that Croatia must be added to these agreements to reflect a more accurate and legal representation of these agreements. We have no objection to such technical tidying-up exercises, so supported this.
Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank: clearing and payment systems (A8-0219/2018 - Gabriel Mato, Danuta Maria Hübner)
Vehicle taxation: charging of heavy good vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (A8-0200/2018 - Deirdre Clune)
Draft amending budget No 2/2018: Entering the surplus of the financial year 2017 (A8-0209/2018 - Siegfried Mureşan)
UKIP voted in favour of this budgetary proposal. The proposal was to transfer over EUR 500 million of spare money from the 2017 EU budget in to this year’s budget. The money would be solely used to reduce the amount Member States have to contribute. Whilst we oppose the wording of the resolution which accompanied it, the binding part of the proposal would reduce the amount the UK would have to give to the EU this year.
Draft amending budget No 3/2018: Extension of the Facility for refugees in Turkey (A8-0246/2018 - Siegfried Mureşan)
UKIP voted in against this budgetary proposal. The proposal was to transfer EUR 500 million to reinforce this EU refugee programme. Although this money would not mean the UK would have to give more money to the EU (as it was being transferred from budget lines available within the current EU budget), UKIP opposes sending taxpayers’ money to Turkey and we oppose this EU refugee programme in principle.
EU guarantee to the EIB against losses under financing operations supporting investment projects outside the Union, as regards Iran (B8-0313/2018)
UKIP tabled and voted in favour of this resolution to object to the Commission ‘delegated decision’ to make Iran eligible for European Investment Bank (EIB) financial support. UKIP opposes the EU granting Iran any kind of financial support, but this proposal in particular could create real diplomatic and political problems. The USA has pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and the EU is trying to become a player on the world stage by trying to keep Iran involved. This is more about EU vanity than solving political problems in the Middle East. When the USA reintroduces sanctions it could very well place them on the EIB which needs the USD market to raise capital, which could lead to default for the bank. The UK government also supports this delegated decision, allying with EU foreign policy against our most important strategic partner.
Towards an EU external strategy against early and forced marriages (A8-0187/2018 - Charles Goerens)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding report. We recognise and empathise with many of the issues raised in the report. However there are consistent calls that interfere with the domestic legislation of Member States and that aim at increasingly centralising Member State policies within the EU.
Negotiations on the EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement (A8-0185/2018 - Norica Nicolai)
Enforcement requirements and specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector (A8-0206/2018 - Merja Kyllönen)
UKIP voted against the resolution. The report is looking for harmonisation across the EU with regard to the rights of drivers in the transport sector. Whilst it is important to ensure that the rights of the drivers are maintained, a one-size-fits-all policy cannot be the way forward when dealing with a great many socio-economic platforms.
Daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and rest periods and positioning by means of tachographs (A8-0205/2018 - Wim van de Camp)
UKIP voted against the resolution. This report is looking for harmonisation of such rules as when the drivers may return to their homes after completing a job. It is important that work life balance should prevail; however, such issues really should be at a company level, respecting the laws of the Member State.
Adapting to development in the road transport sector (A8-0204/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
UKIP voted against the resolution. This report touched on cabotage, which is an extremely emotive subject, not only for the Member States but also for the companies who utilise the practice. It can be very difficult and dangerous to impose legislation across the board when there is no uniformed best practice to adhere to.
Opening of negotiations for an EU-Jordan Agreement on the exchange of personal data for fighting serious crime and terrorism (A8-0232/2018 - Claude Moraes)
UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the European Commission, an unelected body, negotiating agreements with third countries on behalf of the EU. Moreover, UKIP has serious reservations about the lack of an impact assessment from the Commission with regard to both the necessity of the agreement and the data protection standards in Jordan.
Extension of the EU-US Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation (A8-0212/2018 - Rolandas Paksas)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/009 FR/Air France (A8-0210/2018 - Alain Lamassoure)
UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal. The proposal is to mobilise EUR 9 894 483 for 1 858 workers who have lost their jobs in France. The money will be spent on vocational training, business start-up, and job search and mobility allowances. UKIP opposes the EUʼs using British taxpayers’ money as dole for poor economic decisions in other countries.
Role of cities in the institutional framework of the Union (A8-0203/2018 - Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski)
Three-dimensional printing: intellectual property rights and civil liability (A8-0223/2018 - Joëlle Bergeron)
Violation of rights of indigenous peoples in the world (A8-0194/2018 - Francisco Assis)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are against attempts to develop an EU foreign policy and against the EU interfering in the domestic affairs of third countries. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not legally binding and the EU should not be attempting to make it so in its policies. The level of compliance with international agreements is a matter for the third countries concerned, not the European Union.
Climate diplomacy (A8-0221/2018 - Arne Lietz, Jo Leinen)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are against attempts to develop an EU foreign policy and against the EU interfering in the domestic affairs of third countries. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not legally binding and the EU should not be attempting to make it so in its policies. The level of compliance with international agreements is a matter for the third countries concerned, not the European Union.
Structural and financial barriers in the access to culture (A8-0169/2018 - Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report regarding accessibility to cultural services. Although there are some pertinent points, it is not for the EU to interfere with national tax policies, dictate how much national governments should contribute or invest in cultural services, nor how they should form policy in this area. Furthermore, I oppose calls for increased investment at the expense of the taxpayer; this is for the sole discretion of national governments.
Proportionality test before adoption of new regulation of professions (A8-0395/2017 - Andreas Schwab)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative first reading report. We believe that it should be left to Member States to regulate professions, and that it is not the task of the Commission to set a proportionality test. UKIP tabled a rejection amendment to this report, which we voted in favour of, as we believe this legislation should not go ahead.
Use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road (A8-0193/2018 - Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar)
– UKIP voted against this report. It is looking at removing restrictions that Member States have the right to impose. These restrictions include such things as the use of hired goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above six tonnes and restricting the use of a vehicle which has been hired in a Member State different from the one where the vehicle is.
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Enforcement requirements and specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector (A8-0206/2018 - Merja Kyllönen)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards on minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs (A8-0205/2018 - Wim van de Camp)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations Amending Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 with a view to adapting them to developments in the sector (A8-0204/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
Objection to Commission delegated regulation amending delegated regulation (EU) 2017/118 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea (B8-0299/2018)
Georgian occupied territories ten years after the Russian invasion (RC-B8-0275/2018, B8-0275/2018, B8-0276/2018, B8-0277/2018, B8-0278/2018, B8-0279/2018, B8-0285/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative resolution. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy. Unresolved and frozen conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus are a concern, but we do not think that EU policy or action should or does play any constructive role in resolving these issues. Mediation is a concern for the parties involved supported by more appropriate international regimes.
Negotiations for a new EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (B8-0274/2018)
I voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. I firmly oppose the current EU-ACP Partnership Agreement as it is based on the principle of conditionality, which is, in essence, the EU politicising its trade policy with third countries. I believe that the best way to aid developing nations is via improved trade relations, whereas the EU’s insistence on pursuing a trade policy based on conditionality hinders not only the development of these nations, but also consumers in Europe.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2016 (A8-0197/2018 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
I voted against. This report is calling for such things as giving the Parliament basic control over major decisions affecting the EU, Member States and its people, such as decisions to include national budgets and reforms. These issues should remain the sole responsibility of the Member State. The report also goes on to mention its concern over the fact that fiscal measures, such as reductions in national expenditure, have not had the desired effect. This I totally disagree with.
Composition of the European Parliament (A8-0207/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner, Pedro Silva Pereira)
UKIP voted in favour of this proposal to scrap all UK MEPs. UKIP MEPs have been here since 1999 always on the basis that we want to put ourselves out of a job and for Britain to leave the European Union.The proposal is in two parts. The first part lists all Member States and indicates how many MEPs are allocated to each country. The 73 UK MEPs shall be removed from this list with a portion being re-allocated to other Member States.The second part of the proposal includes a clause stating that if the UK remains a Member of the EU by the next EU election (the EU treaties still apply), then the UK shall retain the current number of MEPs allocated. UKIP want to leave the EU on 29 March so we want all the MEPs to be gone.Regarding the second part of the proposal, the Government should have repealed the 2003 European Elections Act which they haven’t. If we have not left and there has to be a European election, which UKIP doesn’t want, we will fight it with the argument of complete unequivocal withdrawal as soon as possible.
Cohesion policy and the circular economy (A8-0184/2018 - Davor Škrlec)
I voted against this non-legislative, own initiative report. The report involves using EU funds in order to promote the circular economy. While to objectives of sustainability and reducing waste are important for everyone to work towards, this is not something that should be achieved through EU funding and legislation.
Negotiations on the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement (A8-0158/2018 - Charles Tannock)
EU-NATO relations (A8-0188/2018 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I am firmly committed in our support of NATO as the primary guarantor of security cooperation and mutual defence in Europe. I am opposed to the militarisation of the European Union and the development of any institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States. Furthermore, we are against any level of EU cooperation with NATO as this risks duplicating and in some cases undermining NATO, negatively impacting security in Europe.
Cyber defence (A8-0189/2018 - Urmas Paet)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst I recognise the rising significance of cyber—defence for national security UKIP is firm in its belief that national security is solely a matter for Member States. I do not support the militarisation of the European Union or the development of any EU institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States on issues related to national defence, including cyber—defence. Member States are free, however, to cooperate on a bilateral and multilateral level as well as through NATO if they choose to do so.
Clearing obligation, reporting requirements and risk-mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives and trade repositories (A8-0181/2018 - Werner Langen)
Common rules in the field of civil aviation and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (A8-0364/2016 - Marian-Jean Marinescu)
. ‒ UKIP voted against. This proposal was looking at creating a regulatory framework for the integration of new business models and emerging technologies, along with the harmonisation of accreditation worthiness by ensuring that similarly qualified entities who carry out tasks on behalf of national aviation authorities should be accredited by the agency.In such an important issue as safety the bar has to be set high and unfortunately with the ‘one size fits all’ policies that the EU adopts, we know that the bar that the EU will set will be very low and this will affect standard safety issues. In addition the report believes that the agency should play a more active and decisive role when a Member State decides to react immediately to a serious civil aviation safety issue and deviates from applicable EU rules. Should a Member State need to ‘deviate’ from EU rules then it is clear that the EU cannot envisage all possible events and it should therefore be up to the Member State to make whatever decisions it feels necessary in order to deal with the serious issue, without having to worry about an inexperienced agency breathing down their necks.
CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles (A8-0010/2018 - Damiano Zoffoli)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. EU energy and climate policies are profoundly damaging European economy. EU unilateral climate policy is making Europe non-competitive and it is causing a huge loss of jobs and industries. Companies are forced to take radical decisions, moving offshore to defend themselves from bankruptcy.
Modernisation of education in the EU (A8-0173/2018 - Krystyna Łybacka)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Whilst pertinent points were made with regard to education, it is not for the EU to interfere in national curricula, nor dictate how Member States should invest in their education systems. This report called for the promotion of current EU programmes such as Erasmus+, the use of EU funds and for further investment at the expense of the taxpayer, which we oppose. Furthermore, we do not believe in the creation of a European Education Area, particularly when the European Higher Education Area, a voluntary group set up by the Council of Europe, already exists. Finally, as stipulated under Article 165 of the TFEU, education is a Member State competency, therefore we feel strongly that this does not need to be conducted at EU level.
Towards a sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector (A8-0186/2018 - Carlos Iturgaiz)
Odometer manipulation in motor vehicles: revision of the EU legal framework (A8-0155/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
UKIP voted against. This report was hi-lighting the issues raised through odometer manipulation both in the EU and on vehicles that enter the EU from third countries. The amount of money lost through this fraud is in the billions and needs to be stopped. However, the legislation that is needed to combat this level of fraud is up to the individual Member States to deal with and put in place and it is not for the EU to determine what the correct legislation should be.
Union Civil Protection Mechanism (A8-0180/2018 - Elisabetta Gardini)
I abstained on this legislative report. I deeply regret all natural disasters that occurred in Europe in the recent years and am in favour of cooperation among Member States when it comes to exceptional circumstances related to natural disasters. On the other hand, I am against all budgetary interventions in favour of mass migration and climate change. I am against the proposal of establishing an Erasmus civil protection programme, to strengthen the cooperation that already exists between Member States, and am against the creation of a mandatory EU Mechanism that would be imposed at Member States level.
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal (A8-0175/2018 - José Manuel Fernandes)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal. The Solidarity Fund is an EU level fund that provides money for reconstruction and relief of disaster hit areas in Europe. This proposal will give EUR 1.3 million to Greece (earthquake), EUR 3.2 million to Spain (wildfires), EUR 48.9 million to France (hurricanes) and EUR 50.6 million to Portugal (fires). While UKIP of course sympathises with the disaster stricken areas and has no problem with individual countries sending aid and help to other countries for things such as this, we oppose British taxpayers’ money being spent by undemocratic EU institutions as a principle.
Draft amending budget No 1/2018 accompanying the proposal to mobilise the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal (C8-0181/2018)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal. This vote is to raise the money for the proposal to give money to disaster stricken areas in Greece, Spain, France and Portugal (totalling EUR 104 million). This draft amending budget will mean every Member State will have to give more money to the EU. While UKIP of course sympathises with the disaster stricken areas and has no problem with individual countries sending aid and help to other countries for things such as this, we oppose British taxpayers’ money being spent by undemocratic EU institutions as a principle.
Protection against dumped and subsidised imports from countries not members of the EU (A8-0182/2018 - Christofer Fjellner)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/000 TA 2018 - Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission (A8-0172/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
. ‒ I voted against this budgetary proposal. This is to give the Commission an extra EUR 345 000 to spend on administrative operations such as data gathering, information activities and websites to ensure the smooth running for the Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The EGF is a pot of money at EU level for workers in other countries that have lost their job. I voted against as we oppose British taxpayers’ money being used as dole in other countries.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified maize GA21 (MON-ØØØ21-9) (D056125) (B8-0232/2018)
I abstained on this resolution. I am concerned about sensitive issues such as consumersʼ health, food safety and environmental protection. However, I believe that the authorisation for the placing on the market of food and feed produced from GA21genetically modified maize should be taken autonomously by national parliaments.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified maize 1507 × 59122 × MON 810 × NK603, and genetically modified maize combining two or three of the single events 1507, 59122, MON 810 and NK603 (D056123) (B8-0233/2018)
I abstained on this resolution. I am concerned about sensitive issues such as consumersʼ health, food safety and environmental protection. However, I believe that decisions on the authorisation for the placing on the market of food and feed produced from genetically modified maize 1507 × 59122 × MON 810 × NK603, and genetically modified maize combining two or three of the single events 1507, 59122, MON 810 and NK603, should be taken autonomously by national parliaments.
The future of food and farming (A8-0178/2018 - Herbert Dorfmann)
Interpretation and implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making (A8-0170/2018 - Pavel Svoboda, Richard Corbett)
I voted against. This report highlighted the main changes negotiated between the different EU institutions along with the changes to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. The report welcomes the Commission Task Force on Subsidiarity, however this task force is not working towards subsidiarity but against it by highlighting that more matters should be controlled by Brussels such as migration and defence.
2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and own resources (B8-0239/2018, B8-0240/2018, B8-0241/2018)
I voted against this non-legislative resolution. The MFF proposal is the long term budget setting for the EU. The current proposal foresees spending of over EUR 1.1 trillion, huge budget increases to many EU policies and new income streams for the EU budget (own resources). Hopefully the UK will be leaving the EU so should not be contributing in a meaningful way to this MFF, however it does look like we will be handing EUR 40 billion to the EU due to Brexit which won’t be paid off for decades. I voted against this resolution as we oppose any EU budget increases and extra tax raising powers for the undemocratic EU institutions.
Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative on Libya (A8-0159/2018 - Pier Antonio Panzeri)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I am opposed to the development of any EU capacity in relation to foreign affairs. EU action is unnecessary and in many cases damaging. Resolution to the situation in Libya must be found through bilateral support and through appropriate international institutions.
Annual Report on the functioning of the Schengen area (A8-0160/2018 - Carlos Coelho)
Minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (A8-0168/2018 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Angelika Mlinar)
I voted against this non-legislative report. I fully support the rights for victims of crime to receive support and protection in all countries. However, I oppose the need for this to be harmonised across the EU and therefore reject the attempt by the EU to further interfere in the judicial procedures of Member States.
Statistics of goods transport by inland waterways (codification) (A8-0154/2018 - Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg)
I voted against. This report was making a very slight amendment to the wording of the Commission proposal. Whilst the rapporteur and the committee responsible for proposing the request felt that the wording was not a major deviation from the meaning of the sentence, it appeared that through the removal of the word ‘a’ it would enable the Commission to perform countless cost effective analysis which would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. One careful and considerate cost-effective analysis is required, not numerous ones that could allow the Commission to provide as many as they wish until they achieve the result they want.
EU-Switzerland Agreement on the cumulation of origin between the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey in the framework of the Generalised System of Preferences (A8-0151/2018 - Tiziana Beghin)
EU-Norway Agreement on the cumulation of origin between the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey in the framework of the Generalised System of Preferences (A8-0152/2018 - Tiziana Beghin)
EU-Norway Agreement on administrative cooperation, combating fraud and recovery of claims in the field of Value Added Tax (A8-0147/2018 - Miguel Viegas)
Multiannual plan for demersal stocks in the North Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (A8-0263/2017 - Ulrike Rodust)
Posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (A8-0319/2017 - Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Agnes Jongerius)
I voted against this legislation. I am opposed to the EU’s interference in the domestic employment and economic standards of Member States. The changes proposed to this legislation do not protect the sovereignty of Member States and any powers to the member state in their implementation of the legislation is met by obligations to compliance with EU institutions.
Sustainable finance (A8-0164/2018 - Molly Scott Cato)
Another attempt to encourage the EU Commission to bring forward legislation that would interfere in the proper functioning of the capital markets and increase the danger of asset bubbles, this time with the intention to ‘channel capital flows towards assets that contribute to sustainable development’, accordingly I voted against.
The 2017 EU Justice Scoreboard (A8-0161/2018 - Jytte Guteland)
I voted against. This report published the effectiveness, independence and quality of a nation’s justice system. This is the first step in the EU moving towards a harmonised justice system by not taking into consideration the relevant rights of the individuals and Member States that hold separate rules of law when determining what is a criminal or a civil matter.
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance ADB-CHMINACA to control measures (A8-0133/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance CUMYL-4CN-BINACA to control measures (A8-0134/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/010 BE/Caterpillar (A8-0148/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Annual report 2016 on the protection of EU’s financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0135/2018 - Gilles Pargneaux)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report, although there are various calls within this report for more transparency, better reporting and communication. We cannot vote to support the continuation of the EIB, particularly as the withdrawal agreement plans to only return the UK’s EUR 3.2 billion paid in share-capital, without any profits. This is despite the fact that the UK’s share of EIB assets is worth EUR 92.3 billion.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 (B8-0220/2018)
I abstained on this resolution. I am concerned about sensitive issues such as consumer’s health, food safety and environmental protection. However, I believe that the authorisation for the placing on the market of food and feed produced from genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 should be autonomously taken by national parliaments.
Annual report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank for 2016 (A8-0139/2018 - Marco Valli)
I voted against this a non-legislative report. I fully support tackling fraud and corruption, though whilst the figures regarding fraudulent activity and irregularities are useful, particularly towards better oversight of the EU’s budget; I oppose the further calls for more EU legislation, measures and harmonisation, and fundamentally disagree with the spending of taxpayers’ money.
Cohesion policy and thematic objective ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’ (A8-0136/2018 - Andrey Novakov)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative own-initiative report. Improving transport infrastructures in order to benefit the environment, safety and economic concerns is certainly a positive goal. However, I do not believe that the best way to do this is through cohesion policy and EU funding as it is an issue that is better handled by individual Member States.
Protection of children in migration (B8-0218/2018)
I have to against this non-legislative motion for resolution. Whilst I firmly support protecting children, particularly unaccompanied children, this resolution politicises the topic to provide an opinion on the migration crisis as whole. More specifically, I firmly oppose the suggestion that the best way to assist children and asylum seekers is to offer them ‘safe and legal routes’ into the EU. I believe the best way to combat people traffickers and to end the migration crisis is to stop the boats arriving into Europe.
A global ban on animal testing for cosmetics (B8-0217/2018)
I abstained on the motion for resolution on a global ban on testing cosmetics on animals. I am in favour of animal welfare and ending of brutal practices on animals for cosmetics testing. I share these concerns and are firmly against testing chemicals used in cosmetics on animals. However, I do not trust the unelected EU Commission to decide on the protection of the environment and animal welfare - the EU has already caused irreparable damage with its environmental policy.
Current situation and future prospects for the sheep and goat sectors in the EU (A8-0064/2018 - Esther Herranz García)
. ‒ I voted against this non—legislative, own initiative report. This is because I am not in favour of using EU funds, particularly in relation to the common agricultural policy. In addition, I do not agree with the additional layer of bureaucracy that some of the additional monitoring proposed in this report would require.
Media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (A8-0144/2018 - Barbara Spinelli)
Common system of value added tax, with regard to the obligation to respect a minimum standard rate (A8-0124/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
Prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (A8-0056/2017 - Krišjānis Kariņš, Judith Sargentini)
Approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (A8-0048/2017 - Daniel Dalton)
Organic production and labelling of organic products (A8-0311/2015 - Martin Häusling)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A8-0140/2018 - Miroslavs Mitrofanovs)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this legislation. We firmly defend Member States’ right to define their own domestic legislation. Any interference by the Commission is an erosion of Member State sovereignty, which we are firmly against. We do not necessarily take a position on any of the suggested policies within the report, it is ultimately up to each Member State.
Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2019 – Section I – European Parliament (A8-0146/2018 - Paul Rübig)
UKIP MEPs voted against this report, as it concerns the spending of EU funds, which we are against. We voted in favour of amendments that wished to reduce the budget and which aim to make Parliament more transparent. We voted against amendments that wished to increase the budget, for instance in allowing APAs to accompany Members on missions, which is a waste of public funds.
Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová (B8-0186/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly support the work of investigative journalists and are appalled at the details of this murder which was clearly motivated by the need to silence a whistle-blower. This resolution, however, clearly oversteps the EU’s mandate in this field. UKIP reject any attempt by the EU to establish a directive on whistle-blower protection and strongly oppose calls for the EPPO to be established.
A European values instrument to support civil society organisations which promote democracy, rule of law and fundamental values within the European Union (B8-0189/2018)
I voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. I firmly oppose taxpayers’ money being given to organisations in the EU to promote the values of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values. This is a clear attempt by the EU to increase funding for organisations which hold a favourable opinion of the European Union who will inevitably disseminate propaganda to the citizens of Europe.
The violation of human rights and the rule of law in the case of two Greek soldiers arrested and detained in Turkey (B8-0194/2018, B8-0196/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. UKIP have long been concerned by developments in Turkey and have opposed their integration within the EU. We are especially concerned at military developments and Turkey’s increasing opposition to the West and international norms. However this resolution implies a role for the EU institutions, to which we are opposed.
Implementation of the Treaty provisions concerning national Parliaments (A8-0127/2018 - Paulo Rangel)
This non-legislative own initiative report is generally supportive of national parliaments and doesn’t call on the Commission to act (other than to grant national parliaments more time in which to prepare ‘reasoned opinions’ objecting to EU legislation), but UKIP does not support the right of EU institutions to determine the rights of national parliaments and accordingly UKIP abstained.
Implementation of the European Protection Order Directive (A8-0065/2018 - Soraya Post, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
I voted against this non-legislative report. I fully support the right of citizens to be protected in their own country and when travelling abroad and welcome the fact that all countries in the EU have their own system of protection orders. With such a limited amount of EPOs having been issued since the directive was enforced, it is clear to see that this is a poor and ineffective piece of legislation.
Implementation of the Bologna Process – state of play and follow-up (B8-0190/2018)
. ‒ I voted against this non-binding motion for a resolution. I support the principle of the Bologna Process as a non-EU, voluntary group discussing education amongst its members. However, I disagree with the call for the Commission to become more heavily involved, using it as a platform to promote itself and its own education initiatives.
Fixing the period for the ninth election of representatives to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (A8-0145/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner)
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (A8-0110/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ I voted against giving consent to this procedure. I do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. I am extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (Resolution) (A8-0119/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. I am extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (A8-0131/2018 - Helga Stevens)
End-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0013/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
Procedural rules in the field of environmental reporting (A8-0253/2017 - Francesc Gambús)
I abstained on this legislative report. I of the removal of EU legislation to avoid overburden to people, organisations and Member States and agree that any legislation that does not serve its objective should be removed. However, I oppose the overreaching amount of EU environmental legislation produced since the 1970s.
Integrity policy of the Commission, in particular the appointment of the Secretary-General of the European Commission (B8-0214/2018)
UKIP voted for this motion for a resolution regarding the appointment of Martin Selmayr to Secretary-General of the European Commission. We supported this motion due to its criticism of the manner in which the Commission conducted the appointment, the lack of action taken to resolve the situation, and the calls for a reassessment of the procedure and more transparency. However we feel the motion could have been far stronger in its criticism.
Progress on UN Global compacts for safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees (B8-0184/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. UKIP MEPs believe that the ‘UN compact on safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees’ has the ultimate aim to make illegal migration legal and to facilitate it in greater numbers. UKIP believe that the Dublin Agreement already sets out a fair system for refugees; the problem is that it is not being enforced effectively, which has led to the current migration crisis.
Implementation of the EU external financing instruments: mid-term review 2017 and the future post-2020 architecture (A8-0112/2018 - Marietje Schaake)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the propagation by the European Union of its foreign policy through the use of these funds that either interfere in the domestic policies of third party states or that are used to support the further expansion of the European Union. In particular, we are concerned by the changes made to the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace that allow it to fund military actors in third countries. We believe this contravenes existing Union law and its disregard is further evidence of the militarisation of the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Commission and executive agencies (A8-0137/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
. – I voted against this. The Commission is unelected, unaccountable and has the sole power to originate EU law. Its executive agencies, as well as consuming vast amounts of taxpayers’ cash, are unaccountable and have powers far in excess of what such bodies should have. I note with concern, as noted in the report, that EUR 900 million was spent on management costs and fees. I also note the concerns expressed about corruption in Pre-Accession Funding, especially in Turkey.
Discharge 2016: Court of Auditors' special reports in the context of the 2016 Commission discharge (A8-0130/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
. – I voted against this. We share the concern expressed in the report that projects in the Natura theme were unsustainable, and that a serious ‘audit gap’ has opened up between Member States. Most seriously, we note that the Courts of Justice of the European Union denied access to auditors of certain financial documents, a move we find at best incompetent, and at worst, suspicious. We also note with concern a trend towards auditors not being drawn from accounting professions due to a professional competency, but being drawn due to allegiance to the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th EDFs (A8-0123/2018 - Barbara Kappel)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Parliament (A8-0105/2018 - Derek Vaughan)
. – I voted against this. The EU Parliament is little more than a talking shop, and lacks the legitimacy and powers of the British Parliament. The EU Parliament has shown a political vindictiveness and lack of maturity around Brexit, epitomised by the appointment of arch-federalist Guy Verhofstadt as EU Parliament negotiator. Despite our alleged ‘influence’, British MEPs account for barely 10% of the total, placing us totally at the voting mercy of our ‘partners’ and thus making it impossible for British interests to be defended. We note with satisfaction our imminent departure.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0116/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
. – I voted against this for several reasons. One key reason, as identified by the report, was the lack of transparency identified in the report, and I feel that this alone would be grounds for rejection. I also feel that the EU Council, with its unelected EU President is not a legitimate organ for EU law making, and we not the ‘President’ is appointed in secret under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, which EU citizens were denied a promised referendum on.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Justice (A8-0122/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Auditors (A8-0089/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Economic and Social Committee (A8-0097/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European External Action Service (A8-0128/2018 - Marco Valli)
. – I voted against this discharge procedure. I voted against granting discharge and closing the accounts for EU agencies and institutions. I am opposed to all EU institutions and agencies as they are not democratically controlled and waste billions of taxpayers’ money. In particular we are concerned by the EEAS spending to attempt to influence media within the European Union and its censorship activities. As such I supported Amendment 3.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Ombudsman (A8-0100/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Data Protection Supervisor (A8-0099/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: Performance, financial management and control of EU agencies (A8-0115/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) (A8-0074/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT) (A8-0106/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0068/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) (A8-0098/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (A8-0066/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0083/2018 - Bart Staes)
UKIP MEPs have voted in favour of postponing the discharge of the EASO. UKIP are highly concerned with both the significant budget increases for the agency and the fact that so many payments are listed as irregular. UKIP MEPs also supported the accompanying resolution as it highlighted the issues as to why, until the OLAF investigation has concluded, it cannot discharge this agency.
Discharge 2016: European Banking Authority (EBA) (A8-0067/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (A8-0085/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Environment Agency (EEA) (A8-0090/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) (A8-0107/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (A8-0087/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) (A8-0088/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) (A8-0096/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Medicines Agency (EMA) (A8-0103/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) (A8-0081/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (A8-0078/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) (A8-0114/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) (A8-0079/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Training Foundation (ETF) (A8-0080/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) (A8-0111/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) (A8-0084/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) (A8-0092/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (A8-0093/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) (A8-0108/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) (A8-0071/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (A8-0070/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH2) (A8-0073/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI) (A8-0075/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy Joint Undertaking (A8-0095/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R) (A8-0076/2018 - Brian Hayes)
EU-Lebanon Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0352/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
EU-Norway Agreement concerning additional trade preferences in agricultural products (A8-0126/2018 - Tiziana Beghin)
Inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework (A8-0262/2017 - Norbert Lins)
Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (A8-0373/2017 - Mercedes Bresso, Rainer Wieland)
Implementation of the 7th Environment Action Programme (A8-0059/2018 - Daciana Octavia Sârbu)
Gender equality in the media sector in the EU (A8-0031/2018 - Michaela Šojdrová)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Although there were aspects such as incitement to hatred, violence against women, or cyber-bullying, which I wholly deplore, I did not support this report, as I oppose gender quotas and gender mainstreaming in policy, which this report calls for. I believe that equality can be achieved through other means. Furthermore, I oppose the call to unblock the ‘Women on Boards Directive’, which also called for obligatory gender quotas in listed companies and for penalties for those who breached the directive.
Empowering women and girls through the digital sector (B8-0183/2018)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. I am all for equal opportunities for all, both men and women. Whilst I am in favour of pushing for more women and men to be involved in the digital sector, to improve opportunities in the labour market and to reduce the gender pay gap, I do not believe that this needs to be achieved through gender mainstreaming within policy. The EU should not interfere with the national curricula of Member States with regard to digital literacy, since this is the prerogative of national governments, as is the empowerment of all, which can likewise be achieved through national governments and not at EU level.
Implementation of the Development Cooperation Instrument, the Humanitarian Aid Instrument and the European Development Fund (A8-0118/2018 - Enrique Guerrero Salom)
Enhancing developing countries' debt sustainability (A8-0129/2018 - Charles Goerens)
Strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU (A8-0138/2018 - Marc Joulaud)
I voted against this non-legislative, own-initiative report because it concerns cohesion policy and the spending of EU money, which we are against. However, I voted in favour of Amendment 1, because it is critical of EU spending and the economy, reiterating rights for sovereign control of these areas.
EU-Comoros fisheries partnership agreement: denunciation (A8-0058/2018 - João Ferreira)
EU-Comoros fisheries partnership agreement: denunciation (resolution) (A8-0055/2018 - João Ferreira)
Europass: framework for skills and qualifications (A8-0244/2017 - Thomas Mann, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov)
Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) (A8-0369/2017 - Silvia Costa)
I voted against this legislative report. Whilst I support the principle of boosting employment, this scheme, according to the Commission, is not reaching many users, despite running for almost 13 years. Therefore, given that it is failing, I do not believe that the scheme should be continued and promoted at the taxpayers’ expense.
Common Corporate Tax Base (A8-0050/2018 - Paul Tang)
Without doubt there are injustices caused by use of Single Market rules (that allow multinationals to establish themselves in any Member State whilst selling into another) which lower the tax paid in the location of much of the economic activity; the solution lies with wider global international arrangements (for example via the OECD) rather than via the EU which is motivated by a desire to eliminate tax competition and to harmonise taxes at ever higher rates.
Guidelines for the 2019 budget - Section III (A8-0062/2018 - Daniele Viotti)
I voted against this non-legislative report. This report is intended to set the initial position of the Parliament ahead of the negotiations with the Council and Commission for the EU budget for 2019. The report of course called for more EU spending and more EU action. Of interest is that it included very little about Brexit. This is explained because they believe the UK will continue to pay yearly budget contributions until 2020, due to what was agreed in the first phase of negotiations.
Situation in Syria (RC-B8-0139/2018, B8-0139/2018, B8-0141/2018, B8-0142/2018, B8-0143/2018, B8-0144/2018, B8-0146/2018, B8-0150/2018)
I abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I am concerned by the endemic failures in British and Western foreign policy, which repeatedly makes the same mistakes and does not make British citizens safer or more prosperous and continues to contribute to the insecurity the Syrian people face. I support a major rethink of the conduct of British and Western foreign policy; however, I am firmly against any EU foreign policy or defence capacity. I voted against amendment 1 on arms trade with Saudi Arabia because this policy should remain firmly within the remit of the British and member state governments and not be exercised at EU level.
US attack on EU farm support under the CAP (in the context of Spanish olives) (B8-0137/2018, B8-0137/2018, B8-0138/2018, B8-0145/2018, B8-0147/2018, B8-0148/2018, B8-0149/2018, B8-0151/2018)
Guidelines on the framework of future EU-UK relations (B8-0134/2018, B8-0135/2018)
UKIP MEP’s have voted against this non-legislative report which outlines Parliament’s opinion on how future EU-UK relations should be conducted once the UK leaves the Union. UKIP tabled its own resolution and amendments on this issue which aimed to protect the sovereignty of Northern Ireland and the UK fishing waters, to ensure that the role of the ECJ would end at the date of withdrawal and to assert that there is no legally enforceable obligation for the UK to continue contributing financially to the EU after the UK withdraws. UKIP MEP’s also highlighted that negotiations for continued tariff free trade arrangement must begin in parallel with the withdrawal to ensure minimal disruption for businesses and services. Lastly, UKIP were also keen to remind Parliament that, even though the UK is withdrawing from the Union, the UK will continue to play a major role in the prosperity of peace and security on the European continent via NATO and bilateral partnerships.
Measures for the control of Newcastle disease (A8-0026/2018 - Adina-Ioana Vălean)
Objection to Commission delegated regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 as regards the Union list of projects of common interest (B8-0136/2018)
I voted against this Resolution. I support accelerated planning and favouring lower administrative costs in Europe. I don’t believe that the EU should initiate a greenhouse gas emissions reduction as established by the European Commission. The European Institutions are planning to spend unimaginable sums of money on mitigation measures, which will only damage further our economy.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/008 DE/Goodyear (A8-0061/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
I voted against the mobilisation of this EU money. This proposal is to give EUR 2 165 231 (60% match funding) to 646 workers who have lost their jobs in Germany from the company Goodyear Dunlop. The money will be spent on job search, training allowance, career guidance, workshops for exchanging views, and business start-up advice. Taxpayers’ money should not be used as EU dole for poor economic decisions made in other countries.
The next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-2020 (A8-0048/2018 - Jan Olbrycht, Isabelle Thomas)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative report. The MFF is the long—term budget of the EU, with the current MFF running out in 2020. Technically the Commission should have put forward a proposal for the next MFF by 1 January 2018, but it looks unlikely they will present anything until May 2018. In general the report overall calls for yet more EU spending and action. On Brexit it notes that during the first phase of negotiations the UK Government agreed to carrying on paying contributions to the EU budget until 2020. The report also wants to take away the veto for Member States on budget setting and move towards ‘qualified majority voting’.
Reform of the European Union’s system of own resources (A8-0041/2018 - Gérard Deprez, Janusz Lewandowski)
I voted against this non-legislative report. This report proposed new ways the EU budget should be financed. Such ideas included: reform of EU—level VAT rates, set and collect corporate tax, the idea that ECB profits should go to the EU budget rather than back to national governments, an EU—level financial transaction tax, and other green taxes.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: Annual Growth Survey 2018 (A8-0047/2018 - Hugues Bayet)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. I cannot support the premise that the Commission should interfere in the employment or social policy of Member States; this should be a sovereign and democratic decision made by the Member States themselves. In particular, we object to the report’s proposals for an EU-level social security number and EU—level unemployment reinsurance scheme.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2018 (A8-0052/2018 - Krzysztof Hetman)
Implementation of the Protocol on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (A8-0034/2018 - Jean Arthuis)
. ‒ I voted against this budget vote. This proposal was to recycle an extra EUR 40 million to a fund called ‘Research for Coal and Steel Fund’ (RFCS) which lies outside the EU budget but is managed by the Commission. The money is used to fund research projects for coal, steel and climate change, in line with EU political priorities. The money will come from ‘de-commitments’ (money which hasn’t been used or has been recovered) from the fund from every year since 2003. I completely oppose giving the unelected Commission more resources to further their political aims which are not accountable to voters.
EU-New Zealand agreement on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters (A8-0029/2018 - Daniel Caspary)
Initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles and driving licences (A8-0321/2017 - Peter Lundgren)
Establishing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme aiming at supporting the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the EU defence industry (A8-0037/2018 - Françoise Grossetête)
Lagging regions in the EU (A8-0046/2018 - Michela Giuffrida)
The role of EU regions and cities in implementing the COP 21 Paris Agreement on climate change (A8-0045/2018 - Ángela Vallina)
I voted against this own-initiative report. It is not for the European Union to take action on climate change or to tell Member States how they should implement the outcomes of the COP21 Paris Agreement. I voted against amendment one as it should not be the EU’s place to introduce mandatory targets.
EU-USA Bilateral Agreement on prudential measures regarding insurance and reinsurance (A8-0008/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
The EU should be prioritising similar agreement with the UK as part of the Brexit process, the fact that the EU is not doing so demonstrates its bad faith. If the EU can agree mutual recognition of regulation on insurance and re-insurance with the USA it should do the same with the world’s premier insurance and re-insurance market in London. Accordingly I voted against.
Definition, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks and protection of geographical indications thereof (A8-0021/2018 - Pilar Ayuso)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: authorisation of genetically modified maize 59122 (DAS-59122-7) (B8-0122/2018)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: authorisation of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × NK603 and genetically modified maize combining two of the events MON 87427, MON 89034 and NK603 (B8-0124/2018)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/006 ES/Galicia apparel (A8-0033/2018 - Esteban González Pons)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/007 SE/Ericsson (A8-0032/2018 - Urmas Paet)
Commission decision to activate Article 7 (1) TEU as regards the situation in Poland (B8-0119/2018, B8-0120/2018, B8-0121/2018)
Situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2016 (A8-0025/2018 - Frank Engel)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports the broad concept of fundamental rights but does not agree that an EU approach to fundamental rights is the best approach given the different cultures and diversity of Europe. UKIP MEPs did, however, vote in favour of a number of amendments that support national sovereignty and the right for Member States to control their own immigration policies.
Cutting the sources of income for Jihadists - targeting the financing of terrorism (A8-0035/2018 - Javier Nart)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We take the combatting of terrorism extremely seriously and we have campaigned against one of the primary sources of financing of terrorism within UK and European mosques originating from the Middle East, primarily Saudi Arabia. We are supportive of effective UK Government-led initiatives to further combat terrorist financing in conjunction with appropriate international cooperation. However this report calls on the Commission to further intrude in the internal affairs of Member States, to grant the Commission a greater role in the coordination of intelligence and other policy areas and for more EU Commission spending. We cannot support these initiatives.
EU priorities for the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (A8-0022/2018 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Ángela Vallina)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative non-binding report. We fully support gender equality, the empowerment of women, access to healthcare and education; tackling discrimination and violence against women; reducing the pensions gap and the gender pay gap. However, we fully oppose gender mainstreaming in policy. We believe national governments are able to resolve such issues and invest how they wish, and this should not be dictated nor conducted at EU level. Furthermore, we viewed this report as a form of EU self-promotion at the UN and on the international stage.
Monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles (A8-0010/2018 - Damiano Zoffoli)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report as UKIP questions the entire EU energy and climate policy, which is entirely based on the man—made climate change theory. We reject new legislation coming from Brussels and believe that national parliaments should be free to have legislative autonomy on this subject..
Establishing a centralised system for the identification of Member States holding conviction information on third country nationals and stateless persons (TCN) to supplement and support the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS-TCN system) (A8-0018/2018 - Daniel Dalton)
Composition of the European Parliament (A8-0007/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner, Pedro Silva Pereira)
I voted against. This report is looking at how best to use the 73 seats vacated by the UK after Brexit. The EU is extremely keen on establishing a super—constituency which would cover the entire EU, but in real terms the MEP who is supposed to represent them would have little or no accountability to his constituents. We would have been happy to see a reduction in the size of the European Parliament to 678 after the UK leaves the EU and at least save the taxpayer some money.
Revision of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (A8-0006/2018 - Esteban González Pons)
UKIP voted against. This report because is calling for a ‘Spitzenkandidat’ or lead candidate to be used in the process for the election of such positions as the President of the Commission. However, one of the main issues with that is that it is not fair or transparent and the electorate would not be familiar with who the lead candidate is. In addition, this report considered it to be fair and just for a Commissioner who is standing for election to the European Parliament to still retain their position as a Commissioner, we feel that they should resign as a Commissioner in order to prevent there being a conflict of interest.
Automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Portugal (A8-0017/2018 - Ignazio Corrao)
Protection and non-discrimination with regard to minorities in the EU Member States (B8-0064/2018)
Zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (B8-0068/2018)
. ‒ I voted in favour of this non-legislative resolution on zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM). I shared many of the concerns raised in this report and I, too, fully condemn this criminal practice. Whilst I do not believe in calling on the EU for more action, I am supportive in all endeavours to eradicate FGM.
Setting up a special committee on the Union’s authorisation procedure for pesticides, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B8-0077/2018)
I abstained on this vote. With regard to the creation of a special committee on glyphosate, I believe it is of upmost importance to have free and independent scientific research whilst guaranteeing transparency. Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide and glyphosate-based herbicides are used in agriculture as well as in public and private gardens. For the importance of this issue, the final evaluation should be made at national level.
Geo-blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers' nationality, place of residence or place of establishment (A8-0172/2017 - Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein)
Cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments (A8-0003/2017 - Julie Girling)
I have voted against this legislative report. I completely oppose the emission trading system as they believe in a free functioning, self regulated market. A new ETS would try to reduce CO2 emissions at the expense of European jobs and industry. The sectors concerned, such as the steel industry, already face cutthroat international competition from countries such as China. Furthermore, the increasingly insidious strengthening of the Commission’s powers to the detriment of sovereign Member States is clearly stated in this report.
European Central Bank Annual Report for 2016 (A8-0383/2017 - Jonás Fernández)
Situation in Afghanistan (RC-B8-0678/2017, B8-0678/2017, B8-0679/2017, B8-0680/2017, B8-0681/2017, B8-0682/2017, B8-0683/2017, B8-0684/2017)
I abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are concerned at the increased instability within Afghanistan and the vacuum this leaves for the rise of Islamic extremism. We are opposed to any involvement by the EU institutions either in Afghanistan or in member state asylum policies. However western policy has proved a failure in this country and we would urge it necessary for the UK and other countries to revaluate our conduct in foreign affairs.
Situation of the Rohingya people (RC-B8-0668/2017, B8-0668/2017, B8-0669/2017, B8-0670/2017, B8-0671/2017, B8-0672/2017, B8-0673/2017, B8-0674/2017)
I abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We share concerns over the mistreatment and hostile action by the Burmese government towards the Rohingya people. We do not believe however that the EU has any meaningful or effective role to play that cannot be better achieved by states or by more appropriate international fora.
Implementation of the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (A8-0368/2017 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt)
I voted to abstain on the non-legislative report. I wholeheartedly condemn all forms of child exploitation, particularly when this exploitation is of a violent or sexual nature, and therefore broadly support the broad aims of this report which seek to eradicate this exploitation. I would, however, prefer that a consensus to tackling the issue be made by sovereign nations rather than an approach at EU level.
Draft recommendation following the inquiry on money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion (B8-0660/2017)
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (A8-0351/2017 - Michael Gahler)
I voted against this non-legislative and non—binding report. We remain firmly against the development of EU defence policy and any potential involvement of the UK in EU defence structures. The development of CSDP risks undermining NATO, a proven defence alliance that has guaranteed security in Europe since 1949. UKIP is committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defence as per NATO obligations and would urge fellow allies to do the same. The 2% target is a NATO obligation and should not be co—opted by the EU as this report attempts to do.
Annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (A8-0350/2017 - David McAllister)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are against the development of EU foreign policy, as a point of principle, and are opposed to any attempt by the UK Government to seek alignment with it after Brexit.EU foreign policy has proved ineffective in its management of Russia, Iran and the migration crisis in Libya, and in its overseas missions. As a form of political union, the development of EU foreign policy goes beyond coordination and reduces the ability of Member States to exercise their sovereignty in international affairs, as opposed to military alliances such as NATO and other genuine international forums.UKIP is committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defence, as per NATO obligations, and would urge fellow allies to do the same. The 2% target is a NATO obligation and should not be co-opted by the EU, as this report attempts to do.
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2016 and the EU policy on the matter (A8-0365/2017 - Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst I support efforts to improve the economic, political and humanitarian conditions of people throughout the world, we do not believe that the EU has any added value in doing so. Effective measures cannot be covered in such a wide-ranging report, and policies that will actually benefit people and not merely be used as justification for further EU action should be developed on a case-by-case basis with support from sovereign states and genuine international institutions.
Hong Kong, 20 years after handover (A8-0382/2017 - Alyn Smith)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are firmly committed to protecting the freedoms and special status enjoyed by Hong Kong as per the Sino-British Joint Declaration. We are concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s infringements of that status. Furthermore we believe that the future of Hong Kong beyond the 50-year period guaranteed in the Joint Declaration should be decided by the people of Hong Kong. However we do not believe that the EU can or should play any meaningful role in Hong Kong. This should be left to the guarantors of the Joint Declaration – the UK and the People’s Republic of China – supported by appropriate international institutions.
Amendments to various Regulations in the field of agriculture and rural development (A8-0380/2017 - Albert Deß)
Rules on the exercise of copyright and related rights applicable to certain online transmissions of broadcasting organisations and retransmissions of television and radio programmes (A8-0378/2017 - Tiemo Wölken)
EU Citizenship Report 2017: Strengthening Citizens' Rights in a Union of Democratic Change (A8-0385/2017 - Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea)
I voted against this non-legislative non—binding own initiative because the EU is not a state, nor should ever be a state or have the powers of one. This would include the ability to regulate the rights of its citizens, and impose the EU view of ‘human rights’ and ‘democracy’ on European people. I reject the notion of an EU ‘demos’, which this report seems to assume exists.
Towards a digital trade strategy (A8-0384/2017 - Marietje Schaake)
Establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (recast) (A8-0345/2017 - Cecilia Wikström)
EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Consent) (A8-0327/2017 - Charles Tannock)
. ‒ UKIP voted against providing consent to this agreement. We do not support the development of EU foreign policy. New Zealand is a Commonwealth member and we look forward to reinvigorating the UK’s relationship with this country post Brexit. We are pleased to note the strong calls coming from New Zealand for increased trade links amongst Commonwealth nations.
EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (Resolution) (A8-0333/2017 - Charles Tannock)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We do not support the development of EU foreign policy. New Zealand is a Commonwealth member and we look forward to reinvigorating the UK’s relationship with this country post Brexit. We are pleased to note the strong calls coming from New Zealand for increased trade links amongst Commonwealth nations.
The EU-Africa Strategy: a boost for development (A8-0334/2017 - Maurice Ponga)
In this non-legislative own initiative report on the EU-Africa Strategy: a boost for development UKIP MEPs voted against. The EU see the ACP as an important entity to help strengthen democracy, the rule of law and respect of human rights. However, the ACP is just another EU Trojan horse. The EU finances approximately 50% of the costs of the ACP secretariat. It is argued that African countries have more important concerns when it comes to spending money than focusing on climate change scaremongering. In addition, the document states that it wants to ‘respect the commitment given in Paris in 2015 to allocate USD 100 billion to developing countries by 2020.’ This is the EU throwing money at a problem and hoping that it will go away!
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2016 (A8-0328/2017 - Marlene Mizzi)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative report. We support the right of anyone who feels they have been mistreated by the EU institutions to seek redress via the ombudsman. However, we voted to abstain on this, as we do not believe all of the provisions within this report are in the British interest.
Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) (B8-0590/2017)
Combating inequalities as a lever to boost job creation and growth (A8-0340/2017 - Javi López)
I voted against this non-legislative and non—binding report.Whilst I support effective measures to increase economic opportunities for all citizens, we cannot support this report. Primarily, it supports the implementation of new EU legislation and increased interference by the Commission in the internal affairs of Member States. Additionally, many of the proposals contained within this report would have the opposite effect of their stated aims.
Period for adopting delegated acts (A8-0332/2017 - Gesine Meissner)
UKIP voted against this legislative initiative. This would extend the Commission’s power to bypass parliamentary scrutiny of changes to a Directive on intelligent road systems, and make unilateral changes to the legislation. Whilst we object to all EU institutions legislating on behalf of the UK, the European Parliament allows some level of democratic scrutiny on otherwise unaccountable decisions made in the Commission.
Protection against dumped and subsidised imports from countries not members of the EU (A8-0236/2017 - Salvatore Cicu)
I voted against this legislative 1st reading report as we felt that the recommendations would not be sufficiently strong to protect us from unfair or abusive trade practices with partners. In addition, we note that whilst independent countries like America can and do take decisive action against trade abuse, EU policy is not as effective in this area.
Rule of law in Malta (B8-0596/2017, B8-0597/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We express our sincere condolences to the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia and support the on-going independent investigation into the circumstances to her death. We hope her killers are brought to justice. However we are completely opposed to any attempt at politicising her death or using it as a catalyst for the European Commission or any other EU institution to interfere in the internal affairs of Malta. Any allegations of illegal wrongdoing should be investigated by the appropriate authorities within Malta. We remain resolutely opposed to any use of the Rule of Law Mechanism.
Multilateral negotiations in view of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (B8-0593/2017)
I abstained on this non-legislative resolution. It is positive that this is the last time that the EU will represent us in the WTO Ministerial Conference before Brexit. We look forward to an independent Britain being a helpful and active participant in the WTO once free of the EU. In the meantime, we chose to abstain.
The situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland (B8-0594/2017, B8-0595/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We are opposed to any use of the Rule of Law Mechanism in which the Commission interferes in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. The Law and Justice Party sought and received a democratic mandate in free and fair elections to form a government and pursue its agenda. Any allegations of unconstitutional or illegal activity should be dealt with by the courts within Poland and have no need for the involvement of the Commission.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/004 IT/Almaviva (A8-0346/2017 - Daniele Viotti)
I voted against this budgetary decision. The proposal is to give over EUR 3.3 million to 1 610 Italian workers who have lost their jobs. The money will go to things like retraining, job seeking, allowances for travel, start-up grants etc. UK taxpayers’ money should not be used for poor economic decisions in other countries. This is nothing more than EU unemployment benefit.
Saving lives: boosting car safety in the EU (A8-0330/2017 - Dieter-Lebrecht Koch)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whist we take the issue of car safety seriously the UK has perfectly sufficient legislation in place. This report calls for unnecessary harmonisation of standards and contains calls for several legislative initiatives which we cannot accept. Any changes to laws affecting the UK should originate in our own sovereign Parliamentary democracy.
Territorial typologies (A8-0231/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
I voted against this first reading on the territorial typologies. Traditionally, typologies of territory are determined by population size and density of local administrative units, such as communes and local authorities. The main policy objectives of the initiative are to establish a legal recognition of territorial typologies, including the definitions of cities, for the purpose of European statistics. They want to have the same definitions for the whole of the EU rather than having individual definitions for different countries. The aim of this proposal is to further refine the data that the EU has on its Member States and in doing so make it possible to accumulate data according to clear-cut typologies. This will just help the EU compose more specific legislation for these areas.
Recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation (A8-0338/2016 - Gesine Meissner)
UKIP voted against this legislative initiative. Fundamentally we disagree with the EU institutions deciding any law affecting the UK. Specifically in this case the UK has its own licensing system. EU involvement and harmonisation is unnecessary and potentially damaging. A similar scheme applied to the UK’s road infrastructure created a national shortage of drivers and therefore disrupted the economy. Voting against protects against any potential negative impacts on the UK’s inland waterways.
Deployment of cohesion policy instruments by regions to address demographic change (A8-0329/2017 - Iratxe García Pérez)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative own initiative report on the deployment of cohesion policy instruments by Regions to address demographic change. The report talks about the characteristics of demographic change in the EU, such as decreasing population densities, falling birth rates and gradual depopulation. It calls for the establishment of an EU-wide legal framework that specifically recognises all territories facing demographic disadvantage, and calls on the Commission to include a new flagship initiative on demographic change in the Europe 2020.
Action plan on retail financial services (A8-0326/2017 - Olle Ludvigsson)
This non-legislative report calls on the Commission to, inter alia, ensure competition in retail financial services is not ‘distorted’; however, we recognise that the Commission is on the side of big business which wants to avoid disruption and will use this as an excuse to stifle competition rather than to enhance it. Accordingly, I voted against it.
2016 Report on Turkey (A8-0234/2017 - Kati Piri)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I have always felt that Turkey is incompatible with EU membership. Despite recent events, this report does not go far enough and there is no guaranteed permanent end to the prospect of accession. The report only calls for the suspension of negotiations and only on the condition that the constitutional reform package is passed unchanged. In addition, under these circumstances money would not be returned to the Member States but would rather be redirected. I want a permanent and indefinite end to the accession negotiations and an end to all payments.Additional paragraphs in the report call for the continuation of visa liberalisation and practical membership of the Customs Union. Given the weak position on ending accession negotiations, continued financial payments and other policies, I had no option but to vote against it.
Setting up a special committee on terrorism, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B8-0477/2017)
. ‒ I voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. I do not approve of establishing a new EU committee on terrorism, as this is already a competence of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Moreover, establishing a new committee would ultimately prove to be costly and ineffective, and assist in the acceleration of EU legislation. I did, however, support amendments to the resolution that weakened the mandate of the new committee.
European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) and establishing the EFSD Guarantee and the EFSD Guarantee Fund (A8-0170/2017 - Eduard Kukan, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
. ‒ I voted against this piece of legislation which seeks to see the establishment of the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) Guarantee and EFSD Guarantee Fund. The aims of the new fund are to mobilise EU grants to leverage investment from public and private sources to tackle the root causes of migration in the European Neighbourhood and Africa. The fund would be managed by the Commission and implemented in partnership with financial institutions such as the EIB.It is also proposed to have the Commission enhance technical assistance in partner countries and work towards improving the investment climate and overall policy environment in those countries. This means that the EU wants to be able to influence the countries’ national agendas and policies. This is just a case of the EU wasting more money and trying to increase its authority over Member States.
Permitted uses of certain works and other protected subject-matter for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (A8-0097/2017 - Max Andersson)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative first reading. The Marrakesh Treaty is an excellent treaty to enable the visually impaired to have access to reading material. However, the EU has decided to proceed with a block ratification of the treaty. Treaties should be ratified within a timeframe that is comfortable and affordable to the Member States, and not forced through.
Cross-border exchange of accessible format copies of certain works and other protected subject-matter for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (A8-0102/2017 - Max Andersson)
I voted against this legislative first reading. The Marrakesh Treaty is an excellent treaty to enable the visually impaired to have access to reading material. However the EU has decided to proceed with a block ratification of the treaty. Treaties should be ratified within a time frame that is comfortable and affordable to the Member State and not forced through.
Double taxation dispute resolution mechanisms in the EU (A8-0225/2017 - Michael Theurer)
Promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU (A8-0226/2017 - Younous Omarjee)
I voted against this non-legislative report on promoting cohesion and development in the outermost regions of the EU. The report calls on the Commission to carry out a review of the outermost regions (OR) approach by examining their economic and social situations. It is none of the EU’s business to be intervening with these regions as it is the nation state who has the authority to conduct their own affairs however they like. Calls on the Commission to encourage farmers in the ORs to promote their products by supporting the use of the ORs logo. This can be seen to be another way of the EU trying to promote itself. The report ‘calls on the EU to join forces with the ORs to become a world maritime power’. The report encourages the Union and Member States to invest more into the field of sea and oceans. Granted that more money needs to be invested wisely into the field of sea and oceans but it is not for the EU to decide where nation states can spend their own money.
Conclusion of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (Resolution) (A8-0233/2017 - Elena Valenciano)
Memorandum of Understanding between the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice and Eurojust (A8-0215/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (A8-0230/2017 - Ingeborg Gräßle, Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
I voted in favour of a rejection amendment that the EFDD group tabled to this legislative second reading report. I firmly reject any proposals to harmonise criminal law in the EU as this is a significant infringement on Member States’ judicial sovereignty. Moreover, I strongly oppose providing a mandate for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate fraud in Member States.
Preparation of the Commission Work Programme for 2018 (RC-B8-0434/2017, B8-0434/2017, B8-0435/2017, B8-0450/2017, B8-0451/2017, B8-0454/2017, B8-0455/2017, B8-0456/2017)
I voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. I reject the notion of calling on the Commission to do anything for the forthcoming year. The EFDD Group tabled a number of amendments to this resolution, which were defeated, on issues regarding the UK’s departure from the European Union. These amendments aimed to ensure that the Brexit the British people voted for, including the end of ECJ jurisdiction in the UK and leaving the Common Fisheries Policy, is delivered. I also voted against a number of amendments tabled by other political groups. I completely rejected amendments that refused to recognise Northern Ireland and instead referred to it as the ‘North of Ireland’. I also rejected amendments tabled that called for the dissolution of NATO and nuclear disarmament.
2018 Budget - Mandate for the trilogue (A8-0249/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan)
Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations (A8-0220/2017 - Elmar Brok, Silvia Costa)
Recommendation to the Council on the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (A8-0216/2017 - Andrey Kovatchev)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I do not support the EU’s participation in the General Assembly and as such do not support Parliament’s recommendations. We are also particularly concerned by the continued efforts towards reform of the Security Council and the aspiration of a seat for the EU on the Security Council.
Building an ambitious EU industrial strategy as a strategic priority for growth, employment and innovation in Europe (RC-B8-0440/2017, B8-0439/2017, B8-0440/2017, B8-0445/2017, B8-0446/2017, B8-0447/2017, B8-0448/2017, B8-0449/2017)
EU-Kosovo Framework Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes (A8-0207/2017 - Ulrike Lunacek)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/001 ES/Castilla y León mining (A8-0248/2017 - Monika Vana)
I voted against this budgetary report. The proposal was to give EUR 1 002 264 for 339 workers who have lost their jobs in Spain. The money would be spent on support for those workers in the form of counselling, job search and retraining, and so on. I wholeheartedly oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending UK taxpayers’ money at all but even more when it is being used as dole money in other Member States.
European standards for the 21st century (A8-0213/2017 - Marlene Mizzi)
Towards a pan-European covered bonds framework (A8-0235/2017 - Bernd Lucke)
The role of fisheries-related tourism in the diversification of fisheries (A8-0221/2017 - Renata Briano)
Limitation periods for traffic accidents (A8-0206/2017 - Pavel Svoboda)
I voted against this non-legislative, own—initiative report because the EU is trying to interfere with the limitation time available for claims in traffic accident issues. The UK legal system is possibly the oldest system in the world and our judicial system, based on common law, is very different to continental Europe and this type of harmonisation cannot work.
Common minimum standards of civil procedure (A8-0210/2017 - Emil Radev)
I voted against this non-legislative, own—initiative report because it is harmonisation of civil procedures. This is nothing short of an EU power grab, trying to make every legal process fall into line. Britain’s common law legal system operates in a very different way and cannot be harmonised with the rest of continental Europe, which operates on a different legal system.
Macro-financial assistance to Moldova (A8-0185/2017 - Sorin Moisă)
Introduction of temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine (A8-0193/2017 - Jarosław Wałęsa)
Draft amending budget n° 2 to the General budget 2017 entering the surplus of the financial year 2016 (A8-0229/2017 - Jens Geier)
I voted against this resolution which adopted the amending budget. The original proposal from the Commission was to transfer over EUR 6 billion to this year’s EU budget, which was left unused from last year. This money would be used solely to reduce the amount each Member State would have to contribute to the EU this year. This money was not being used to increase the EU budget. However a resolution was intertwined with the original proposal which would adopt the proposal, but also called for more money for certain EU policies and called for the UK to pay more for Brexit. I voted in favour of the separate vote on paragraph 9 to show our support for the proposal to reduce Member States’ contributions this year, but were forced to vote against the resolution as a whole as the resolution was trying to interfere in Brexit negotiations.
A longer lifetime for products: benefits for consumers and companies (A8-0214/2017 - Pascal Durand)
Addressing human rights violations in the context of war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including genocide (A8-0222/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda)
I abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. While I support international work to prevent human rights violations and genocide, and to prosecute those responsible when these gross violations do occur, any developing EU foreign policy will be an unnecessary layer between on-going international work.
Private security companies (A8-0191/2017 - Hilde Vautmans)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I do not support the increased militarisation of the European Union, including their use of Private Security Companies. The contribution of the private sector to defence and operations is a matter for Member States and international laws. I cannot support EU legislative initiative in this area.
Working conditions and precarious employment (A8-0224/2017 - Neoklis Sylikiotis)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. I am of course concerned about working conditions, but I cannot support EU legislation on the matter. I am equally concerned about the Posting of Workers Directive, which has a negative impact on British workers. Even though the Commission’s proposals come some way towards dealing with wage discrepancies, it also increases labour mobility in the EU.
Implementation of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (A8-0200/2017 - José Manuel Fernandes, Udo Bullmann)
I voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. Although the report is broadly critical of the European Fund for Strategic Investments, I cannot endorse the strategy of using public money to shelter private investors from risk – it leads to a misallocation of capital that will in turn lead to asset bubbles.
European agenda for the collaborative economy (A8-0195/2017 - Nicola Danti)
Online platforms and the Digital Single Market (A8-0204/2017 - Henna Virkkunen, Philippe Juvin)
Statute and funding of European political parties and foundations (B8-0405/2017, B8-0406/2017)
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement (A8-0208/2017 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
. ‒ I voted against this legislative report. The EU seeks to reduce emissions within its borders while forcing energy-intensive industries offshore to jurisdictions with lower emission standards. I oppose EU climate and energy policy and reject climate hysteria, and I believe the EU should accept that the Paris Agreement is close to its end.
Objection to Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) No 639/2014 as regards the control measures relating to the cultivation of hemp and certain provisions on payments (B8-0395/2017)
The need for an EU strategy to end and prevent the gender pension gap (A8-0197/2017 - Constance Le Grip)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Principally we oppose any form of EU action, and this report was looking to create an EU strategy. UKIP wholly believe issues such as the ones contained within the report, gender discrimination, gender pay and gender pension gap are issues that need to be tackled. However, UKIP believe that this is the sole competency of the individual Member States. This report calls for more legislation and regulation and seeks to interfere within the domestic life of men and women, which we cannot support.
2016 Report on Serbia (A8-0063/2017 - David McAllister)
State of play of the implementation of the Sustainability Compact in Bangladesh (B8-0396/2017)
Increasing engagement of partners and visibility in the performance of European Structural and Investment Funds (A8-0201/2017 - Daniel Buda)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. The report ‘points to the increase in Euroscepticism and in anti-European propaganda that distorts information on Union policies, and calls on the Commission and the Council to analyse and address their causes.’ By the sounds of it, the EU wants to spend more money on dead-end projects that do not convey an accurate message to people living in the EU. The document talked about how the EU wants to increase its dialogue with people in Member States, and it has called on the Commission to focus on an action plan for greater communication. UKIP does not support more money being wasted, nor does it believe that the Commission should be doing anything as it is an illegitimate political entity, and for these reasons voted against.
Cost effectiveness of the 7th Research Programme (A8-0194/2017 - Martina Dlabajová, Inés Ayala Sender)
I voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report regarding the 7th Research Programme. The 7th Research Programme was an EU project which ran from 2007 to 2013 and had a budget of EUR 55 billion. The money would be spent on grants for research in Europe, but these would also have to have a ‘European added value’. The report says that there was no cost-benefit analysis of the 7th Research Programme, that there was an error rate of about 5% and that there were shortcomings in the oversight of the programme. The report goes on to call for more synergies between EU funds, and states that the Commission operated the programme effectively. UKIP believes that taxpayers’ money should not be used by unaccountable EU institutions. If we didn’t have to waste so much money on EU membership and bureaucracy, we would have more money available to support research in the UK.
Statelessness in South and South East Asia (A8-0182/2017 - Amjad Bashir)
I voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst we recognise and sympathise with the issues related to statelessness in the region, in particular the suffering the Rohingya in Myanmar, we cannot support EU action on the matter. We remain resolutely opposed to the development of any EU foreign policy, and this report makes several calls for such EU action.
Cross-border mergers and divisions (A8-0190/2017 - Enrico Gasbarra)
Participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0112/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
Specific measures to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters (A8-0070/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
I voted to abstain on this legislative document. The Commission proposal sought to change some bits of legislation to allow the EU to pay for 100% co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund for reconstruction efforts and also to make it easier to pre-authorise EU money for use in affected countries. The Commission stated that these changes will not need new money or raising of budget ceilings. This proposal has come about primarily because of recent horrendous earthquakes in Italy. This doesn’t mean the EU will be making the UK pay more money - it will just mean the EU will be able to use the money it already has more quickly to help give relief to areas hit by natural disasters.
European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 (A8-0061/2017 - Santiago Fisas Ayxelà)
I voted against this legislative report, which amended the 2014 decision on the establishment of the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020—2033.This is just another propaganda scheme, to promote the EU and its values. This report extends the scheme beyond the EU Member States to allow participation from EFTA and EEA countries, which only confirms the self-promotion of the EU outside its borders
Assessment of Horizon 2020 implementation (A8-0209/2017 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
Building blocks for a post-2020 EU cohesion policy (A8-0202/2017 - Kerstin Westphal)
I voted against this non-legislative report on building blocks for a post-2020 cohesion policy. The document called on the Commission to ensure that there is better cooperation between the ESI Funds and other Union funds. It also endorsed the Paris climate change agreement and the report underlines that the increased visibility of the cohesion policy is vital to fight against Euroscepticism and can contribute to regaining citizens’ confidence and trust.
Protection of vulnerable adults (A8-0152/2017 - Joëlle Bergeron)
UKIP have abstained on this non-legislative report, because the needs of vulnerable adults must be ensured within the Member States. It is important that every Member State ratifies the Hague Convention; it really should not be up to the EU to put pressure on the Member States to force the ratification. Ratification of the Hague Convention should be done in a timely manner and when the Member States are in a position to do so.
Introduction of temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine (A8-0193/2017 - Jarosław Wałęsa)
UKIP MEPs voted against this proposal, as we note with outrage that, by ratifying this agreement, the Dutch Parliament completely ignored the wishes of their electorate, by reversing the Dutch people’s democratic decision to oppose the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, in the Netherlands referendum held in April 2016. Continued EU intervention in the Ukraine crisis only serves to further exacerbate this terrible situation.
Uniform format for visas (A8-0028/2016 - Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann)
Multiannual Framework for the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2018-2022 (A8-0177/2017 - Angelika Mlinar)
Multiannual Framework for the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2018-2022 (B8-0384/2017)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP principally oppose the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), which is financed by the taxpayer, to conduct work that many national governments and NGO’s already do. This resolution seeks to expand the scope of this framework, so UKIP MEPs voted against.
The new European Consensus on Development - our world, our dignity, our future (B8-0387/2017, B8-0390/2017)
UKIP MEPs have voted against the new Consensus on Development in this motion for a resolution. UKIP does not support the European Union trying to further harmonise development policy. The EU wants to see one development policy to override all of the 28 other development policies from the national governments. With this one line of vision the EU will have the authority to instruct nation states where to spend their taxpayer money as well as wanting to push for the further expansion of the influence of the Union though their ‘common vision, values and principles’. UKIP does not want the EU to have more influence and see the further harmonisation of policies and so for these reasons UKIP has voted against.
Resilience as a strategic priority of the EU external action (B8-0381/2017)
UKIP MEPs voted against this motion for a resolution on resilience as a strategic priority of the external action for the EU. This document would like to see the 2013-2020 Action Plan for resilience fully implemented and it would like to promote ‘greater coherence between policies’. This would mean that the EU would like to see further integration of its policies in Member States and harmonisation throughout the European Union. In addition, the document has asked for ‘sufficient resources to be devoted to the promotion of resilience’. This means that the EU wants to put more money into failing and unsuccessful projects to promote resilience. UKIP does not support the EU wasting more money and for the further harmonisation of policies, and for these reasons UKIP voted against.
High-level UN Conference to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN Ocean Conference) (B8-0382/2017)
Agreement between the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway on an EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 (A8-0072/2017 - David Borrelli)
. ‒ We voted against, as we note with concern the EU’s attempts to bully its neighbouring countries economically and we wanted to send a strong condemnation. We would warn the EU that any such attempt to bully the UK would be foolhardy for both parties, and we look forward to an amicable deal between the UK and EU concerning market access once Brexit is complete.
The right funding mix for Europe’s regions: balancing financial instruments and grants in EU cohesion policy (A8-0139/2017 - Andrey Novakov)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the fact that more hard-earned tax-payer money is being thrown down the drain. The UK should have the right to spend its own money wherever it likes, without being directed by an unelected bureaucratic system which pumps vast amounts of money into failing projects. There is also the serious concern about the strong possibility of a repetition of the accumulated backlog of unpaid invoices. If the EU cannot control its finances with the money it already has, then why are national governments giving it more money? For these reasons UKIP voted against this report.
Future perspectives for technical assistance in cohesion policy (A8-0180/2017 - Ruža Tomašić)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the growing influence that the EU is having through national governments and now they want to expand even further to the local and regional authorities. The EU has no legitimacy to be intervening in any countries national affairs. In addition the report wanted the increased communication on and the visibility of the results and successes achieved with the support of the ESI Funds which, in their eyes, could contribute to regaining citizens confidence and trust in the European project. UKIP does not agree with the EU gaining more influence over Member States and do not want to see more money being wasted on the EU promoting itself. For these reasons UKIP voted against this report.
Cross-border portability of online content services in the internal market (A8-0378/2016 - Jean-Marie Cavada)
UKIP voted against this Regulation as it will allow access to online content across the EU. It is discriminatory against people who are in the EU but their country of residence is not a Member State. This Regulation is calling for harmonisation of cross-portability rules across Member States and ensures that right holders and online service providers from different Member States are subject to the same rules. Harmonisation of copyright legislation is not practical. Furthermore if a one-off annual fee is payable it will not count as online content that can be included in this Regulation.
EU Strategy on Syria (RC-B8-0331/2017, B8-0331/2017, B8-0333/2017, B8-0335/2017, B8-0337/2017, B8-0338/2017, B8-0341/2017, B8-0342/2017)
Road transport in the European Union (B8-0290/2017)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this motion for a resolution, which covers infrastructure, competition, technological development and workers’ rights, among other things.The main problem here is the belief expressed in the resolution that the obstacles in the EU road transport sector are due to legal and bureaucratic complexities, and that these should be addressed in order to free up the movement of goods and services. The report advocates harmonisation, failing to recognise that the rules Member States have in place in relation to the acceptance of goods and workers are there for a reason.Furthermore, the resolution calls on the Commission to examine ways of reducing the bureaucratic and financial burdens of national legislation in order to facilitate the freedom to provide transport services across the EU. The Commission needs to take a hard look at itself before it turns to any examination of national legislation.
Making relocation happen (B8-0340/2017, B8-0343/2017, B8-0344/2017)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP believes that asylum and immigration policy should be decided by national governments. UKIP MEPs also reject calls in this report for the Commission to conduct infringement proceedings against Member States which are not meeting relocation targets set by the EU.
Implementation of the Council's LGBTI Guidelines, particularly in relation to the persecution of (perceived) homosexual men in Chechnya, Russia (B8-0349/2017, B8-0349/2017, B8-0350/2017, B8-0351/2017, B8-0353/2017, B8-0355/2017, B8-0356/2017)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2016/008 FI/Nokia Network Systems (A8-0196/2017 - Petri Sarvamaa)
Annual report 2014 on subsidiarity and proportionality (A8-0114/2017 - Sajjad Karim)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative report because we cannot support a report that welcomes subsidiarity and proportionality whilst in the same sentence acknowledges that they should be considered integral parts of the EU’s policy making process, UKIP does not agree with any part of EU policy making. In one sentence it seems that it is calling for national parliaments to have a greater say in EU policy making but effectively it is nothing more than an empty gesture leading to the negation of parliamentary sovereignty.
Automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Croatia (A8-0171/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Objection to a delegated act: Identifying high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies (B8-0294/2017)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this legislative report. UKIP MEPs would normally support an objection to a Commission delegated act. On this occasion, however, the report specifically includes calls for the Commission to propose a new delegated act. UKIP MEPs feel that regardless of this rejection the Commission will ultimately still pass a delegated act..
Situation in Hungary (B8-0295/2017, B8-0296/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We believe that the full sovereignty of states should be respected; the intrusiveness of the European Union’s criticism, and calls for action against Hungary, run contrary to that concept. In particular, we are concerned about the inclusion of paragraph 7 in the resolution and the launch of Article 7(1) TEU against Hungary.
Protocol to the EU-Mongolia Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation (accession of Croatia) (A8-0074/2017 - Helmut Scholz)
EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Agreement (accession of Croatia) (A8-0169/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda)
EU-Norway Agreement on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa (A8-0174/2017 - Tomáš Zdechovský)
EU accession to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) (A8-0187/2017 - Fernando Ruas)
We voted against this legislative report. Firstly, we object to the EU becoming a member of international bodies in its own right, as it would enable to the EU to bully other countries. Secondly, we note that the concept of the EU joining bodies in its own name is conferred by powers under the Lisbon Treaty, which the EU forced on the people of Europe without their consent.
EU eGovernment action plan 2016-2020 (A8-0178/2017 - Sabine Verheyen)
Annual report 2015 on the protection of EU's financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0159/2017 - Julia Pitera)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report; even though the figures and criticisms are very useful, the solution it offers is that to combat the fraud there needs to be more EU legislation and power. The report highlights that the cost of known fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities in the budget amounts to over EUR 3 billion. It states that the ECB estimates that the cost of counterfeiting since the euro was set up in 2002 amounts to approximately EUR 500 million. The report criticises the Commission for the increases in irregularities and that the Commission no longer seems to want to publish an EU anti-corruption report anymore. However the solutions offered by the report calls for more EU legislation and action on VAT, own resources and support for a European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The ultimate way to end fraud in the EU budget is to get rid of an EU budget altogether. UKIP voted against as we oppose calling for any more EU legislation and because we fundamentally disagree with the EU spending and wasting any taxpayers’ money
Resource efficiency: reducing food waste, improving food safety (A8-0175/2017 - Biljana Borzan)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative report because not only do we deny climate change hysteria, but we also reject further EU legislation. Food waste is an issue that needs to be addressed by Europe and the world. However, we believe that national parliaments should monitor food safety issues without the creation of further EU legislation.
EU trade mark (A8-0054/2017 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
Minamata Convention on Mercury (A8-0067/2017 - Stefan Eck)
UKIP is concerned of the adverse effects of mercury on human and animal health – in humans, mercury affects mostly the central nervous system and the kidneys. Acute inhalation, dermal exposure and chronic exposure are proved to be extremely damaging to human health. This is why UKIP abstained on this Recommendation.
Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Denmark and Europol (A8-0164/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. UKIP fully respects the will of the Danish people who chose to have less involvement with Europol. UKIP do, however, oppose calls in this report to exhaust all legal possibilities to invite Denmark to be full members of Europol. This without doubt seeks to undermine the democratic will of the Danish people.
Annual report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank for 2015 (A8-0161/2017 - Nedzhmi Ali)
Structural Reform Support Programme for 2017-2020 (A8-0374/2016 - Lambert van Nistelrooij, Constanze Krehl)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative report. UKIP does not support the Structural Reform Support Programme that has been put in place to strengthen the capacity of Member States to design and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms. The EU has no right to be intervening in national state affairs and in addition this vanity project costs the taxpayer EUR 142 million at current prices for the programme. In addition, the EU wants to see the further harmonisation of programmes and policies throughout the Union. For these reasons, UKIP voted against this report.
Union programme to support specific activities in the field of financial reporting and auditing (A8-0291/2016 - Theodor Dumitru Stolojan)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Commission and executive agencies (A8-0150/2017 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP voted against granting discharge and closing the accounts of the Commission budget and related EU agencies for 2015. UKIP opposes the operation of EU agencies and is against the EU spending any taxpayers’ money. In the attached motion for a resolution UKIP voted for amendments that called for better rules regarding Commissioner conflicts of interest and better scrutiny of EU funds.
Discharge 2015: Court of Auditors' special reports in the context of the 2015 Commission discharge (A8-0160/2017 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative, non-binding resolution. The Court of Auditors special reports are investigations into how EU money is being spent and often shed light on misuse of funds and help hold the un-elected Commission to account. While of course UKIP is opposed to any EU institution, we would not want to oppose the use of these special reports that are very useful to find out how taxpayers’ money is being spent.
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th EDFs (A8-0125/2017 - Younous Omarjee)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Parliament (A8-0153/2017 - Dennis de Jong)
. ‒ UKIP voted against granting discharge and closing the accounts of the European Parliament for 2015. UKIP opposes the operation of any EU institution in principle and the EU Parliament wastes billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money. UKIP voted for amendments to the attached resolution which calls for a single seat; more transparency of internal documents; better transparency of General Expenditure Allowance; better rules on the conduct of MEPs; that management costs of the European House of History should not be funded by taxpayers’; and the ending of taxpayers’ money going to pan-EU political parties and foundations.
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0131/2017 - Bart Staes)
UKIP voted in favour of postponing discharge and postponing closure of the accounts of the Council for 2015. UKIP opposes the operation of any EU institution in principle and the EU Council wastes billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money. The Council historically does not fully cooperate with the discharge procedure of the European Parliament, so UKIP was happy to vote in favour of the attached resolution to criticise the Council for this.
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Court of Justice (A8-0136/2017 - Benedek Jávor)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Court of Auditors (A8-0151/2017 - Benedek Jávor)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Economic and Social Committee (A8-0144/2017 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - Committee of the Regions (A8-0141/2017 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European External Action Service (A8-0122/2017 - Benedek Jávor)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Ombudsman (A8-0142/2017 - Benedek Jávor)
Discharge 2015: EU general budget - European Data Protection Supervisor (A8-0140/2017 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2015: Performance, financial management and control of EU agencies (A8-0149/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative, non-binding resolution. This report is on the one hand calling for more transparency regarding the EU agencies, better budgetary reporting and stronger protection for whistle-blowers - however it also supports these EU agencies continuing and expanding their functions which UKIP can’t support.
Discharge 2015: Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) (A8-0147/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: Office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) (A8-0143/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT) (A8-0075/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0145/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Police College (CEPOL) (A8-0081/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (A8-0087/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0093/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Banking Authority (EBA) (A8-0079/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (C8-0293/2016)
Discharge 2015: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (A8-0086/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Environment Agency (EEA) (A8-0085/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) (A8-0100/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (A8-0098/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (A8-0106/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) (A8-0101/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) (A8-0127/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Medicines Agency (EMA) (A8-0084/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) (A8-0099/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (A8-0130/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) (A8-0115/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Railway Agency (ERA) (A8-0128/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) (A8-0124/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Training Foundation (ETF) (A8-0118/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) (A8-0105/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) (A8-0116/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) (A8-0126/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) (A8-0111/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust) (A8-0129/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Police Office (Europol) (A8-0107/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (A8-0146/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex) (A8-0137/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: European GNSS Agency (GSA) (A8-0148/2017 - Inés Ayala Sender)
Discharge 2015: Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) (A8-0103/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (A8-0094/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: ECSEL Joint Undertaking (A8-0113/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH) (A8-0109/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI) (A8-0083/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: ITER Joint Undertaking (A8-0108/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Discharge 2015: SESAR Joint Undertaking (A8-0096/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
EU flagship initiative on the garment sector (A8-0080/2017 - Lola Sánchez Caldentey)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain in this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the Commission developing a monitoring system which encompasses data collection. The EU has no right to be intervening in national state affairs. However, the report does talk about greater transparency and traceability of garments and it is calling on the Commission to make gender equality, women empowerment and children’s rights. Although the report calls on the Commission a lot it is centred around human rights and more specific children’s rights and for this reason UKIP will abstain.
Implementation of the Mining Waste Directive (A8-0071/2017 - György Hölvényi)
. ‒ UKIP believes it is important to protect human health and the environment from the improper management of waste facilities that could give rise to major accidents. We believe that measures, procedures and guidance to prevent and reduce adverse effects on the environment and human health resulting from the management of extractive waste should be established by national parliaments. That is why UKIP abstained on this non-legislative report.
Situation in Venezuela (RC-B8-0270/2017, B8-0270/2017, B8-0271/2017, B8-0272/2017, B8-0274/2017, B8-0275/2017, B8-0276/2017, B8-0277/2017)
EU priorities for the UN Human Rights Council sessions in 2017 (RC-B8-0183/2017, B8-0183/2017, B8-0184/2017, B8-0185/2017, B8-0186/2017, B8-0187/2017, B8-0188/2017, B8-0189/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst we support the promotion of human rights globally and support genuine international institutions in this work, we do not believe that the EU should have any role in this. On the contrary, many EU policies, in particular on trade, have contributed to the maintenance of poverty in Africa.
Supply chain due diligence by importers of minerals and metals originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (A8-0141/2015 - Iuliu Winkler)
UKIP recognises the need to protect people from abuses in war, and welcomes initiatives such as the Kimberley process whereby conflict diamonds are policed. UKIP hopes an independent Britain will continue to be an active player in this and similar areas. We voted abstain as we did not wish to stand in the way of efforts to prevent metals from conflict zones where abuses against children and civilians have occurred.
Constitutional, legal and institutional implications of a Common Security and Defence Policy: possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty (A8-0042/2017 - Esteban González Pons, Michael Gahler)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We do not support the development of a more militarised EU and are actively against any EU measures that would contradict or undermine the work of NATO. It is NATO that helped to secure Europe during the Cold War, not the EU. Of particular concern to us are the financial aspects of this support, which should not be increased until after the UK has withdrawn from the EU.
An integrated EU policy for the Arctic (A8-0032/2017 - Urmas Paet, Sirpa Pietikäinen)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst we recognise the growing importance of the Arctic in economic and geopolitical terms we reject wholeheartedly this report’s attempts to interfere in the sovereign energy and foreign policies of Member States. The Arctic Council is a sufficient forum for the discussion of issues related to the region and there is no necessity for the EU to be granted any official or unofficial status within this body.
e-Democracy in the EU: potential and challenges (A8-0041/2017 - Ramón Jáuregui Atondo)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative Report because e-democracy at the moment is not as secure as it should be. Furthermore it is not for the EU to tell Member States how they should be running their elections. If the country is ready to pursue an online voting system then it will pursue it at a time when it is ready to do so.
EU-Brazil Agreement: modification of concessions in the schedule of Croatia in the course of its accession (A8-0052/2017 - José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra)
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Denmark (A8-0051/2017 - Maria Grapini)
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Greece (A8-0053/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products (A8-0022/2017 - Karin Kadenbach)
Commission's approval of Germany's revised plan to introduce a road toll (B8-0180/2017)
UKIP have voted against this resolution because we feel that it is important that Member States keep control over their own fiscal policies in relation to the transport network. What works in one country may not work in another, so the EU stating that they would prefer harmonisation with regards to road tolls is nothing more than a stealthy power grab and a dictatorial stance on how best to ‘tax’.
Guidelines for the 2018 budget - Section III (A8-0060/2017 - Siegfried Mureşan)
UKIP voted against this non-binding budgetary report. This vote was Parliament’s position ahead of the 2018 EU budget negotiations. It included all the usual calls for more money to be spent and more EU initiatives. UKIP tabled 10 amendments ranging from rejecting the EU defence initiatives, to cutting administration costs and opposing new powers for the EU. Amendment 26 which UKIP tabled stated that the ‘future MFF proposal should not include the UK’s contribution or entail any legal obligations on the UK regarding its liabilities’. This amendment would ensure there would be no Brexit bill and no liabilities on the UK after 2020. Sadly this amendment was rejected – the Conservative party abstained and the Labour party voted against this amendment.
Mercury (A8-0313/2016 - Stefan Eck)
This legislative proposal concerns: import, export and use of mercury. Mercury can bring several adverse effects to human and animal health – it affects mostly the central nervous system and the kidneys. Acute inhalation, dermal exposure and chronic exposure are proved to be damaging to human health. For these reasons we have abstained on this report.
Long-term shareholder engagement and corporate governance statement (A8-0158/2015 - Sergio Gaetano Cofferati)
Control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (A8-0251/2016 - Vicky Ford)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative report. UKIP do not believe the legislation is proportionate to its intended objective of combatting terrorism. Furthermore, UKIP strongly condemn the lack of an impact assessment from the Commission. We consider these legislative changes will only harm law-abiding citizens who possess or acquire firearms.
End-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0013/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
The EU Commission and the rapporteur believe that the EU circular economy is an efficient economic model that ensures that the environment receives adequate protection. The rapporteur believes it is the key to promote reindustrialisation and competitiveness in Europe. The main objective of this proposal is to transform the Union into a green, low-carbon economy. We are against the EU Commission proposal, we believe that this issue should be competence of National Parliaments.
Waste (A8-0034/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
The EU Commission and the rapporteur believe that the EU circular economy is an efficient economic model that ensures that the environment receives adequate protection. The rapporteur believes it is the key to promote reindustrialisation and competitiveness in Europe. The main objective of this proposal is to transform the Union into a green, low-carbon economy. We are against the EU Commission proposal, we believe that this issue should be competence of National Parliaments.
Landfill of waste (A8-0031/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
The EU Commission and the rapporteur believe that the EU circular economy is an efficient economic model that ensures that the environment receives adequate protection. The rapporteur believes it is the key to promote reindustrialisation and competitiveness in Europe. The main objective of this proposal is to transform the Union into a green, low-carbon economy. We are against the EU Commission proposal, we believe that this issue should be competence of National Parliaments.
Packaging and packaging waste (A8-0029/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
The EU Commission and the rapporteur believe that the EU circular economy is an efficient economic model that ensures that the environment receives adequate protection. The rapporteur believes it is the key to promote reindustrialisation and competitiveness in Europe. The main objective of this proposal is to transform the Union into a green, low-carbon economy. We are against the EU Commission proposal, we believe that this issue should be competence of National Parliaments.
Equality between women and men in the EU in 2014-2015 (A8-0046/2017 - Ernest Urtasun)
UKIP voted by way of a conscience vote on this non-legislative report. This report contained some highly sensitive issues, with regard to sexual and reproductive rights as well as tackling violence against women. Whilst there were aspects of this report that we opposed, such as calling for the creation of new initiatives, as well as gender quotas, the vote was open to freedom of conscience.
Equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (A8-0043/2017 - Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz)
UKIP voted by way of a conscience vote on this non-legislative report. This report contained some highly sensitive issues, with regard to sexual and reproductive rights as well as tackling violence against women. Whilst there were aspects of this report that we opposed, such as calling for the creation of new initiatives, as well as gender quotas, the vote was open to freedom of conscience.
EU funds for gender equality (A8-0033/2017 - Clare Moody)
UKIP voted by way of a conscience vote on this non-legislative report. Whilst there were aspects of this report that we opposed, such as calling for an increase in the next MFF allocation and the inclusion of gender budgeting within various EU programmes, the report contained some highly sensitive issues such as tackling violence against women. The vote was therefore left open to freedom of conscience.
Fundamental rights implications of big data (A8-0044/2017 - Ana Gomes)
EU-Liechtenstein Agreement on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa (A8-0025/2017 - Josef Weidenholzer)
Information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements and non-binding instruments in the field of energy (A8-0305/2016 - Zdzisław Krasnodębski)
Options for improving access to medicines (A8-0040/2017 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
Implementation of the Creative Europe programme (A8-0030/2017 - Silvia Costa)
Implementation of the Europe for Citizens programme (A8-0017/2017 - María Teresa Giménez Barbat)
Common Commercial Policy in the context of wildlife sustainability imperatives (A8-0012/2017 - Emma McClarkin)