252 Written explanations of Bill ETHERIDGE
Structural and financial barriers in the access to culture (A8-0169/2018 - Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report regarding accessibility to cultural services. Although there are some pertinent points, it is not for the EU to interfere with national tax policies, dictate how much national governments should contribute or invest in cultural services, nor how they should form policy in this area. Furthermore, we oppose calls for increased investment at the expense of the taxpayer; this is for the sole discretion of national governments.
Proportionality test before adoption of new regulation of professions (A8-0395/2017 - Andreas Schwab)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative first reading report. We believe that it should be left to Member States to regulate professions, and that it is not the task of the Commission to set a proportionality test. UKIP tabled a rejection amendment to this report, which we voted in favour of, as we believe this legislation should not go ahead.
Use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road (A8-0193/2018 - Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar)
– UKIP voted against this report. It is looking at removing restrictions that Member States have the right to impose. These restrictions include such things as the use of hired goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above six tonnes and restricting the use of a vehicle which has been hired in a Member State different from the one where the vehicle is.
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Enforcement requirements and specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector (A8-0206/2018 - Merja Kyllönen)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations: Amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards on minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs (A8-0205/2018 - Wim van de Camp)
Decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations Amending Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 with a view to adapting them to developments in the sector (A8-0204/2018 - Ismail Ertug)
Objection to Commission delegated regulation amending delegated regulation (EU) 2017/118 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea (B8-0299/2018)
Georgian occupied territories ten years after the Russian invasion (RC-B8-0275/2018, B8-0275/2018, B8-0276/2018, B8-0277/2018, B8-0278/2018, B8-0279/2018, B8-0285/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative resolution. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy. Unresolved and frozen conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus are a concern, but we do not think that EU policy or action should or does play any constructive role in resolving these issues. Mediation is a concern for the parties involved supported by more appropriate international regimes.
Negotiations for a new EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (B8-0274/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly opposes the current EU-ACP Partnership Agreement, as it is based on the principle of conditionality, which is, in essence, the EU politicising its trade policy with third countries. UKIP believe that the best way to aid developing nations is via improved trade relations, whereas the EU’s insistence on pursuing a trade policy based on conditionality hinders not only the development of these nations, but also consumers in Europe.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2016 (A8-0197/2018 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
UKIP voted against. This report is calling for such things as giving the Parliament basic control over major decisions affecting the EU, Member States and its people, with such decisions to include national budgets and reforms, these issues should remain the sole responsibility of the Member State. The report also goes on to mention its concern over the fact that fiscal measures, such as reductions in national expenditure, have not had the desired effect. This we totally disagree with.
Composition of the European Parliament (A8-0207/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner, Pedro Silva Pereira)
UKIP voted in favour of this proposal to scrap all UK MEPs. UKIP MEPs have been here since 1999 always on the basis that we want to put ourselves out of a job and for Britain to leave the European Union.The proposal is in two parts. The first part lists all Member States and indicates how many MEPs are allocated to each country. The 73 UK MEPs shall be removed from this list with a portion being re-allocated to other Member States.The second part of the proposal includes a clause stating that if the UK remains a Member of the EU by the next EU election (the EU treaties still apply), then the UK shall retain the current number of MEPs allocated. UKIP want to leave the EU on 29 March so we want all the MEPs to be gone.Regarding the second part of the proposal, the Government should have repealed the 2003 European Elections Act which they haven’t. If we have not left and there has to be a European election, which UKIP doesn’t want, we will fight it with the argument of complete unequivocal withdrawal as soon as possible.
Cohesion policy and the circular economy (A8-0184/2018 - Davor Škrlec)
UKIP have voted against this non-legislative, own initiative report. The report involves using EU funds in order to promote the circular economy. While to objectives of sustainability and reducing waste are important for everyone to work towards, this is not something that should be achieved through EU funding and legislation.
Negotiations on the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement (A8-0158/2018 - Charles Tannock)
EU-NATO relations (A8-0188/2018 - Ioan Mircea Paşcu)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are firmly committed in our support of NATO as the primary guarantor of security cooperation and mutual defence in Europe. We are opposed to the militarisation of the European Union and the development of any institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States. Furthermore, we are against any level of EU cooperation with NATO as this risks duplicating and in some cases undermining NATO, negatively impacting security in Europe.
Cyber defence (A8-0189/2018 - Urmas Paet)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Whilst we recognise the rising significance of cyber—defence for national security, we are firm in our belief that national security is solely a matter for Member States. We do not support the militarisation of the European Union or the development of any EU institutional capacity or EU—led cooperation amongst Member States on issues related to national defence, including cyber—defence. Member States are free, however, to cooperate on a bilateral and multilateral level as well as through NATO if they choose to do so.
Clearing obligation, reporting requirements and risk-mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives and trade repositories (A8-0181/2018 - Werner Langen)
Common rules in the field of civil aviation and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (A8-0364/2016 - Marian-Jean Marinescu)
. ‒ UKIP voted against. This proposal was looking at creating a regulatory framework for the integration of new business models and emerging technologies, along with the harmonisation of accreditation worthiness by ensuring that similarly qualified entities who carry out tasks on behalf of national aviation authorities should be accredited by the agency. However the regulation does not describe what the model will be in order for these agencies to be accredited by the agency. In such an important issue as safety the bar has to be set high and unfortunately with the ‘one size fits all’ policies that the EU adopts, we know that the bar that the EU will set will be very low and this will affect standard safety issues.
CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles (A8-0010/2018 - Damiano Zoffoli)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. EU energy and climate policies are profoundly damaging European economy. EU unilateral climate policy is making Europe non-competitive and it is causing a huge loss of jobs and industries. Companies are forced to take radical decisions, moving offshore to defend themselves from bankruptcy.
Modernisation of education in the EU (A8-0173/2018 - Krystyna Łybacka)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Whilst pertinent points were made with regard to education, it is not for the EU to interfere in national curricula, nor dictate how Member States should invest in their education systems. This report called for the promotion of current EU programmes such as Erasmus+, the use of EU funds and for further investment at the expense of the taxpayer, which we oppose. Furthermore, UKIP does not believe in the creation of a European Education Area, particularly when the European Higher Education Area, a voluntary group set up by the Council of Europe, already exists. Finally, as stipulated under Article 165 of the TFEU, education is a Member State competency, therefore we feel strongly that this does not need to be conducted at EU level.
Towards a sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector (A8-0186/2018 - Carlos Iturgaiz)
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance ADB-CHMINACA to control measures (A8-0133/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. In the UK, this drug already falls into the criteria listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Subjecting it to control measures in the EU will assist in reducing its availability on the UK market. For this reason, UKIP MEPs abstained on this vote.
Subjecting the new psychoactive substance CUMYL-4CN-BINACA to control measures (A8-0134/2018 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs abstained on this technically non-legislative report. In the UK, this drug already meets the criteria listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Subjecting it to control measures in the EU will assist in reducing its availability on the UK market. For that reason, UKIP MEPs abstained on this vote.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/010 BE/Caterpillar (A8-0148/2018 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Annual report 2016 on the protection of EU’s financial interests - Fight against fraud (A8-0135/2018 - Gilles Pargneaux)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report, although there are various calls within this report for more transparency, better reporting and communication. We cannot vote to support the continuation of the EIB. Particularly as the withdrawal agreement plans to only return the UK’s EUR 3.2 billion paid in share-capital, without any profits. This is despite the fact that the UK’s share of EIB assets is worth EUR 92.3 billion.
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 (B8-0220/2018)
UKIP abstained on this resolution. UKIP is concerned about sensitive issues such as consumer’s health, food safety and environmental protection. However, UKIP MEPs believe that the authorisation for the placing on the market of food and feed produced from genetically modified sugar beet H7-1 should be autonomously taken by national parliaments.
Annual report on the control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank for 2016 (A8-0139/2018 - Marco Valli)
UKIP voted against this a non-legislative report. We fully support tackling fraud and corruption, though whilst the figures regarding fraudulent activity and irregularities are useful, particularly towards better oversight of the EU’s budget; we oppose the further calls for more EU legislation, measures and harmonisation, and fundamentally disagree with the spending of taxpayers’ money.
Cohesion policy and thematic objective ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’ (A8-0136/2018 - Andrey Novakov)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative own-initiative report. Improving transport infrastructures in order to benefit the environment, safety and economic concerns is certainly a positive goal. However, UKIP MEPs do not believe that the best way to do this is through cohesion policy and EU funding as it is an issue that is better handled by individual Member States.
Protection of children in migration (B8-0218/2018)
UKIP MEP’s have to against this non-legislative motion for resolution. Whilst UKIP firmly support protecting children, particularly unaccompanied children, this resolution politicises the topic to provide an opinion on the migration crisis as whole. More specifically, UKIP MEP’s firmly oppose the suggestion that the best way to assist children and asylum seekers is to offer them ‘safe and legal routes’ into the EU. UKIP believe the best way to combat people traffickers and to end the migration crisis is to stop the boats arriving into Europe.
A global ban on animal testing for cosmetics (B8-0217/2018)
UKIP abstained on the motion for resolution on a global ban on testing cosmetics on animals. UKIP is in favour of animal welfare and ending of brutal practices on animals for cosmetics testing. UKIP share these concerns and are firmly against testing chemicals used in cosmetics on animals. However, UKIP MEPs do not trust the unelected EU Commission to decide on the protection of the environment and animal welfare - the EU has already caused irreparable damage with its environmental policy.
Current situation and future prospects for the sheep and goat sectors in the EU (A8-0064/2018 - Esther Herranz García)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative, own initiative report. This is because they are not in favour of using EU funds, particularly in relation to the common agricultural policy. In addition, they do not agree with the additional layer of bureaucracy that some of the additional monitoring proposed in this report would require.
Media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (A8-0144/2018 - Barbara Spinelli)
Common system of value added tax, with regard to the obligation to respect a minimum standard rate (A8-0124/2018 - Roberto Gualtieri)
Prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (A8-0056/2017 - Krišjānis Kariņš, Judith Sargentini)
Approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (A8-0048/2017 - Daniel Dalton)
Organic production and labelling of organic products (A8-0311/2015 - Martin Häusling)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A8-0140/2018 - Miroslavs Mitrofanovs)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this legislation. We firmly defend Member States’ right to define their own domestic legislation. Any interference by the Commission is an erosion of Member State sovereignty, which we are firmly against. We do not necessarily take a position on any of the suggested policies within the report, it is ultimately up to each Member State.
Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2019 – Section I – European Parliament (A8-0146/2018 - Paul Rübig)
UKIP MEPs voted against this report, as it concerns the spending of EU funds, which we are against. We voted in favour of amendments that wished to reduce the budget and which aim to make Parliament more transparent. We voted against amendments that wished to increase the budget, for instance in allowing APAs to accompany Members on missions, which is a waste of public funds.
Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová (B8-0186/2018)
UKIP MEP’s have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly support the work of investigative journalists and are appalled at the details of this murder which was clearly motivated by the need to silence a whistle-blower. This resolution, however, clearly oversteps the EU’s mandate in this field. UKIP reject any attempt by the EU to establish a directive on whistle-blower protection and strongly oppose calls for the EPPO to be established.
A European values instrument to support civil society organisations which promote democracy, rule of law and fundamental values within the European Union (B8-0189/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for resolution. UKIP firmly opposes taxpayers’ money being given to organisations in the EU to promote the values of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values. This is a clear attempt by the EU to increase funding for organisations which hold a favourable opinion of the European Union who will inevitably disseminate propaganda to the citizens of Europe.
The violation of human rights and the rule of law in the case of two Greek soldiers arrested and detained in Turkey (B8-0194/2018, B8-0196/2018)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. UKIP have long been concerned by developments in Turkey and have opposed their integration within the EU. We are especially concerned at military developments and Turkey’s increasing opposition to the West and international norms. However this resolution implies a role for the EU institutions, to which we are opposed.
Implementation of the Treaty provisions concerning national Parliaments (A8-0127/2018 - Paulo Rangel)
This non-legislative own initiative report is generally supportive of national parliaments and doesn’t call on the Commission to act (other than to grant national parliaments more time in which to prepare ‘reasoned opinions’ objecting to EU legislation), but UKIP does not support the right of EU institutions to determine the rights of national parliaments and accordingly UKIP abstained.
Vaccine hesitancy and drop in vaccination rates in Europe (B8-0188/2018, B8-0195/2018)
Implementation of the European Protection Order Directive (A8-0065/2018 - Soraya Post, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully support the right of citizens to be protected in their own country and when travelling abroad and welcome the fact that all countries in the EU have their own system of protection orders. With such a limited amount of EPOs having been issued since the directive was enforced, it is clear to see that this is a poor and ineffective piece of legislation. For this reason, UKIP voted against this report.
Implementation of the Bologna Process – state of play and follow-up (B8-0190/2018)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-binding motion for a resolution. We support the principle of the Bologna Process as a non-EU, voluntary group discussing education amongst its members. However, we disagree with the call for the Commission to become more heavily involved, using it as a platform to promote itself and its own education initiatives.
Fixing the period for the ninth election of representatives to the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (A8-0145/2018 - Danuta Maria Hübner)
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (A8-0110/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ UKIP voted against giving consent to this procedure. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. UKIP is extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
EU-Australia Framework Agreement (Resolution) (A8-0119/2018 - Francisco José Millán Mon)
. ‒ UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the development of an EU foreign policy or believe that the EU is qualified to negotiate agreements with third countries as if it were a state. UKIP is extremely supportive of closer relations between the UK and Commonwealth countries, including especially Australia. We look forward to improved relations between our two countries when we finally, fully leave the European Union.
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (A8-0131/2018 - Helga Stevens)
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (Additional Protocol) (A8-0132/2018 - Helga Stevens)
Packaging and packaging waste (A8-0029/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
End-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0013/2017 - Simona Bonafè)
Procedural rules in the field of environmental reporting (A8-0253/2017 - Francesc Gambús)
UKIP MEPs abstained on this legislative report. UKIP are in favor of the removal of EU legislation to avoid overburden to people, organisations and Member States and agree that any legislation that does not serve its objective should be removed. However, UKIP are against the overreaching amount of EU environmental legislation produced since the 1970s.
Integrity policy of the Commission, in particular the appointment of the Secretary-General of the European Commission (B8-0214/2018)
UKIP voted for this motion for a resolution regarding the appointment of Martin Selmayr to Secretary-General of the European Commission. We supported this motion due to its criticism of the manner in which the Commission conducted the appointment, the lack of action taken to resolve the situation, and the calls for a reassessment of the procedure and more transparency. However we feel the motion could have been far stronger in its criticism.
Progress on UN Global compacts for safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees (B8-0184/2018)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative motion for a resolution. UKIP MEPs believe that the ‘UN compact on safe, orderly and regular migration and on refugees’ has the ultimate aim to make illegal migration legal and to facilitate it in greater numbers. UKIP believe that the Dublin Agreement already sets out a fair system for refugees; the problem is that it is not being enforced effectively, which has led to the current migration crisis.
Implementation of the EU external financing instruments: mid-term review 2017 and the future post-2020 architecture (A8-0112/2018 - Marietje Schaake)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the propagation by the European Union of its foreign policy through the use of these funds that either interfere in the domestic policies of third party states or that are used to support the further expansion of the European Union. In particular, we are concerned by the changes made to the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace that allow it to fund military actors in third countries. We believe this contravenes existing Union law and its disregard is further evidence of the militarisation of the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Commission and executive agencies (A8-0137/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP voted against this. The Commission is unelected, unaccountable and has the sole power to originate EU law. Its executive agencies, as well as consuming vast amounts of taxpayers’ cash, are unaccountable and have powers far in excess of what such bodies should have. We note with concern, as noted in the report, that EUR 900 million was spent on management costs and fees. We also note the concerns expressed about corruption in Pre-Accession Funding, especially in Turkey.
Discharge 2016: Court of Auditors' special reports in the context of the 2016 Commission discharge (A8-0130/2018 - Joachim Zeller)
UKIP voted against this. We share the concern expressed in the report that projects in the Natura theme were unsustainable, and that a serious ‘audit gap’ has opened up between Member States. Most seriously, we note that the Courts of Justice of the European Union denied access to auditors of certain financial documents, a move we find at best incompetent, and at worst, suspicious. We also note with concern a trend towards auditors not being drawn from accounting professions due to a professional competency, but being drawn due to allegiance to the EU.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th EDFs (A8-0123/2018 - Barbara Kappel)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Parliament (A8-0105/2018 - Derek Vaughan)
UKIP voted against this. The EU Parliament is little more than a talking shop, and lacks the legitimacy and powers of the British Parliament. The EU Parliament has shown a political vindictiveness and lack of maturity around Brexit, epitomised by the appointment of arch-federalist Guy Verhofstadt as EU Parliament negotiator. Despite our alleged ‘influence’, British MEPs account for barely 10% of the total, placing us totally at the voting mercy of our ‘partners’ and thus making it impossible for British interests to be defended. We note with satisfaction our imminent departure.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A8-0116/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
UKIP voted against this for several reasons. One key reason, as identified by the report, was the lack of transparency identified in the report, and we feel that this alone would be grounds for rejection. We also feel that the EU Council, with its unelected EU President is not a legitimate organ for EU law making, and we not the ‘President’ is appointed in secret under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, which EU citizens were denied a promised referendum on.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Justice (A8-0122/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - Court of Auditors (A8-0089/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Economic and Social Committee (A8-0097/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European External Action Service (A8-0128/2018 - Marco Valli)
UKIP voted against this discharge procedure. UKIP voted against granting discharge and closing the accounts for EU agencies and institutions. UKIP is opposed to all EU institutions and agencies as they are not democratically controlled and waste billions of taxpayers’ money. In particular we are concerned by the EEAS spending to attempt to influence media within the European Union and its censorship activities. As such we supported Amendment 3.
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Ombudsman (A8-0100/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Data Protection Supervisor (A8-0099/2018 - Ingeborg Gräßle)
Discharge 2016: Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) (A8-0074/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT) (A8-0106/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (A8-0068/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) (A8-0098/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (A8-0066/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A8-0083/2018 - Bart Staes)
UKIP MEP’s have voted in favour of postponing the discharge of the EASO. UKIP are highly concerned with both the significant budget increases for the agency and the fact that so many payments are listed as irregular. UKIP MEP’s also supported the accompanying resolution as it highlighted the issues as to why, until the OLAF investigation has concluded, it cannot discharge this agency.
Discharge 2016: European Banking Authority (EBA) (A8-0067/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (A8-0085/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Environment Agency (EEA) (A8-0090/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) (A8-0107/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (A8-0091/2018 - Indrek Tarand)
Discharge 2016: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (A8-0087/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) (A8-0088/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) (A8-0096/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Medicines Agency (EMA) (A8-0103/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) (A8-0081/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (A8-0078/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) (A8-0114/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) (A8-0079/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Training Foundation (ETF) (A8-0080/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) (A8-0111/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) (A8-0084/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) (A8-0092/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Police Office (Europol) (A8-0109/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (A8-0093/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) (A8-0108/2018 - Bart Staes)
Discharge 2016: Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) (A8-0071/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (A8-0070/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH2) (A8-0073/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI) (A8-0075/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy Joint Undertaking (A8-0095/2018 - Brian Hayes)
Discharge 2016: Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R) (A8-0076/2018 - Brian Hayes)
EU-Lebanon Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: participation of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0352/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
EU-Norway Agreement concerning additional trade preferences in agricultural products (A8-0126/2018 - Tiziana Beghin)
Inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework (A8-0262/2017 - Norbert Lins)
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement (A8-0208/2017 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (A8-0373/2017 - Mercedes Bresso, Rainer Wieland)
Implementation of the 7th Environment Action Programme (A8-0059/2018 - Daciana Octavia Sârbu)
Gender equality in the media sector in the EU (A8-0031/2018 - Michaela Šojdrová)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Although there were aspects such as incitement to hatred, violence against women, and cyber-bullying, which we wholly deplore, we did not support this report, as we oppose gender quotas and gender mainstreaming in policy, which this report calls for. We believe that equality can be achieved through other means. Furthermore, we oppose the call to unblock the ‘Women on Boards Directive’, which also called for obligatory gender quotas in listed companies and for penalties for those who breached the directive.
Empowering women and girls through the digital sector (B8-0183/2018)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. We are for equal opportunities for all, both men and women. Whilst we are in favour of pushing for more women and men to be involved in the digital sector, to improve opportunities in the labour market and to reduce the gender pay gap, we do not believe that this needs to be achieved through gender mainstreaming within policy. The EU should not interfere with the national curricula of Member States with regard to digital literacy, since this is the prerogative of national governments, as is the empowerment of all, which can likewise be achieved through national governments and not at EU level.
Implementation of the Development Cooperation Instrument, the Humanitarian Aid Instrument and the European Development Fund (A8-0118/2018 - Enrique Guerrero Salom)
Enhancing developing countries' debt sustainability (A8-0129/2018 - Charles Goerens)
Strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU (A8-0138/2018 - Marc Joulaud)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative, own-initiative report because it concerns cohesion policy and the spending of EU money, which we are against. We have also voted in favour of Amendment 1, because it is critical of EU spending and the economy, reiterating rights for sovereign control of these areas.
EU-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)
UKIP voted against this legislative report. Whilst we 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, we do not think that the scheme should be continued and promoted at the taxpayers’ expense.Furthermore, we oppose harmonisation, which we believe that the EU is aiming to achieve through Europass.
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)
UKIP 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.
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)
UKIP MEPs voted against this Resolution. UKIP MEPs are in favour of accelerated planning and favouring lower administrative costs in Europe. UKIP is in favour of increasing direct democracy through greater public participation via different kinds of consultations. However, UKIP MEPs are against any projects that favours EU energy policy and climate objectives. UKIP doesn’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)
UKIP 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. UKIP voted against as we oppose taxpayers’ money being 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)
. ‒ UKIP 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)
UKIP 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. As this would mean more powers for the EU in an effort to have a higher budget, UKIP voted against.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: Annual Growth Survey 2018 (A8-0047/2018 - Hugues Bayet)
European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2018 (A8-0052/2018 - Krzysztof Hetman)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not 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.
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)
. ‒ UKIP 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. UKIP voted against as we 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)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against the Report on the proposal for an EU regulation establishing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme. UKIP is against further EU harmonisation dictated by the unelected EU Commission in Brussels. UKIP is also against the huge financial implication of this project.
Gender equality in EU trade agreements (A8-0023/2018 - Eleonora Forenza, Malin Björk)
UKIP voted against this a non-legislative report regarding gender equality in EU trade agreements. We fully support combating exploitation, improving working conditions for workers and protection of labour rights and human rights. However, we believe this report highly politicises trade, which we oppose. Furthermore, we do not agree with gender mainstreaming, which the EU wants to incorporate into policy and trade negotiations. Gender equality is a cultural change that needs to be achieved through male and female voices.
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)
UKIP have voted against this own-initiative report, as MEPs believe that 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. Furthermore UKIP MEPs disagree with spending any EU funds on this issue. We have also voted against amendment one as we do not believe that it is the EU’s place to introduce mandatory targets.
Marrakesh Treaty: facilitating the access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled (A8-0400/2017 - Max Andersson)
Jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility, and international child abduction (A8-0388/2017 - Tadeusz Zwiefka)
UKIP voted to abstain on this because we believe that the welfare of a child who has been abducted through a matrimonial matter should be protected and the time taken to repatriate the child should be cut and the process made more efficient. However this is really a matter that should be discussed at Member State level and not as a whole block.
Implementation of the Youth Employment Initiative in the Member States (A8-0406/2017 - Romana Tomc)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. We believe firmly in tackling rising youth unemployment but we do not support EU initiative. This report suggests several overbearing policies that allow the Commission to interfere in the domestic policies of Member States, something we cannot support. Furthermore this report fails to address all potential causes of youth unemployment such as the link with mass, uncontrolled immigration.
Implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive and the need for reform in professional services (A8-0401/2017 - Nicola Danti)
UKIP have voted against this own-initiative report. UKIP do not believe that the harmonisation of professional service requirements is necessary. Additionally, UKIP MEPs believe that Member States are more than capable of regulating professional services themselves, without the involvement of the Commission.
Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items (A8-0390/2017 - Klaus Buchner)
. ‒ We voted against this because we feel that the EU has no right to interfere in international trade. Dual-use items are a complex issue, and the EU is aiming to complicate it further with regulations in this already sensitive and difficult area. We feel that the EU’s attempt to cloak this move with concerns about ‘human rights’ is simply a smokescreen for interference and politicising trade.
Promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (A8-0392/2017 - José Blanco López)
. ‒ Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy Directive. The Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reduction. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amounts of money in activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom from absurd targets, unilaterally set by the unelected Commission, will allow Britain to rejoin the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Energy efficiency (A8-0391/2017 - Miroslav Poche)
Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy Directive. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amount of money for activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom towards absurd targets unilaterally set by the unelected EU Commission will allow Britain to re-join the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Governance of the Energy Union (A8-0402/2017 - Michèle Rivasi, Claude Turmes)
Today UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative proposal for a new EU Renewable Energy regulation. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amount of money for activity that will have little or no effect on climate. Independence and freedom towards absurd targets unilaterally set by the unelected EU Commission will allow Britain to re-join the world and enhance liberty whilst protecting the environment.
Management, conservation and control measures applicable in the Convention Area of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (A8-0377/2017 - Linnéa Engström)
Implementation of EU macro-regional strategies (A8-0389/2017 - Andrea Cozzolino)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative own—initiative report on the implementation of EU macro—regional strategies. The EU macro-regions are the Baltic Sea, the Danube Region, the Adriatic and Ionian Region and the Alpine Region. The document encourages improved coordination and better partnerships between different actors and policies at national and regional level. This can be viewed as a move towards further harmonisation of policies. In addition, this document calls on the Commission a number of times. For these reasons, UKIP has voted against this non-legislative report.
Conservation of fishery resources and protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures (A8-0381/2017 - Gabriel Mato)
The many measures in this long, technical report effectively extend the Common Fisheries Policy well into the future. Although we oppose the whole policy as a long-term disaster for the UK and are against the further loading of cost onto the UK’s suffering fishermen, we abstained in order to ensure that the prohibition on electric charge (pulse) fishing comes in as soon as possible and stops this destructive practice.
International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (A8-0399/2017 - José Inácio Faria)
Women, gender equality and climate justice (A8-0403/2017 - Linnéa Engström)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative non-binding report. UKIP opposes the EU climate—change agenda. Whilst there were many sensitive aspects to this report regarding the vulnerability of women and the exacerbation of violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, which we want to tackle, we are against more EU action. This report called for gender mainstreaming within climate—change policy and to impose sanctions on those that did not conform to gender quotas. We disagree with the concept of gender quotas and believe in positions based on merit not gender.Furthermore, we do not support calls for additional funding. Therefore in light of all the above, we opposed this report.
Agreement establishing the EU-LAC International Foundation (A8-0279/2017 - Javier Couso Permuy)
UKIP voted against this legislation. Whilst we agree that the region is important and look forward to improved relations between an independent United Kingdom and the countries concerned, we cannot support the creation of an international organisation by the European Union. We completely reject the development of an EU foreign policy and any budgetary implications in the future.
Schengen acquis provisions relating to the Visa Information System in Bulgaria and Romania (A8-0286/2017 - Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra)
Automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in the Czech Republic (A8-0288/2017 - Maria Grapini)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Portugal (A8-0289/2017 - Jaromír Štětina)
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Greece (A8-0287/2017 - Claude Moraes)
Safety rules and standards for passenger ships (A8-0167/2017 - Daniela Aiuto)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this first reading. It is important to understand that safety rules on passenger ships are important. In no way would UKIP MEPs agree to the EU managing the safety standards of Member States, but at the same time UKIP MEPs would never consider it acceptable to allow the safety of passengers and their rights to be put in danger.
Registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States (A8-0168/2017 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this first reading. It is always important wherever necessary to tidy up the burdensome red tape that is produced by the EU. The amendment to this Directive updates, simplifies and clarifies the existing requirements for the counting and registration of passengers and crew on board passenger ships, whilst enhancing safety levels. However it does not go far enough and one proposal put forward by one of our MEPs is to have CCTV on decking to ensure safety of passengers in the event of any accidents.
System of inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger craft in regular service (A8-0165/2017 - Dominique Riquet)
UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this first reading. This is a review of the existing legislation which aims to simplify and rationalise it. There is a proposal to eliminate the legal uncertainty and redundancy caused by the co—existence of two directives on the inspection of vessels. It is important to ensure that any legislation that is to do with the safety of ro—ro ferries is clear to all parties involved and UKIP MEPs will ensure that no unnecessary red tape will confuse matters and cause any problems.
Objection to an implementing measure: scientific criteria for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties (B8-0542/2017)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean FG72 x A5547-127 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed (B8-0540/2017)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean DAS-44406-6, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed (B8-0541/2017)
Ending child marriage (B8-0535/2017)
UKIP voted to abstain on this non-binding motion for a resolution. We utterly deplore such an abominable crime, and support tackling violence against women. However, we believe that this ought to be conducted at Member State level, and believe it is not for the EU to state where Member States spend their development aid, or to interfere with the financial decisions of international nations. The UK is already committed to the cause of ending forced marriage, duly considering it a criminal act under UK law.
2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany (COP23) (B8-0534/2017)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this Resolution on 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn. UKIP deny the Climate Change alarmism supported by green lobbies, often financed by the EU Commission. They are the cause of current damaging and counter-productive energy policy. The European Commission continues imposing never-ending objectives for emissions reductions. EU policies are forcing the investment of vast amounts of money into activity that will have little or no effect on climate.
State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom (B8-0538/2017, B8-0539/2017)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding resolution. The resolution itself was a co-signed by a number of the political groups in the European Parliament. It included calls for a transition period to be under ECJ jurisdiction, that free movement continue, that Northern Ireland and the UK remain in the customs union, and that talks on a UK-EU trade deal be postponed. UKIP tabled 13 amendments calling for a range of things such as allowing the UK to start trade negotiations with third countries, that the ECJ must have no jurisdiction in the UK, that the Commission does not obstruct the UK bringing in border controls, that there should be no transition deal, and that Gibraltar should not be used as a bargaining chip. Unfortunately all these amendments were rejected. UKIP also tabled its own resolution, however this was not voted on as the joint resolution was passed first.
Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (A8-0205/2017 - Adina-Ioana Vălean)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. UKIP opposes the creation of new EU legislation in this field. UKIP believes it is necessary to increase legal certainty while preserving the environment and public health. However, UKIP insist that all decisions on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances should be taken at national level.
Management, conservation and control measures applicable in the ICCAT Convention area (A8-0173/2017 - Gabriel Mato)
UKIP MEPs reject this legislative proposal because, however powerful the case to conserve tuna by international agreement, the European Union is neither a state nor a nation and should not therefore be trying to behave as one by signing agreements which are by definition for signature by nations: the word ‘international’ means between nations and this is a further example of EU action which may be judged as ‘ultra vires’.
Women’s economic empowerment in the private and public sectors in the EU (A8-0271/2017 - Anna Hedh)
UKIP voted against this non-binding, non-legislative report. Although we fully support tackling discrimination and violence against women; as well as the empowerment of women; UKIP vehemently opposes all forms of gender quotas, gender mainstreaming and in particular the women on boards directive. We believe that such strategies are highly counterproductive and also discriminatory. All positions, including high-level positions ought to be determined by aptitude, and not gender.This report was extremely contradictory; on the one hand it pushed for gender quotas and women on boards, whilst at the same time called for anonymised euro-pass C.V’s, where C.V’s are unable to be determined by a person’s gender.Furthermore, not only was this report seeking to intervene in the employment policy of Member States; we also believe this report was intrusive in the private and domestic lives of families, with regard to the division of care.Overall, this was more interference on the part of the EU and undermines the sovereignty of Member States, via the need to enforce their gender mainstreaming agenda.
Addressing shrinking civil society space in developing countries (A8-0283/2017 - Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report, which wants to address the shrinking civil society space in developing countries. The document states that it ‘believes that a genuinely independent, pluralistic and vibrant civil society is pivotal to a country’s development and stability, to ensuring democracy and respect for human rights, and to building inclusive societies’. This sounds contradictory for an EU institution to say this, as they are more likely to try to control every aspect of a nation state. In addition to this, the report calls on the EU to ‘provide guidance to governments’. The governments of these nation states were elected by their own citizens to run the country how they see fit not by some foreign illegitimate political entity. Furthermore, the report wants to see the integration of all internal and external policies, including justice, home affairs, trade and security policies, in accordance with the principle of policy coherence for development. UKIP do not want to see the harmonisation of policies as it is up to the nation state to amend and implement policy and for these reasons UKIP MEPs voted against this own initiative report.
The fight against cybercrime (A8-0272/2017 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP MEPs believe that co-operation is needed in the fight to combat cybercrime, but that that this should be concluded bilaterally between sovereign nations. UKIP also strongly oppose any attempt by the EU to establish further legal frameworks, particularly when this seeks to establish common definitions on terms associated with cybercrime.
Multilateral Agreement on the establishment of a European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) (A8-0260/2017 - Roberts Zīle)
Subjecting acryloylfentanyl to control measures (A8-0284/2017 - Brice Hortefeux)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. The UK already considers this substance to be worthy of being listed as a Class A drug. Furthermore, the UK is not bound by this decision taken at EU level. UKIP believe that controlling the drug in the EU could be beneficial in combatting the drug being available in the UK.
EU political relations with India (A8-0242/2017 - Cristian Dan Preda)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We do not support the development of any type of EU foreign policy. We look forward to reinvigorating the UK’s ties with our important Commonwealth partners following the UK’s exit from the European Union, on a bilateral basis, when we will able to, once again, negotiate our own trade agreements.
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy (A8-0280/2017 - Giovanni La Via)
UKIP abstained on this legislative decision. This proposal is to give over EUR 1 billion to Italy to help in reconstruction efforts for earthquakes that occurred in 2016 and 2017. While of course UKIP opposes the EU spending any UK taxpayers’ money, the amount given would be budget-neutral. It does not mean the UK has to give more money to the EU, nor would it mean the UK would get money back if this money wasn’t given to Italy. The money will come from funds that had already been budgeted for. To be clear, this would not mean any additional funding is necessary from taxpayers. Additionally as this was for legitimate humanitarian reasons, UKIP felt it would be more responsible to abstain.
Draft amending budget No 4/2017 accompanying the proposal to mobilise the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy (A8-0281/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP abstained on this legislative amending budget. This proposal is directly linked to the ‘mobilisation’ vote to give over EUR 1 billion to Italy for reconstruction efforts due to recent earthquakes. Whilst the other vote is concerned with the principle of giving the EUR 1 billion to Italy, this vote is to make sure that there is technically enough money in the correct budget-line to pay it. As it happens the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) does not have enough money in its budget-line to pay outright. The proposal here is to transfer some money from under used budget-lines, in to the EUSF. This would be budget-neutral and will not require additional funding from taxpayers.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2017/002 FI Microsoft 2 (A8-0278/2017 - Petri Sarvamaa)
UKIP voted against this legislative decision. The proposal is to give over EUR 3.5 million to Finnish workers who have lost their jobs due to Microsoft downscaling its operation in the country. The money will go to areas such as retraining, job seeking, allowances for travel, start-up grants etc. UKIP voted against as we don’t believe UK taxpayers’ money should be used for poor economic decisions in other countries. This is nothing more than EU dole money.
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS): continuing current limitations of scope for aviation activities and preparing to implement a global market-based measure from 2021 (A8-0258/2017 - Julie Girling)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative report on aviation. UKIP believe that the EU Emission Trading System is a huge failure for the EU. It forces industries to comply with absurd standards dictated by the EU Commission’s obsession to limit global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius. The ETS has destroyed our Industry causing a considerable carbon leakage phenomenon. UKIP believe the only solution to this legislative chaos is to reject the EU energy policy together with the entire ETS system. Once out of the EU, the UK should be free from any EU legislation, including the emission trading scheme in the aviation sector.
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)
UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report on land use, land use change and forestry. UKIP rejects the Commission proposal. UKIP denies man—made climate change and believes that CO2 is not a pollutant. New legislation in this field would only bring further bureaucracy and economic damages to this sector. UKIP notes that forestry is not an EU competence.
Uniform format for residence permits for third country nationals (A8-0065/2017 - Jussi Halla-aho)
UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this legislative report. UKIP fully support measures that seek to tackle illegal migrants being able to easily forge residence permits. We cannot, however, support EU legislation and EU harmonisation practices. For these reasons, UKIP voted to abstain on this report.
Objection pursuant to Rule 105: Commission delegated regulation of 2 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the specific compositional and information requirements for total diet replacement for weight control (B8-0497/2017)
Objection pursuant to Rule 106: draft Commission implementing Regulation amending Commission implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/6 as regards feed and food subjected to special conditions governing the import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station (B8-0502/2017)
Draft amending budget No 3/2017: budgetary resources of the Youth Employment Initiative; establishment plans of ACER and SESAR2 (A8-0282/2017 - Jens Geier)
UKIP voted against this legislative amending budget. The proposal has two elements to it. The first (and far more important) is that the budget ceiling for the EU ‘Youth Employment Initiative’ will be increased by an extra EUR 500 million. The second part is minor adjustments to staff posts in the EU decentralised agencies ‘ACER’ and ‘SESAR2’, however no extra staff will be awarded to them. UKIP voted against because we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending taxpayers’ money. Only our elected and accountable national governments should decide employment policies.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A8-0264/2017 - Bodil Valero)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. Arms exports are an intricate part of government policy, linked with both economic well—being and foreign policy interests. Whilst we are concerned at aspects of UK Government policy, in particular regarding Saudi Arabia, there is no justification for the transfer of these powers to the EU which, following Brexit, will be a foreign power.
Corruption and human rights in third countries (A8-0246/2017 - Petras Auštrevičius)
UKIP abstained on this non-legislative and non-binding report. This report raises many important breaches of human rights and corruption of which we are concerned. However, we do not support the development of EU foreign policy or see any added value in EU action that cannot already be achieved by state or international level assistance.
EU-Iceland Agreement on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs (A8-0254/2017 - David Borrelli)
UKIP voted to abstain on this legislative report. UKIP notes that this deal between Iceland and the EU allows EU products with geographical indicators to enjoy that status on the Icelandic market. We note that every two years, the EU and Iceland meet to discuss whether current arrangements are satisfactory. This is a deal which both parties agreed to, and which has minimal impact on the UK. We have no desire to block this deal, so we abstained.
EU-Iceland Agreement concerning additional trade preferences in agricultural products (A8-0256/2017 - David Borrelli)
UKIP voted to abstain on this legislative report. UKIP notes this deal between Iceland and the EU to commit to lowering tariffs between the two parties in agricultural produce. We note that every two years the EU and Iceland meet to discuss whether current arrangements are satisfactory. Iceland's membership of the EEA means that agriculture and fisheries are not covered by usual EU free movement of goods. We do not wish to block this deal, so abstained.
Implementation of the Mediation Directive (A8-0238/2017 - Kostas Chrysogonos)
UKIP have voted against this non-legislative, own initiative report. UKIP are against the EU interfering in the judicial process of Member States. The EU is looking to spend more money on training and promotion of mediation. Mediation is a very good idea and at present the UK has a very successful mediation process which is extremely beneficial and also alleviates cost; it would not be beneficial to support a report that is looking to increase costs.
The functioning of franchising in the retail sector (A8-0199/2017 - Dennis de Jong)
A Space Strategy for Europe (A8-0250/2017 - Constanze Krehl)
Academic further and distance education as part of the European lifelong learning strategy (A8-0252/2017 - Milan Zver)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative non-binding report. UKIP opposes EU interference in the education systems of Member States. Whilst we support lifelong learning and accessibility for all in education, particularly in the digital age, we believe that this is solely an issue of national sovereignty. This report dictates how Member States and institutions should run and invest in their own education systems, which goes against the EU’s own treaties, as stipulated in Article 165 of the TFEU.
Repeal of obsolete regulations with regard to inland waterway and road haulage sectors (A8-0228/2017 - Karima Delli)
Promotion of internet connectivity in local communities (A8-0181/2017 - Carlos Zorrinho)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative report on WIFI4EU. UKIP understands and supports the importance of improved internet connectivity in our society. However, UKIP is against the financial implications of this project. UKIP is against this attempt at EU harmonisation and we believe that efforts to improve internet access and speed should be made at national level.
Measures to safeguard the security of gas supply (A8-0310/2016 - Jerzy Buzek)
UKIP MEPs have voted against this legislative report on the safeguard of gas supply. UKIP believes that the EU should repeal its entire energy legislation. UKIP believes in secure and affordable energy. UKIP wants a stable regulatory system that fosters investment. UKIP wants reliable and affordable generating technologies, like coal, gas, nuclear and hydro, and UKIP wants an end to subsidies that punish consumers and taxpayers and distort markets.
EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (A8-0266/2017 - Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt)
UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP considers violence against women to be a truly abhorrent act and we fully support measures that aim to protect women from violence. With this in mind, UKIP fully supports the UK in its ongoing attempts to fully ratify the Istanbul Convention. UKIP do not, however, support EU accession to this Convention as we do not believe it has the competency to do so. Moreover, we also believe that this report asks the EU to go significantly further than what is outlined in the Convention. We believe that it should be the sole decision of national governments to propose measures that exceed the recommendations outlined in this Convention.
Impact of international trade and EU’s trade policies on global value chains (A8-0269/2017 - Maria Arena)
UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report, as we feel the EU has no right to use trade as a political weapon with which to bully other countries. The EU has a long history of attempting to politicise trade and attaching clauses and demands in trade deals which are purely political in nature. We look forward to an independent Britain forging trade deals that do not include political and economic bullying.
Statute and funding of European political parties and foundations (B8-0405/2017, B8-0406/2017)
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement (A8-0208/2017 - Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative report. The EU seeks to reduce emissions within its borders while forcing energy-intensive industries offshore to jurisdictions with lower emission standards. We in UKIP oppose EU climate and energy policy. We reject climate hysteria and we believe the EU should accept that the Paris Agreement is close to its end.
Objection to Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) No 639/2014 as regards the control measures relating to the cultivation of hemp and certain provisions on payments (B8-0395/2017)
The need for an EU strategy to end and prevent the gender pension gap (A8-0197/2017 - Constance Le Grip)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report. Principally we oppose any form of EU action, and this report was looking to create an EU strategy. UKIP wholly believe issues such as the ones contained within the report, gender discrimination, gender pay and gender pension gap are issues that need to be tackled. However, UKIP believe that this is the sole competency of the individual Member States. This report calls for more legislation and regulation and seeks to interfere within the domestic life of men and women, which we cannot support.
2016 Report on Serbia (A8-0063/2017 - David McAllister)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We are opposed to any expansion of the European Union and all pre-accession related activities. In particular we are opposed to this reports attempts to infringe on Serbia’s sovereign right to exercise independent foreign relations.
State of play of the implementation of the Sustainability Compact in Bangladesh (B8-0396/2017)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. We support efforts to improve standards in labour but are also equally committed to free and open trade and against its politicisation. Any punitive measures that impede this flow of goods will only serve to make both parties poorer.
Increasing engagement of partners and visibility in the performance of European Structural and Investment Funds (A8-0201/2017 - Daniel Buda)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative report. The report ‘points to the increase in Euroscepticism and in anti—European propaganda that distorts information on Union policies, and calls on the Commission and the Council to analyse and address their causes.’ By the sounds of it, the EU wants to spend more money on dead-end projects that do not convey an accurate message to people living in the EU. The document talked about how the EU wants to increase its dialogue with people in Member States, and it has called on the Commission to focus on an action plan for greater communication. UKIP does not support more money being wasted, nor does it believe that the Commission should be doing anything as it is an illegitimate political entity, and for these reasons voted against.
Cost effectiveness of the 7th Research Programme (A8-0194/2017 - Martina Dlabajová, Inés Ayala Sender)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative, non-binding report regarding the 7th Research Programme. The 7th Research Programme was an EU project which ran from 2007 to 2013 and had a budget of EUR 55 billion. The money would be spent on grants for research in Europe, but these would also have to have a ‘European added value’. The report says that there was no cost-benefit analysis of the 7th Research Programme, that there was an error rate of about 5% and that there were shortcomings in the oversight of the programme. The report goes on to call for more synergies between EU funds, and states that the Commission operated the programme effectively. UKIP believes that taxpayers’ money should not be used by unaccountable EU institutions. If we didn’t have to waste so much money on EU membership and bureaucracy, we would have more money available to support research in the UK.
Statelessness in South and South East Asia (A8-0182/2017 - Amjad Bashir)
. – UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding resolution. Whilst we recognise and sympathise with the issues related to statelessness in the region, in particular the suffering of the Rohingya in Myanmar, we cannot support EU action on the matter. We remain resolutely opposed to the development of any EU foreign policy, and this report makes several calls for such EU action.
Cross-border mergers and divisions (A8-0190/2017 - Enrico Gasbarra)
Participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (A8-0112/2017 - Sofia Sakorafa)
Specific measures to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters (A8-0070/2017 - Iskra Mihaylova)
. – UKIP MEPs have voted to abstain on this legislative document. The Commission proposal sought to change some bits of legislation to allow the EU to pay for 100% co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund for reconstruction efforts and also to make it easier to pre-authorise EU money for use in affected countries. The Commission stated that these changes will not need new money or raising of budget ceilings. This proposal has come about primarily because of recent horrendous earthquakes in Italy. This doesn’t mean the EU will be making the UK pay more money - it will just mean the EU will be able to use the money it already has more quickly to help give relief to areas hit by natural disasters.
Energy efficiency labelling (A8-0213/2016 - Dario Tamburrano)
. – UKIP voted against the legislative report on energy labelling. Despite the changes proposed by the EU parliament, we in UKIP believe that the new EU Commission proposal on energy labelling will bring great uncertainty for the industry and great confusion to consumers. We believe that this regulation is unnecessary and that it will be a new EU burden to deal with.
European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 (A8-0061/2017 - Santiago Fisas Ayxelà)
. – UKIP voted against this legislative report, which amended the 2014 decision on the establishment of the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020—2033.This we believe is another propaganda scheme, to promote the EU and its values. This report extends the scheme beyond the EU Member States to allow participation from EFTA and EEA countries, which only confirms the self-promotion of the EU on a wider international scale.
Assessment of Horizon 2020 implementation (A8-0209/2017 - Soledad Cabezón Ruiz)
Building blocks for a post-2020 EU cohesion policy (A8-0202/2017 - Kerstin Westphal)
. – UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report on building blocks for a post-2020 cohesion policy. The document called on the Commission to ensure that there is better cooperation between the ESI Funds and other Union funds. It also endorsed the Paris climate change agreement and the report underlines that the increased visibility of the cohesion policy is vital to fight against Euroscepticism and can contribute to regaining citizens’ confidence and trust. UKIP does not support the Paris climate change agreement nor does it believe in wasting UK tax payers’ money on vanity projects in order for the EU to promote itself.
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.
Uniform format for visas (A8-0028/2016 - Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann)
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.
Combating anti-semitism (B8-0383/2017, B8-0388/2017)
. – UKIP MEPs were permitted a free vote on this non-legislative resolution. UKIP firmly reject all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism. As some amendments concerned sensitive issues, such as the definition of ‘anti-Semitism’ and the right to criticise Israel, UKIP MEPs were permitted to vote based on their own conscience.
High-level UN Conference to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN Ocean Conference) (B8-0382/2017)
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 MEP’s 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.
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)
EU flagship initiative on the garment sector (A8-0080/2017 - Lola Sánchez Caldentey)
. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on 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 affairs. However, the report does talk about greater transparency and traceability of garments and it is calling on the Commission to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and children’s rights. Although the report calls on the Commission a lot, it is centred around human rights, and more specifically children’s rights, and for this reason UKIP abstained.
Annual report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank (A8-0121/2017 - Georgios Kyrtsos)
. ‒ This non-legislative non-binding report, suggests that the EIB should consider demanding more capital from shareholders (i.e. more money from the UK and other Member States) and calls on the Commission and Member States to increase the budget for external lending. Accordingly UKIP voted against it.
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)