Press releases

For more information on any of these stories click here to email John Walden, Press & Liaison Officer.


5 April 2004
Euro MP votes to protect independent meat inspection
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent (30 March) session
of the European Parliament in Strasbourg to protect the quality of red meat
in our shops and helped to thwart plans to privatise meat inspection.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament,
crucially joined other British Labour MEPs in successfully voting against
plans to let large meat producers inspect their own slaughterhouses.  Labour
Euro MPs believe that Britain's current system of independent inspection by
local authority meat inspectors offers a better guarantee of quality and
public protection against disease.
Mrs McNally said, "If we had gone down the road of letting meat producers
inspect their own slaughterhouses there's no telling how food safety could
have been compromised.  It would have been all too easy for employees to be
influenced by bosses to be compliant."
"It's clear to me that we've taken a line that local people, and the British
public in general, would support, and it makes this vote an important
victory for consumer rights and food standards."
The Council of Ministers representing the governments of all the EU Member
States had been backing the new proposals so this reversal in the Parliament
means that conciliation will have to take place to try and reach a
compromise.

15 March 2004
Euro MP disappointed on agricultural reforms
Labour MEP for this region, Mrs Eryl McNally, has just returned disappointed
from the Strasbourg session of the European Parliament where a vote took
place on proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, said, "My fellow
Labour MEPs and I pushed for the EU to press ahead with agricultural reform
but sadly the Parliament voted to support proposals that will, if adopted,
partially roll back reform of the Common Agricultural Policy."
"I am very disappointed about the vote and it shows a reluctance of many
Euro MPs, many of whom are in British opposition parties, to bite the bullet
on this issue."
"Measure supported in the vote, like bolstering subsidies to tobacco and
cotton growers in Southern Europe won't help.  We need to be much more
radical."
"It's no good politicians shying away from telling the truth about the CAP
to constituents in farming areas.  The only way forward in an enlarged EU is
to support a wider range of rural development and to do away with subsidies
for growing crops many of which are not needed."
"The Tories aren't helping by saying there should be reform and then
complaining about it - this is just hypocrisy on their part."
"This latest vote will not move us forward.  Continuing export subsidies
just puts a further nail in the coffin of agricultural workers in the
developing world and leads them into deeper poverty.  I can't stand for that
nor can I understand how any Euro MPs could vote for it and hold up their
heads."
"Change to the CAP must come soon as delay only makes matters worse.  I hope
that the Council of Ministers from the Member States will reject these
backward-looking proposals."
"My Labour colleagues and I will be promoting reforms in the interests of
Britain, of Europe and of a more just world."

Euro MP joins in call to end illegal trade in bushmeat
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, supported the vote in the recent
Strasbourg session of the European Parliament calling for firm action
against the illegal trade in bushmeat.  She says that this threatens the
health of many of Europe's and Africa's poor and contributes to the
destruction of endangered species and habitats in Africa and elsewhere in
the developing world.
Bushmeat is the term used to describe wildlife that is hunted for food in
many parts of the world.  It is mainly associated with Central and West
Africa, and can be anything from gorillas and chimpanzees to antelopes,
porcupines and cane rats.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "Labour MEPs are demanding firm action from the European
Commission and EU Member State governments to tackle the dangerous and
illegal trade in bushmeat.  It is estimated that 5 million tonnes of
bushmeat from the Congo basin in central Africa alone is traded every year.
Very worrying is the fear that an unknown quantity of bushmeat is illegally
imported into the EU."
"Ebola, hepatitis and other dangerous, even fatal, infectious diseases can
be contracted from the consumption of bushmeat.  The meat is consumed by
some of Europe's poorest people, including the UK, and it presents a serious
health hazard."
"We are calling for a proper enforcement regime in the UK and the rest of
the EU to stop the trade and ensure that trading standards officers and the
police are able to identify and destroy dangerous meat."
"We don't want to put the already poor bushmeat hunters into more dire
poverty so we're planning to try and help give them decent alternative ways
of earning a living."
"Unlike the Tories in the European Parliament who want to slash humanitarian
aid, we want to help create sustainable economies in Central Africa and all
the other places where the bushmeat trade thrives.  One example of this
would be changes to the practice of freezing out agricultural produce from
the developing world from over-priced European markets and dumping our
excess production on the world market at a subsidised rate."

26 March 2004
Euro MP wants 'sensible but effective' protection for animals
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is backing plans to further strengthen
protection of animals that will be voted on in next week's European
Parliament session in Strasbourg.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "I know this is an important issue for many of my
constituents so they will be pleased to know that my colleagues on the
Agriculture Committee have recently won some important concessions."
"These include limiting the journey times for animals being taken for
slaughter to nine hours and allowing the UK to ban the export of horses for
slaughter."
"In the full Parliament session next week my Labour colleagues and I want to
press for our policy of limiting journey times for slaughter and fattening
to eight hours."
"I see these proposals as sensible but effective policies that get the
balance right between animal welfare and sustainable farming. "

24 March 2004
Euro MP welcomes decision to protect dolphins and porpoises
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the decision by the
European Council of Ministers to phase out drift nets that kill many
thousands of dolphins every year.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parlaiment, said, "I'm rather disappointed that the Ministers from the EU
Member States have delayed the phasing in of this measure but it's a big
step forward."
"My Labour colleagues and I have been pushing for some time in the European
Parliament to get rid of these killer nets. This has been in response to
the many approaches that we've had from constituents who are concerned about
animal welfare and conservation issues."
"This has come about as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Perversely Tory MEPs have welcomed these proposals but many Tories say they
would scrap the CFP - the very mechanism used to make the changes happen."
"The unnecessary killing of dolphins and porpoises in Europe's seas is a
terrible waste of these beautiful animals and the measures proposed by the
Parliament, and now accepted by Member States, should make a real
difference."

10 February 2004
Euro MP backs protection of dolphins and porpoises
Local MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is joining her Labour colleagues in the
European Parliament to press for the extension of strict rules on fishing
nets to the Baltic to save dolphins and porpoises. This comes about as
Poland and the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are poised to
join the EU - in May this year.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the Parliament,
said, "I know from my post bag that many of my constituents are concerned
about animal welfare and conservation issues. While the Tories complain
about the likely effects of an enlarged EU, Labour MEPs are pushing to make
improvements that can only come about by the arrival of the ten new
countries."
"The unnecessary killing of dolphins and porpoises in Europe's seas is a
terrible waste of these beautiful animals and the measures we're proposing
should make a real difference."
"The Tories seem to want a free-for-all on the seas and that would end in an
ecological disaster. Only Europe-wide action of the type that Labour MEPs
are promoting is the sensible way forward."

Note to Editors
The measures include:
· A general restriction on the length of drift-nets in the Baltic from
1 July 2004, and a further reduction out of drift-net fishing by 1 January
2007;
· Compulsory use of acoustic deterrent devices, known as 'pingers', in
certain fisheries where the risk of catching dolphins and porpoises is
particularly great,
· Introduction of a comprehensive system for monitoring the level of
dolphins and porpoises that are caught, so that policies to cut that level
even further can be introduced.

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has signed a petition to the European Commission asking officials to draft legislation to outlaw the culling of seals across Europe.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European Parliament, said, "British labour MEP have been pushing to get a Europe-wide ban that would see an end to the clubbing to death of baby seals."
"I'm pleased to say that the British government has already stopped seal culling in the UK but by signing the petition we're calling for laws to end this cruel and unnecessary activity across Europe. That would be a first step towards a worldwide ban on this barbarous killing."
"I know from my post bag that many of my constituents fully support the stance of Labour MEPs on this issue. It's only by getting more than half of all MEPs to sign up that we can require the civil servants of the European
Commission to draft new laws. We're calling on Euro MPs from all other parties to back us to put this legislation in place. I hope they won't let down both us and thousands of constituents."

MEP backs final EU deal to ban cosmetics tested on animals

Local Labour Euro MP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has voted in the European Parliament (Wednesday 16 January) to bring about a ban on the sale in Britain and the rest of the EU of virtually all animal-tested cosmetic products from 2009.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “We’ve battled for over ten years to get this ban and it very satisfying to finally get virtually everything we’ve been seeking. The new laws will meet the wishes of thousands of my constituents as well as many more across Europe. Most people want a much more animal friendly world to live in, and that we’ve achieved.”

The new legislation will ban animal testing in the EU from 2009 and will not allow into Britain any beauty and hygiene products tested on animals anywhere else in the world.

Mrs McNally added, “I’m sorry it’s taken so long to enact this very significant piece of animal welfare legislation but we were up against some very vested commercial interests. It’s also a shame that Parliament decided to compromise on the start date because the cosmetic companies wanted more time to develop alternative forms of testing.”

“The good news is that the EU is using it’s powers to get ‘cruel cosmetic’ swept off the shelves.”

On RSPCA calculations around 38,000 animals are used and killed in the EU alone every year for the development of new cosmetic products.

Background

A 1993 EU decision to introduce a sales ban on animal tested cosmetics was overturned by the European Commission in April 2000. Instead, the Commission produced a “watered down” proposal for a ban on testing cosmetics on animals in the EU. After a protracted battle, MEPs successfully reinstated the comprehensive testing and sales ban in the new legislation which will be given final approval this Wednesday.

Many of the big cosmetic companies have tested their products/ingredients - shampoos, shower gel, lipsticks etc - on animals.

An EU sales ban means that cosmetics, tested on animals, cannot be sold in the EU. Cosmetic companies will have to find alternative non-animal tests to sell new products on the European market.

An EU testing ban would end cosmetic testing on animals in the EU. But cosmetic companies could relocate their testing laboratories outside the EU and sell their products as normal on the European market. On it’s own an EU testing ban would export cruelty.

Britain has banned the testing of cosmetics and their ingredients on animals since 1998, but most cosmetics sold in the UK are manufactured abroad and therefore subject to animal tests. Only Holland and Austria have similar bans to the UK. Most European testing is done in France and Italy.

There are 14 different categories of animal tests and this agreement initially covers 11 of the 14. A ban on the use of the remaining three - where an alternative to animal testing simply does not exist - is not due to enter into force before 2013 at the earliest. This means that products evaluated using the three exempted tests will still be able to be sold up to that date too. But MEPs say it would take new legislation to allow cosmetics firms to use the three offending tests after 2014. And they are unlikely to agree to extend the deadline.

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has rejected claims by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) that European Parliament proposals would substantially increase flying hours and put the lives of passengers and crew at risk.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “With both London Luton International and Stansted airports in my constituency I am very keen for pilots and passengers to be clear about these proposals. First and foremost they will not mean that pilots will be forced to work longer hours.”

“The proposals aim to create a European framework for flight time regulations. Instead of having fifteen different systems – one for each Member State – we’d have one common system.

“My Parliamentary colleagues and I will be setting a maximum limit above which pilots can’t be asked to work. British pilots have some of the best rules as far as working time is concerned and there is nothing in this report that stops them from having the same system that they have now.

“This will be good news for British travellers when they fly with other EU airlines as they will know that their pilots too will be subject to this common limit – making European air travel safer.

26 April 2004
"One step nearer to ending printer cartridge scam", says Euro MP
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, supported the successful recent vote in
the European Parliament in Strasbourg that could put an end to big
manufacturers making it impossible to use refillable cartridges in their
printers.
If confirmed at a further sitting of the Parliament and agreed by government
ministers the new rules will pass into law. This will require printer
manufacturers to ensure that in future all inkjet printer cartridges must be
refillable and recyclable.
Mrs McNally, who is the Co-ordinator on industry matters for the European
Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, "My Labour colleagues and I have been
pushing for some time, backed by organisations such as the Consumers'
Association, to end the practice of some manufacturers installing 'smart
chips' which prevent cartridges being refilled-and also suggest that they
are empty when in fact they often still contain significant amounts of ink."
"So many people use these products but just a few manufacturers have got the
market cornered. We intend to put an end to that in the interests of
consumer choice, value for money and for saving our natural resources
through recycling. "
"If we can get this law on the statute book then it will be a major step
forward in both protecting the rights of consumers and benefiting the
environment. I'm pleased that it has been Labour MEPs leading the way on
this issue - the EU again improving people's lives."

Euro MP to vote to tackle counterfeiting and piracy
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is to back a key change in European laws that could help save lives and preserve jobs. New laws to stop
counterfeiting, to be voted on by the European Parliament in Strasbourg this
week, mean there will be a common European approach to tackling this type of fraud.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "It's been estimated that counterfeiting - the passing of
substandard and fraudulently made goods as quality or branded products -
annually costs the UK as much as £1.75 billion in lost VAT alone. That's
enough to build four new regional hospitals - every year!"
"Some of these goods are a serious health threat as well, especially
counterfeit alcoholic drinks, which can contain high levels of spirits meant
for industrial use and which have caused at least one death in the UK in the
last year."
"Other examples of these dangerous goods are toys coated with high levels of
lead and children's clothing made from flammable materials."
"This law isn't about, say, copying a CD for a friend, although that remains
illegal; it's main aim is to put in place the framework that will allow us
to seek out and destroy criminal gangs across Europe."
"It is estimated that as many as 4,000 people in the UK lose their jobs
every year as a direct result of counterfeiting and piracy. Along with the
attendant dangers of counterfeit goods it is absolutely right that the
European Parliament should take swift and effective action."

19 February 2004
Euro MP votes to protect local consumers from disqualified professionals
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, helped win an important victory in the
European Parliament in its recent session in Strasbourg, overturning a
recommendation that could have seen professionals who'd been banned from
practising in one country operating in another. At the same time, however,
the new rules will give new rights to UK professionals, allowing them to
work in all other EU countries as part of a Europe wide recognition of
professional qualifications.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the Parliament,
said, "My Labour colleagues and I were determined to overturn the proposal
that would have allowed medical and other professionals to practise in the
UK and across the EU for up to 16 weeks before registering. This we
successfully did."
"We simply couldn't, for example, give medics who'd been struck off in one
country the chance to hop around Europe doing short stints when they weren't
fit to practise."
"As the EU expands to 25 countries in May this year the notion of
professional people being able to work wherever they wish is very positive.
Free movement of labour in the EU is very commendable as long as it doesn't
give any loophole to those who might be dangerous, who've committed crimes
or have been disqualified. I feel reassured that my constituents will be
protected by our new proposals."
"Another plus to these new rules will be the opportunity for the managers of
our public services to draw in well qualified EU nationals to further
enhance their provision in our local communities."

Notes to editors:
· The legislation is subject to agreement by the governments of Member
States (Council of Ministers) and could come back to the Parliament if the
Council wants amendments.
· The proposed directive will replace 15 existing directives that
regulate the recognition of professional qualifications. Regulated
professions such as doctor, nurse, mid-wife, dentist, pharmacist, vet,
engineer, architect, accountant, tax consultant, physiotherapist,
radiologist, psychologist, sports instructor, tourist guide, surveyor,
estate agent, hairdresser and electrician will be covered.
· Lawyers' ability to practise will continue to be covered by other
directives but the recognition of their qualifications will be covered by
this proposed directive.

Labour Euro MP's airline compensation plan takes off
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the successful vote in the pre-Christmas European Parliament session (18 December) in Strasbourg that saw her party's plans accepted - giving compensation to airline passengers who are let down by their carriers.
Travellers whose holidays and business trips are ruined or delayed by over-booking and unnecessarily cancelled flights could get a minimum immediate compensation of £175.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, said, "For too long
now some airlines have had a very cavalier attitude towards their clients
and many have been treated very shoddily. These new regulations mean that
the bad carriers must clean up their act or face financial penalties by paying compensation to any passengers they let down."
"The European Union acts on a limited numbers of fronts but it makes sense
for all Member States to have a common approach to air travel as it naturally crosses boundaries. So wherever you travel in the current 15 - soon to be 25 - Member States you'll get the same treatment."
"The EU has to be about improving the quality of life of its citizens, and
for those that travel by air - an increasing number year on year - this is
really good news."

Notes to editors
The regulations provide for:-
· In the event of delays, passengers will be offered in all cases meals and refreshments, as well as telephone calls, fax or emails, all free of charge.
· When the time of departure is not until the next day, they should also be offered hotel accommodation and transport to and from the place of accommodation.
· When the delay is over five hours, passengers will have the right to choose between reimbursement of the full price of the ticket or a return flight to the initial point of departure.
· If a passenger is bumped off due to over-booking or a flight is cancelled the following compensation shall be paid immediately:
Flights of 1500 km or less, EUR250 (about £175 at today's exchange rates)
Intra-EU flights of more than 1500 km and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km, EUR400 (about £280)
For all flights over 3500 Km, EUR600 (about £420)
· The proposal excludes helicopter flights, but includes "low fare" airlines.
· The European Commission has declared that similar rules will be drawn up for international rail, ferry and coach journeys.
· The proposal will come into force in 12 months after publication in the Official Journal.

Safety of sea travellers protected in European Parliament
Euro MP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the rejection of a directive in the
recent session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg that set out to
introduce greater competition in port services.
The proposed EU directive would have affected all large ports across Europe,
including the east coast port of Felixstowe and the Channel port of Dover.
It would have meant that all port services - from coffee kiosks to cranes
and loading facilities - had to be put out to tender.
Mrs McNally, who is a Labour member of the European Parliament representing the East of England region, said, "We couldn't get any compromise from the
European Commission on this issue so we had to vote against the whole
package, many parts of which were acceptable. In the end the vote was very
close in our favour.""My Labour colleagues and I are not against competition but we are determined to get a fair deal for dockworkers and to defend safety
standards. It would be very dangerous to enforce open competition on
pilotage as there are huge risks to life and the environment unless the
pilots who help captains bring ships in and out of port meet the highest
standards, and these are founded on good local knowledge and experience."

Euro MP votes for 'win-win' for consumers and farmers on sheep-tagging
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, joined in the successful vote in the
recent Strasbourg session of the European Parliament to introduce a scheme
for monitoring sheep movements that will benefit both consumers and farmers.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "This decision is a real "win-win" situation as it provides reassurance to consumers after recent food scares while giving farmers a workable scheme for keeping track of their animals."
"I was pleased that Parliament was persuaded to reject the EU Commission
proposals, which would have forced farmers to put tags in both ears of all
37 million British sheep - at a cost of nearly £100 million a year. The European Parliament agreed that member states should have the option of adopting the system of batch checking, now in use in Britain. It requires farmers to record the movement of flocks rather than individual sheep."
"The proposed scheme gives consumers the confidence that sick animals can be quickly traced and dealt with, solving one of the great problems revealed by
the horrendous outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Additionally it will mean that farmers have a workable scheme, heading off any risk of overburdening them with red tape."
"This shows yet again that the European Parliament can produce sensible,
workable schemes, that benefit millions of consumers.

Local MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, joined her Labour Party colleagues in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today in approving new rules to make it easier for British nationals to live and work abroad.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “This is a sensible change to the rules and will get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy. More importantly it will make life easier for British people wanting to retire or work in another EU country.

“The EU is meant to provide its citizens with the right of free movement but currently there are too many needless obstacles.

“We’ve set ourselves a target of making the EU the most competitive economy in the world by 2010, and freeing up the movement of people as well as of goods and capital can only help in our aim.

“Some of the European Commission’s proposals will need amendment as the legislative process proceeds as we need to protect against any illegal immigration loopholes. Overall, however, this draft legislation is good news for those wishing to live in other parts of the EU.”

8 March 2004
Euro MP tells students about EU enlargement
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, was a keynote speaker on European
enlargement at the recent inaugural Economics Conference held at Bedford
Modern School and attended by 200 sixth form students.
Mrs McNally, who represents Bedford as part of the East of England region in
the European Parliament, said, "It's always good to discuss European issues
with young people as they're open to new ideas while at the same time being
very critical. The youngsters at the Bedford conference were no different
and it was a pleasure debating with them."
"Meeting them also gave me a chance to explain in more rational terms than
the tabloid press just what the advantages will be of having an enlarged
European Union, moving from 15 to 25 countries in May this year. I was also
able to explode some of the myths and scare stories."
As well as students from the host school others attending came from
Sharnbrook Upper School, Kimbolton School, Bedford High School and Bedford School.
Student Cat Floyd (17), said, "I had no idea how important the imminent
enlargement of the EU was going to be."
Other students, Chris Mason (18) described it as "most informative and
supportive of our studies" and Amar Odedra (18) was pleased that "it was
highly relevant to our courses".
Organiser of the conference, Angela Pollard, Head of Economics at Bedford
Modern School, said, "The event was a great success and plans are already
underway for the next conference to be held at the school."
Other speakers were the former General Secretary of the GMB union, John
Edmonds, Sean Rickard from the University of Cranfield and Nigel Knight
Lecturer in Economics and Politics at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, played host to members of the Friends of Wildeshausen and Evron Associations at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last month (November).
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, said, "It was really
good to have the visitors from Hertford come and see the European Parliament
in action. I'd invited them to come and see what happens in Strasbourg when
I addressed one of their meetings earlier in the year."
The European Parliament has a visitor service that arranges educational
visits to the parliaments both in Strasbourg and Brussels. On this occasion
the Hertford town twinning enthusiasts saw the Strasbourg Parliament in
session from the hemicycle viewing gallery and by coincidence heard
Commissioner Neil Kinnock address the parliamentarians.
They also had a talk about the Parliament from a member of the visitor
service. Of particular interest was the opportunity to question Mrs McNally
and her colleagues. To provide some variety and balance she introduced a
German woman MEP from a different party to her own and a Frenchman from the Socialist Group. In addition she brought her fellow East of England MEP,
the Conservative, Christopher Beazley, to meet the visitors.
Mrs McNally, concluded, "With no overall majority in the European Parliament
we have to rely upon gaining a consensus and that isn't achieved by shouting
across the chamber at one another. Facing a wide range of political views
and national interests we strive to reach a solution that will improve the
lives of all EU citizens. I hope that the people from Hertford got a
flavour of how we go about just that."

Notes to editors
Representatives of the Friends of Wildeshausen and Evron would be willing to
give further quotes. They may be contacted as follows:
David Kirby 558634(H); 538088 (W)
Diane Ferguson   582946(H); 556324(W)

9th December 2003

Labour MEP for the East of England region, Mrs Eryl McNally, who lives in Abbots Langley, was in Watford on Friday (5 December) to introduce her German colleague, Helmut Kuhne, to Labour Party councillors and members. He was a guest of the party at its Christmas social.

Herr Kuhne, is a sociologist by profession and has represented North Rhine-Westphalia for the Social Democratic Party in the European Parliament since 1999.

He joined Labour Party members from Watford and further afield in Hertfordshire at the Trade Union Hall in Woodford Road to give a short address and to discuss EU issues. He was also Welcomed to Watford by Member of Parliament, Claire Ward.

Mrs McNally said, “It was very useful to get a German colleague from the Parliamentary Socialist Group to share his views on the big issues facing the EU. We had a very informative session and what Helmut had to say was very positive about the future of Europe.”

Herr Kuhne said, “One thing I wanted to get over to people in Hertfordshire is that we need the EU to have common institutions to set common rules. The governments of all Member States have voluntarily given away competencies to these common European institutions and this transfer of powers has been ratified by their democratically elected national parliaments. This reality is in stark contrast to what some British national newspapers would have us believe.”

Mike Jackson, Chairman of the Watford Constituency Labour Party, said, “Helmut Kuhne faced some well informed questioning and gave very straight answers. It was very interesting to get a German social democrat’s perspective on EU issues. He certainly found his audience in agreement that the EU should be about creating a social market as opposed to the US style free-for-all.”

Euro MPs at APU
Labour MEP for the East of England region, Mrs Eryl McNally, was in
Cambridge on Friday (5 December) to introduce her German college, Helmut
Kuhne, to staff and students at the APU. Mrs McNally, herself a former
languages teacher and Ofsted inspector, has a long association with the APU
Division of Languages and Intercultural Studies where her colleague was
guest speaker.
Herr Kuhne, is a sociologist by profession and has represented North
Rhine-Westphalia for the Social Democratic Party in the European Parliament
since 1999.
He spoke about the need for the EU to have common institutions to set common
rules. He reminded his audience that the governments of all Member States
had voluntarily given away competencies to these common European
institutions and that this transfer of powers had been ratified by their
democratically elected national parliaments. He added that this reality was
in stark contrast to what some British national newspapers would have us
believe.
Herr Kuhne said that there was no conspiracy to try and make everyone
'European' - whilst being citizens of the EU we would all keep our
nationality and our national identities. He urged his audience to engage in
the debate on the European constitution and to help to present the truth
about the very democratic way in which the EU operates.
Mrs McNally said, "It was a great pleasure to have my colleague from the
Parliamentary Socialist Group speak at the APU. There was an excellent turn
out of staff and students and they had an opportunity of not only hearing a
German view on the EU but to question Helmut on a wide range of issues."
"I'd like to pay tribute to the APU for staging this very interesting
session that all present seemed to enjoy and appreciate."
Click here for the full text of Helmut Kuhne's speech

9 June 2003

Euro MP praises Blue Flag beaches

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the announcement made (5 June) by the EU of the UK beaches which have been awarded the 2003 European Blue Flag for clean water and sound environmental management.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “Again this year we have several beaches in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk that have reached the very stringent standards required to fly the blue flag. Although these may not be on everyone’s doorstep (Editor: see note below for sites) they are our nearest beaches and this is very positive encouragement to visit them.”

“Over several years now this prestigious award has given clear targets for local authorities to aim for and has been a prime motivator in improving beach standards.”

“The investment of millions of pounds of public money is well spent if it means more visitors come to our beaches – more jobs for local people and more money in the local economy.”

“For local residents too it’s good news because their environment is cleaner and safer.”

“Monetary investment has to be complemented by all who use our beaches playing their part to keep them free from litter.”

“I hope this announcements will be acknowledged as a very positive initiative coming from the European Union – something to enhance the quality of life of thousands of people.”

The EU Blue Flag Award is only given to resorts that pass stringent inspections of beach management and safety.

Water must be clean enough to have achieved Guideline Standard - the highest defined by European Law.

Award winners can fly a Blue Flag during the bathing season, from the beginning of June to the end of September.

They must also display water quality and the facilities they provide on easy-to-read signs.

In the East of England the following beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag for 2003: Cromer; Sheringham; Woolverstone Marina; Felixstowe; Southwold Pier; Lowestoft (north and south of the pier); Dovercourt Bay; Great Yarmouth, Gorlestone; Mundesley; Sea Palling

7 April 2004
Euro MP votes to make all paints green
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent (30 March) session
of the European Parliament in Strasbourg to make paint safer and more
environmentally friendly. Her support contributed to the adoption of a
report aimed at phasing out the use of compounds which increase the risk of
asthma.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "This legislation will mean tougher controls on a wide
range of products, including spray paints for cars. While consumers will
still have access to a wide range of paint products the Parliament has
looked to prioritise the protection of public health and the environment."
"Because of their historic and cultural value we will continue to allow
users such as owners of vintage cars and historic buildings to continue to
apply paint containing volatile organic compounds. This will apply only to
be a tiny minority of users and we believe this exception is reasonable."
The new regulations will come into force in two phases in 2007 and 2010. The UK government will have the right to adopt its own market surveillance systems to ensure manufacturers and users are complying with the
legislation.

12 March 2004
Euro MP backs joint research with Israel but condemns its record on Palestine
Labour MEP for this region, Mrs Eryl McNally, who heads up the European
Parliament committee on research for the Socialist group, has given a very
guarded approval to plans to have joint research projects between the EU and
Israel.
Speaking in the Parliament debate in Strasbourg this week, she said,
"Normally a scientific and technological cooperation agreement is
straightforward, very welcome and an occasion for optimism, but not in this
case."
"Israel is a strong scientific country and some very useful
Mediterranean-wide projects, including research into water treatment, have
been carried out and could be carried out in future. However, Israel is not
a normal country because many of the present government's actions are
completely unacceptable: building a fence, occupying territory, breaching
human rights, using repression."
"Despite some joint scientific projects with Palestinians, I have had
complaints regarding barriers to some of that work."
"I certainly don't want people to see our signing or ratifying this
agreement to be perceived as giving the green light and an encouraging
signal and endorsement to the actions of the Israeli Government."
"After a lot of soul-searching most of my Labour colleagues and I have come
to the conclusion that science and research are positive, that the results
of that work are of benefit to human beings and that this allows dialogue
and provides an opening for work with Palestinians."
"Although we have great reservations we're putting our faith in the
possibility that the scientific dialogue, without any endorsement of the
Israeli Government's actions, will bring some progress. We want Palestinian
participation without barriers or handicaps."
"We do not want the Israeli government, whose actions we strongly condemn,
to misinterpret this decision and we shall be closely monitoring the
progress of these joint initiatives."

23 February 2004
"Bigger EU means a cleaner Europe", says Euro MP
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has backed plans to clean up the Med - a move she says will make for much cleaner beaches for British holidaymakers
to visit on mainland Europe. This comes as the European Parliament voted to
endorse new proposals to combat pollution from ships and to clean up faster
in emergencies.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "Perhaps the most significant feature to updating and
strengthening current legislation is that from 1 May we'll have two new
Mediterranean countries - Cyprus and Malta - joining the EU. Our community
laws on pollution are much tougher than those that generally apply so this
is good news for anyone holidaying in these areas."
"Millions of British people, many from this region, take a holiday in the
Med. The bulk of these are beach holidays and because of co-operation by
all EU Member States people know that cleanliness issues are being
addressed."

"Last month the Parliament debated proposals to reduce pollution in our
rivers and with several Baltic states joining the EU in May these will have
a big impact. Anyone in doubt about the enlargement of the EU just needs to
see the very positive effect that our tough community laws will have in
making us a much cleaner, greener, Europe."

Notes to editors:
· The recent vote is a step towards updating and strengthening the
1977 Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against
Pollution.
· Six million people from Britain visit Spain every year, three
million travel to Greece, two million go to Italy and one million go to
Cyprus.

29 January 2004
MEP speaks at European renewable energy conference
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, recently (21 January) spoke at a
conference on renewable energy in Berlin. The event, entitled "Intelligent
Policy Options", was organised by the European Commission in association
with various other bodies including the European Forum on Renewable Energy
Sources of which Mrs McNally is a recent past President.
The aim of the conference was to analyse policy developments in the field of
renewable energy over the past four years and to look forward to policy
opportunities and market prospects for the fifteen years.
Mrs McNally, who is the spokesperson on energy matters for the Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, "There was unanimous agreement that we should proceed without delay in setting new ambitious targets of 20% of all energy being from renewable sources by 2020. This would include not just electricity generation but also fuels for transport, heating and cooling.
"Over 45 countries attended the conference and we agreed that the new
targets were needed to provide medium and long term investment security for
companies in the field and to help bring about a substantial increase in the
use of renewables."
"In addition renewable energy sources would improve the security of supply
in Europe, and in developing countries would help to provide access to
energy in support of poverty eradication leading to economic development."
"The threat of climate change demands that the proportion of energy provided
by renewable is dramatically increased."
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "Here in our region many initiatives are taking place on
the renewable energy front, notably the development of offshore wind
turbines. This is not only good for the reason given above but it also
provides jobs and improves our local economy."

"EU means a much cleaner, greener Europe," says Euro MP
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, says that with eight Eastern European countries, along with Cyprus and Malta, joining the EU on 1st May of this year, business and holiday travellers can look forward to much better water
cleanliness standards than hitherto.
Joining the European Union will mean the countries of Eastern Europe will be forced to match the strict regulations of the current 15 Member States when it comes to cleaning up rivers and seas, thanks to measures approved in the recent (10 January) session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European Parliament, said, "This is very good news for the whole of the EU but in particular for those local people who choose to travel to these new 'accession' countries or visit the North Sea coast."
"We've toughened up laws on detergents and this will result in much better quality of water in our rivers and seas. The big bubble bath that many Eastern European rivers currently represent will become a thing of the past.
In particular those rivers that drain into the Baltic and then into the North Sea will become cleaner - very good news for local people."
"In Western Europe the levels of phosphates in drinking water have fallen by between 50 and 80 per cent since the early 1980s. This new measure will tighten up on labelling of detergents and ensure they will eventually break down into safe components once they are discharged into water. The new regulations will cover all 25 EU Countries so it just goes to show that working together on some issues we can achieve much more than working alone - that's what the EU is all about."

13 January 2004
Euro MP raises safety concerns in EU nuclear debate
Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, who represents the East of England region, took part in a recent European Parliament debate (Monday 12 January) and raised grave concerns about the safety of the nuclear power industry.
Mrs McNally, who is the spokesperson on energy issues for the Parliamentary Socialist Group, said that by speaking in the debate she was doing her duty by representing the very real fears and concerns of European citizens,
including her own local constituents.
She said, "My views about the future of nuclear power are quite pessimistic. Market liberalisation means that there is practically no future for nuclear power without a huge change in the ability of states to promote it. "
"There is an ever-present danger of nuclear accidents and uncertainty surrounding the disposal of existing radioactive waste. The situation has been further worsened by 11 September and the resulting serious security
question. Sadly the EU Member States were cowardly by failing to grab the opportunity to make changes to the Euratom Treaty as part of the recent European Convention."
"Many people in this region and across the UK don't accept the safety of so-called deep geological burial of nuclear waste. We must look at other possibilities, including partition and transmutation. The issue of decommissioning funds is one that has been rightly raised."
"I read recently that Germany has come up with a somewhat bizarre solution which appears to be to cover nuclear power stations with artificial fog! Frankly, we need to be a little bit more constructive than that."
"The reports we discussed in the Parliament are worthy of support but a lot more needs doing by the European Commission and EU Member States if citizens' worries on nuclear safety, that I hear, are to go away."

19 December 2003
"Jobs and environmentally friendly electricity - a great combination", says Euro MP
Local MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, who has a special responsibility for energy
matters in the European Parliament, has welcomed the government's
announcement that the east coast will have two more offshore wind farms for
electricity generation.
The UK's Department of Trade and Industry has just announced that fifteen
new sites are to be granted licences for marine wind farms and two of these
are off the Norfolk coast - Sheringham and Dudgeon East.
Mrs McNally is the Parliamentary Socialist Group's spokesperson on energy
matter and was until recently the President of the European Forum on
Renewable Energy Sources. She said, "This is excellent news for the region.
This is cutting edge technology with a large capital investment. This will
be good for job creation and the local economy as a whole, and importantly
the electricity generated is 'green'."
Representing the East of England region for the Labour Party, Mrs McNally,
added, "
The UK is considered to be the windiest country in Europe and much attention
is being paid to our region's coast. The region's first offshore wind farm
- at Gunfleet Sands, off Clacton-on-Sea, - was recently given permission to
start work."
"It has been estimated that our present electricity needs could be met more
than three times over by offshore wind energy. The government has a
commitment that 10% of electricity in the UK should be generated from
renewable sources by 2010, but I'm hoping that we can do even better than
that."
"Clean, renewable energy, like that generated in these wind farms, is the
way forward for a sustainable energy policy. This latest news provides jobs
and environmentally friendly electricity - it's a great combination and will
benefit people across the East of England."

East coast wind power will give lots of clean energy
Euro MP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the recent announcement by the
government giving permission for work to commence on the building of an
offshore wind plant. It will be situated at Gunfleet Sands, 4 miles from
Clacton-on-Sea in Essex.
Mrs McNally, who is a Labour member of the European Parliament representing the East of England region, said, "This is part of the government's ongoing programme to significantly increase its supply of wind-generated electricity over the next several years."
Mrs McNally, who is a former President of the European Renewable Energy
Forum (EUFORES) said, "This is a 108-megawatt plant that is expected to
produce enough clean energy to meet the annual electricity requirements of
about 85,000 average U.K. households. It will mean less reliance on fossil
fuels and the much more dangerous nuclear power."
As the Co-ordinator for the Socialist Group on the European Parliament's
committee dealing with energy matters, Mrs McNally, added, "This is a very
welcome development that will, no doubt, be followed by other schemes
harnessing the great power of offshore wind. These will have not only help
the environment but will importantly generate jobs in the region."
Work is planned to commence in 2005 and will be carried out by GE Wind
Energy.

Local Member of the European Parliament Eryl McNally has welcomed the Parliament's approval of a report that calls for more funding for research in the European Union.

Mrs McNally, Labour member for the East of England, backed the report by her German colleague Rolf Linkohr during Tuesday's vote at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The report asks the countries of the EU to implement an agreement made in Barcelona in 2002, which set the goal of three per cent of the EU's wealth to be spent on research by 2010.

Speaking after the vote, Mrs McNally said: "Basic research is the best method for promoting economic growth and creating jobs, and we strongly support the Barcelona objective. However, we now need the governments of EU countries to show a greater will to follow-up and reach this goal."

She added: "There is a great potential for science in Europe, but we need appropriate funding in order not to waste the promise shown by many young scientists, especially women. Their talents and innovation can benefit us all if we give them the necessary political support."

Mrs McNally also underlined the importance on a local level. "The East of England is the leading UK region in terms of research, yet we still fall behind the levels in the United States, and in other EU countries such as Sweden and Finland", she added. "We need greater public and private funding to achieve the target that we have set - a target that will help to create a dynamic and growing economy that will benefit citizens across Europe, including the people of the East of England."

14th July 2003

Euro MP welcomes more wind power

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the announcement by Trade Secretary Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, MP, for the development of the next generation of offshore wind farms. Some of these will be off the north Norfolk coast in the Greater Wash.

Mrs McNally, who is President of the European Forum on Renewable Energy Sources said, “This is good news for our region as it will bring much needed jobs. Not only that but it has benefits for the wider community in that it will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels or dangerous nuclear power.”

Mrs McNally, who is also the Co-ordinator on energy matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, “The UK government’s Energy White Paper committed us to providing 10% of energy from renewable sources by the year 2010 and my wish to see a greater percentage is encouraged by this initiative.”

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, added, “Our region has prime sites for offshore wind power generation. Already we’ve started building one of the country’s first such sites at Scroby Sands near Great Yarmouth.”

20 May 2003

Euro MP says companies must pay for environmental damage

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent (14th May) European Parliament session in Strasbourg for new rules to make companies fully liable for the repair costs of the environmental damage they cause.

Speaking after the successful vote Mrs McNally said, “This is a common sense proposal for environmental protection although it won’t go down very well with rogue companies that pollute our environment. It’s about time they were made to pay the full costs of repairing their damage.”

“In the past companies have been fined for their pollution but that nowhere near meets the real costs of cleaning up so all too often it’s the council tax payer who foots the bill.”

“This should send a clear message to companies that they must be responsible and mend their ways. It’s not been uncommon for toxic chemicals to be dumped causing untold damage to rivers and drinking water supplies. This just can’t go on.”

"The European Commission estimates that some 300,000 sites across Europe are definitely or potentially contaminated and the clean-up costs are estimated at anything up to £75 billion. We want to make sure that the company that caused the damage pays for the restoration of contaminated sites.”

“Enforcing the polluter pays principle will put a lot of pressure on companies to take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of environmental accidents. We’re exploring a number of ways in which companies can be made to have the financial wherewithal to pay for any environmental damage they cause.”

Under current UK law you can be taken to court and fined for damage done to the environment. But you are not liable for the full costs of repair.

The European Commission has brought forward draft EU laws establishing a new principle of strict liability that will ensure that companies will have to pay the full costs of remedying serious environmental damage to land, water and biodiversity.

The proposals must be agreed by EU Governments before becoming law. But MEPs have equal power with EU Governments in drafting this legislation, they can reject the whole proposal if they do not agree with the final text.

23 April 2003

Euro MP says we can match the Azores for renewable energy

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has recently visited the Azores at the invitation of a Portuguese Euro MP to carry out a fact-finding mission into their use of renewable energy sources. She found that on one island these account for 80% of their energy production and she says that this region has the right conditions to do similar.

Mrs McNally, who is President of the European Forum on Renewable Energy Sources, said, “Here in the East of England we also have a great potential to use renewable energy sources. Both offshore and on-shore wind power is just waiting to be harnessed. With our excellent agricultural land we can also produce the crops to provide ‘biomass’ fuel.”

“The European Parliament is very keen to encourage partnerships between projects in different countries to promote the use of renewable energy sources (RES). Funding is available to projects where partners come together to share expertise.”

“It’s vitally important that we develop these new RES technologies. It will lead to far less reliance on energy supplies from outside the EU and will help in meeting our Kyoto commitments on reducing greenhouse gases.”

“I’m pleased to say that agreement is likely this week in the Parliament on my ‘Intelligent Energy’ report. This proposes that the EU becomes the most ‘energy intelligent’ economy in the world, having the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency as the cornerstone of its energy policies.”

“If Member States agree, this will release 200 million Euros (just under £140m) for renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes.”

7 April 2003

Statement in response to Eastern Daily Press article (31 March 2003) on biofuels

“As President of EUFORES (European Forum on Renewable Energy Sources) this is the kind of initiative that I strongly support. Last year I hosted a UK conference in the East of England region on biofuels and am very keen to see their use encouraged.”

“I’ve had discussions with British Sugar about biofuels and see the East of England as a perfect region for growing biofuel crops.”

“The European Union is shortly bringing into law a directive urging governments to support biofuels. I’m delighted that this action is being taken and I’ll be writing to Chancellor Gordon Brown to encourage him to be as generous as he can be.”

“Biofuels offer great advantages. First and foremost they strengthen our security of energy supply and therefore make us less dependent on world events in the oil producing regions (many of which are politically unstable).”

“They also help protect the environment as they are carbon dioxide neutral (they absorb from the atmosphere as much carbon dioxide as they produce when broken down or burnt).”

“A further positive aspect is that they make us economically competitive. Of particular importance to our region is the potential to provide jobs for people – maybe thousands as biofuels catch on.”

'Made in EU' label not even a runner", says Euro MP
Labour MEP for the region, Mrs Eryl McNally, says that the idea of having
products made in the EU carry a label to that effect is very unlikely to be
even considered formally.
Mrs McNally, who is the spokesperson for the European Parliamentary
Socialist Group on industry matters, says, "Contrary to what some newspapers said this is not something on which the European Commission - the EU's civil servants - is formulating possible legislation. It was simply the subject of one of their working parties."
"I don't see any advantage to consumers in this idea; if anything it would
remove useful information. People would much prefer to see local or
national names of origin on products."
"All the signs are that this will be a non-runner as two of the biggest EU
economies - the UK and Germany - are against it along with Ireland which
currently holds the EU presidency charged with putting legislation on the
statute book."
"This may be a good reminder to constituents not to believe the scare
stories that some newspapers promote. The EU has to be about common senseand on this issue keeping our current labels is best."

Letter to the Editor: Enforcing the rights of businesses and individuals across the EU

Dear Editor
I sometimes hear people say that the UK seems to be the only Member State of the EU that implements and enforces European law. However erroneous I
believe that assertion to be those doubters may get some reassurance when it
comes to their rights under the Internal Market, as a new body (SOLVIT) has
been set up to ensure the law is enforced.
The Internal Market offers exciting opportunities to citizens who want to
live and work in another Member State and to companies who want to expand
their markets. Generally the Market works well but sometimes individuals
and firms run into problems resulting from the misapplication of Internal
Market rules by a public administration in another Member State.
Problems faced by citizens and companies that SOLVIT could deal with
include: recognition of professional qualifications, access to education,
motor vehicle registration, resident permits, voting rights, employment
rights, free movement of capital or payments, to mention just a few.
SOLVIT has been set up to resolve such problems as efficiently as possible,
without the need for legal action. The main advantages are transparency and
speed (SOLVIT aims to deal with cases within ten weeks) and the fact that
the scheme is free of charge.
Anyone wishing for more information should contact me or visit the SOLVIT
website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/solvit

Removal of zero rate VAT on poppies: Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor
I think it's important that readers be told that recent stories in national
and London newspapers about the European Commission planning to put VAT on poppies sold by the British Legion are yet more scare mongering about the
EU.
I've checked with the Commission (which the papers concerned could have done before publishing their misleading articles) and it is clear that under the
proposals all EU Member Stares will be able to retain zero rate VAT on the
supply of goods and services by organisations recognised as charities and
engaged in welfare work.
It is completely untrue, therefore, that the Commission's rationalization plans would "end VAT breaks for British charities" as reported by some mischievous papers and similarly it is totally incorrect that "Brussels buried the idea" of removing zero-rating for charities in its proposals.

Local Member of the European Parliament Eryl McNally has condemned the remarks made by the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, to a German colleague during a debate at the European Parliament at Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Forty of Mrs McNally's constituents from the East of England region, who were taking part in a visit to Strasbourg to find out more about the European Parliament, were in the chamber as Mr Berlusconi compared Martin Schulz to a Nazi concentration camp commandant.

Mrs McNally, who had earlier hosted a meeting with the group and other MEPs, said, "My guests saw the best and worst aspects of the European Union today. They listened to and discussed important issues with a number of hard-working colleagues from the European Parliament.

"Mr Berlusconi's disgraceful remarks, however, were a throwback to old attitudes that we thought had been done away with - and were certainly unworthy of a President of the European Council."

She added, "All of my visitors were shocked to see such a senior politician, who was supposed to be presenting his plans for the future of the European Union, use insults that remind us of Europe's bloody past.

"My hope now is that Mr Berlusconi will apologise and that the Parliament can get on with its work with the Italian government to help tackle issues of importance to the citizens of Europe."

9 June 2003

“Uncertainty on Euro introduction gives fears for jobs” says MEP

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the likelihood that the government will announce today that a decision has been made in principle to join the Euro.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, said, “Clearly it’s important that we do things at the right time. Nevertheless I’m disappointed that it seems no timetable will be set for the introduction of the Euro. Had that been the case then an information campaign could have begun with some purpose.”

“The delay and uncertainty surrounding the Euro gives me fears for manufacturing jobs in the region. The sooner we join the Euro the better it will be for the local economy.”

“If we’ve not met all of the ‘five tests’ then I’d like to see the Chancellor set out a detailed roadmap and timetable on how Britain will overcome any remaining obstacles to joining the Euro."

10 April 2003

Euro MP says EU enlargement is good for us

Mrs Eryl McNally, Labour MEP for our region, took part in an historic vote in the European Parliament (Wednesday 9 April) to sign off ten Accession Treaties bringing Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Cyprus into the EU in 2004.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, said, “This is a very historic moment considering that some of these countries didn’t even exist fifteen years ago and one was engaged in a bloody war.”

“The enlargement of the European Union from fifteen to twenty-five Member States will transform Europe. It creates a great swathe of Europe in which democracy, peace and human rights prevail.”

“It is also an important step for the future security of Europe as well as bringing great economic benefits to all Member States. This is good news for our region’s firms and their workers as vast new markets will open up to our products and services.”

Euro MP says EU accounting reforms on the way

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has backed the European Parliament's Budget Control Committee that yesterday (Monday 24 March) voted overwhelmingly to approve the European Commission's accounts for 2001. However, she says that promised accounting reforms in the European Commission are only being slowly achieved but they are going in the right direction.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, said, “I still have concerns about weaknesses in the accounting system and the slowness of the improvements, but I think giving our support to the Commission at this time is the best way forward. I have no wish to destabilise the Commission, which is what might have happened if the budget committee had refused to clear the accounts.”

"Parliamentarians have been given an assurance by the Chief Internal Audit Officer that the reform process is going in the right direction, but I know my colleagues in the Socialist Group who have oversight of these issues will be keeping a watchful eye on the pace of reform not only in relation to the accounts but also to the tough targets set for the European Commission.”

“People should know that much of the weakness of the accounting system lies with how the fifteen Member States deal with EU finances, so the fault doesn’t just lie within the Commission.”

“Sadly the Tories in the European Parliament only seem able to ask for heads to roll instead of supporting a sensible reform process and having proper controls in place; only this will restore public confidence in the EU. I believe progress is being made.”

Euro MP hosts Polish Ambassador in Stevenage

Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, who represents Stevenage in the European Parliament, hosted a meeting on Saturday 1 March addressed by the Polish Ambassador, His Excellency Dr Stanislaw Komorowski, at Moss Bury Primary School. The packed meeting was attended by Labour Party members from across Hertfordshire, who heard a Polish view on the social implications of enlargement of the EU. Poland hopes to join the EU, along with nine other countries, in June 2004.

Mrs McNally said, “We were very privileged to get Dr Komorowski to come and explain how Poland, the largest of the new applicant countries, sees the challenges ahead not only for his country but for the whole newly enlarged – 25 member – European Union.”

She added, “The Ambassador willingly and candidly answered many questions from a very interested audience. It gave us a chance to reflect on the many advantages the EU has given the UK and how other countries wish to join us. This can only be a good thing for peace and stability as well as for jobs and quality of life across Europe.”

Dr Komorowski, a fluent English speaker, said that all was not plain sailing for his county’s entry, as it would ultimately be decided by a referendum of the Polish people. Most Poles wanted to join but Polish voters didn’t always turn out, so the outcome was in the balance.

One difficulty he saw was similar to many present Member States as well as applicant countries and that was the lack of knowledge that easily translated into apathy or opposition.

The Ambassador was sure that young, more educated Poles would see the benefits of an enlarged EU containing Poland. It was perhaps more difficult to convince older people, some of whom had become unemployed since the fall of Communism in 1989.

He looked forward to EU reforms, necessary to keep it competitive and innovative in an increasingly complex global environment. Above all he wanted to see Poland’s gross national product (GDP) per capita catch up as quickly as possible with that of the current fifteen Member States. He hoped Poland would be able to join the European Monetary Union by at least 2006 or 2007. Being in the ‘Eurozone’ and using the Euro would hopefully deliver efficiency, productivity and reduced prices.

Dr Komorowski felt that Poland’s membership would enrol them in the ‘European family’ of democratic nations but at the same time would give them the chance to share their knowledge of Central and Eastern Europe with other Members States, maybe providing a bridge to avoid the isolation of former Soviet countries that aren’t joining the EU.

He said that Poland is a keen supporter of the EU’s Common European Defense and Security Policy as well as NATO. He hoped that Poland, as a new EU member, could contribute to the strength and stability of Europe.

12 February 2004
Report into children's deaths suppressed by European Parliament - "totally irresponsible" says MEP
A scientific committee of the European Parliament has decided to suppress a report which looked into the deaths of small children caused by choking on
the plastic toys contained in certain chocolate products in a vote today
(Thursday) in Strasbourg.
Local Labour MEP Mrs Eryl McNally, who is vice-chair of the Scientific and
Technological Options Assessment (STOA) committee, called the decision
"irresponsible in the extreme and a direct result of intensive pressure from
the manufacturers, almost to the level of harassment".
Mrs McNally commented: "Parliament loses all credibility when it gives in to industrial interests and withholds information from the public in this way. It is shocking that the tragedy of death by choking in small children cannot be investigated.
"We commissioned the report from an extremely reputable British team and it
was positively evaluated by a group of very eminent scientists. Although the
risks of choking when toys are included in confectionery are small, they do
exist and some manufacturers have ceased to make such sweets for this very
reason. They are banned in the US."
Mrs McNally will shortly publish the report on her website
(Click here to read report) and is prepared to defend her actions to the
Parliament's services should they object. She added: "I will not be a party to this censorship at the request of industry."

"Disease control is paramount", says Euro MP
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is supporting draft legislation in the
European Parliament for the establishment of a European Centre for Disease
Prevention and Control. Proposals are under discussion in the current
session of the Parliament in Strasbourg.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the Parliament,
said, "The risk of biological epidemic is extremely great and I'm joining my
fellow members of the Parliamentary Socialist Group in pushing for swift and
firm action to assess and control the threat."
"This is, once again, an issue on which Europe's governments can act more
effectively in unison, through the EU, than on their own. The threat to the
health of my constituents and to all other residents across Europe - from
the rapid spread of disease - is real and with us now.
"Millions of people are flying around the world and could innocently be
bringing back, say, a SARS-like virus, putting the health of many others at
serious risk. Working together through this proposed agency the 15 Members States of the EU, soon to be 25, can take swift and co-ordinated counter measures. This is another positive aspect of the EU's enlargement that takes place in May this year."

13 January 2004
Euro MP welcomes sudden death syndrome investigation
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the decision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the levels of sudden deaths amongst hitherto healthy children and young adults.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European Parliament, said, "It's estimated that this syndrome accounts for up to eight deaths a week across the UK and it must be very distressing for those
families involved. I'm very pleased that the WHO has responded positively to the request, made by two of my Labour parliamentary colleagues, for the syndrome to be officially recognised and to be properly investigated."
"The WHO's earlier involvement in recognising Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) led to so-called 'cot deaths' falling by 70% in a decade. It's only by identifying and studying the syndrome that possible measures can be
provided to prevent it."
"Due credit should be paid to the many families who have called for action on this issue and it's also gratifying that European Parliamentarians have been able to play their part in getting the WTO to take this small but significant step forward."

Notes to editors
More information on Sudden Death Syndrome can be found at
http://www.c-r-y.org.uk

18 December 2003
Euro MP votes cheaper NHS drugs
The recent European Parliament session (17 December) in Strasbourg saw local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voting to limit patents on prescription drugs. This will mean that they will be available in cheaper, but equally
effective, generic form after ten years of being licensed for use in the UK.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, said, "This is good
news from the EU both for patients and the NHS. With drugs bills rising
year on year, particularly with more costly treatments, we need to keep this
expenditure under control if we are to be able to properly fund other
aspects of our health service."

"This also encourages our excellent pharmaceutical industry to continue to
invest in research for new and better treatments. They know they will get a
decent return on their work but that after ten years others will be allowed
to produce generic forms of their drugs."
"Labour Euro MPs also took the opportunity to insist that it will become a
legal requirement to stamp drug containers with Braille to avoid blind and
partially sighted people from having accidents with their prescriptions."
"A further aspect of the new law that we expect to follow this vote is that
companies will be banned from direct advertising of prescription drugs to
consumers. Much of it is irresponsible and it's not what my Labour
colleagues and I see as appropriate for protecting the principles of the
NHS. We certainly don't want to see an American style health service or the
one that many Tories favour where the ability to pay would be paramount."

28th October 2003

Euro MP supports EU clampdown on 'Organ Transplant Tourism'
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has backed tough new proposals in the
European Parliament to clampdown on the illicit trade in human organs -
including proposals which would mean that wealthy European patients who pay living donors from developing countries for their organs would face criminal
charges.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "It's rather perverse that EU law covers trafficking in
human beings for sexual purposes or labour, but not the donation of human
organs. We should close that legal loophole."
"The trade in illegal human organs can only be expected to grow as medical
progress increases transplant demand and the Internet facilitates the
identification of potential donors."
"A clear definition of illegal organ trafficking across the EU needs to be
put in place along with a set of minimum penalties which are tough enough to
act as a deterrent. This is a repugnant trade that needs EU action."
"Over the last twenty years or so the number of cases of so-called
'transplant tourism' - where EU citizens go abroad and pay for organ
transplants - has continued to rise. Allowing wealthy British and other EU
residents to exploit the poverty of those in the developing world must
stop."
"I hope the governments of all EU Member States will address as a matter of
urgency the severe shortage of organs for transplant."

7 October 2003

Euro MP welcomes EU ban on “low tar” cigarette labels

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the EU ban introduced on 1 October that sees the end of cigarette marketing using terms such as ‘mild’ and ‘low tar’. The directive also requires giant health warnings – covering at least one third of the packet – for cigarettes.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European Parliament, said, “These rules are now in force across the UK and the rest of the EU. I very firmly agree them and hope that they’ll go some way to dissuading people from taking up this life-threatening habit.”

“For too long now the tobacco industry has got away with giving people the impression that their product carries little or no risk. So much death and suffering is due to smoking – a great price to pay for families as well as the health service.”

“The European Parliament has had to work very hard over several years against a barrage of tobacco industry propaganda. With this ban in place we’ll now direct our thoughts to how we might use graphic pictures to further deter people from taking up this killer habit.”

6 October 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is backing the launch in the European Parliament of a new Europe–wide campaign on sudden death syndrome. The syndrome is a sinister version of ‘cot death’ affecting young people and adults that is thought to claim up to eight lives a week in the UK. This was thought to be the cause of the recent sudden death of the former West Ham soccer star from Cameroon – Marc-Vivien Foé.

Mrs McNally, said, “I’m supporting Labour colleagues in the European Parliament who are calling on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to officially recognise and name the syndrome. Since cot deaths were officially recognised as SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, over 10 years ago, deaths have fallen by 70%.”

“The tragic death of the international soccer star has highlighted the worrying number of cases of children, young people and otherwise healthy adults, who die suddenly every year. These people appear to have no symptoms, seem fit and healthy, but they collapse without warning or die in their sleep and there is little or no chance to save them."

"These unexplained sudden deaths are often classified as death from natural causes. Not until the syndrome is named, via the WHO’s International Disease Code, and the deaths can be logged will it become possible to study them systematically, identify their causes and find ways of preventing them from occurring.”

“Readers with web access will be able to visit the UK charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) at www.c-r-y.org.uk who are asking people to send a model letter to the UK’s National Statistics Office.”

8 September 2003

Euro-MP backs EU disability rules

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent European Parliament session in Strasbourg for the introduction of a new UN Convention on Disabilities.

After a decade of campaigning by disability rights organisations, and with a new Disability Convention under active consideration in the United Nations, the vote in the European Parliament comes at a critical time in the decision-making process. EU votes will tip the balance and ensure international agreement in the UN for the first time.

Mrs McNally, said, “It seems bizarre that there is a Convention in the UN on the rights of black and ethnic minorities, women and children but none on disabled people, who still seem to be overlooked.”

“The UN held a Year of Disabled People ten years ago yet we still await a Convention on the disabled. The introduction of a Convention acknowledging disability rights across the world is long overdue.”

“We have very strong laws on disability in the UK and our European partners have followed similar lines. Of more importance are the developing countries where the disabled are too often left with few, if any, rights. A Convention would go a long way to ensuring that governments do not renege on their responsibilities to their citizens.”

“I’m pleased that as Euro MPs we have taken this opportunity to put pressure on the UN to allow the disabled to have their rights acknowledged and protected at the highest level.”

4 June 2003

Euro MP backs EU moves on breast cancer

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is backing moves in the European Parliament to cut the incidence of breast cancer and to improve treatment for women who suffer from it.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “Sadly most people will know of someone who has had breast cancer as it is all too common and, worse still, cases continue to grow. Across Europe over 200, 000 women fell victim to this in 2000 and nearly 80,000 died as a result. For women between the ages of 35 and 55 it is the most common cause of death.”

“A report tabled in the European Parliament this week by a Socialist Group colleague of mine who has had breast cancer calls for the fight against this terrible disease to be made a health policy priority. I’m backing her in her demands for much better provision for prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare throughout the EU.”

Mrs McNally, who is spokesperson for the Parliamentary Socialist Group on research matters said, “We welcome the allocation by the EU of € 400 million (over£286 million) for cancer research and are calling for more research into the relationship between breast cancer and potential risk factors.”

“We’re also calling for all women aged 50 to 69 across Europe to be offered a mammography every two years with strict quality standards applied. In addition we think every woman who becomes a victim of breast cancer should be entitled to treatment by a multidisciplinary team and that certified centres should be set up for that purpose.”

“The report has very wide-ranging recommendations and these include ensuring that women are informed of the results of any examination within five working days and receive treatment, if necessary, within four weeks of diagnosis.”

8 April2003

Euro MP speaks up for the sick in developing countries

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, spoke in a recent session of the European Parliament in Brussels and welcomed the news that 200 million Euros (over £135 million), matched by funding from Member States, would be put to research into killer diseases in the developing world.

Mrs McNally, who is the Co-ordinator on research matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, “This is, of course, part of a multi-pronged attack, but this particular action is concerned with research. It is for clinical trials that will lead to the development of new products, in particular a new vaccine for tuberculosis, much better diagnostic tools, and combined medicines for HIV/AIDS that are easier to take and have fewer side effects.”

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, added,

“Diseases like malaria and tuberculosis are killing millions of people annually but notably most are in poor countries. This funding will allow clinical research to be carried out in those very countries, using the human intelligence and creativity of their people.”

“The European Commission is to be congratulated on bringing forward this initiative so quickly and efficiently. We’re also looking forward to getting further funding from private industry. Quick results don’t often arise in research matters but I hope that positive findings won’t be too long coming so that the suffering of so many families in developing countries may be alleviated.”

Euro MP backs clamp down on health risks for builders

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has backed new EU legislation that will dramatically reduce the incidence of workplace eczema - a common ailment caused by exposure to wet cement. It was given final approval today (Thursday 27 March) in a vote in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Mrs McNally, who is the co-ordinator on industry matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, “Eczema is a very painful disease and it affects hundreds of people each year in the UK and across Europe. Anyone involved in pouring wet cement, from builders to DIY enthusiasts, is potentially at risk to this particular condition."

“Eczema can be a very debilitating disorder and can permanently lay-off people from work, often resulting in industrial compensation. The EU has taken steps to eradicate this by a simple regulation. We’re requiring cement manufacturers to put a common chemical additive in their product that will neutralise its harmful effects when wet. It’s kids stuff really and is so simple.”

“The effects on improving workers' health and decreasing compensation claims should be substantial. This is good common sense again coming from the EU."

Euro MP backs new Europe-wide Health Card

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is backing a new “pocket sized” health card - to help EU citizens claim free urgent medical treatment in a European Union of up to 25 countries.

The new EU health card, recently unveiled by the European Commission, will come into force in June 2004 and will be valid indefinitely, replacing the current E111 form that has to be completed and stamped before travelling.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said “Having a small permanent Health Card will be much better than the E111 form. It will give travellers peace of mind when travelling across the EU – an area that is set to expand from fifteen to twenty-five countries in June 2004.”

“This is good news for travellers and shows that the EU can get its act together on practical issues that directly benefit the public. Instead of regular renewal of a paper form, this permanent, easy to carry card will serve people when they want to claim free, emergency medical care in another EU country."

“The high-tech 'smartcard' will contain computer readable data that will speed up the provision of health care for people visiting other countries in the European Union.”

Euro MP backs funding to fill gap left by George Bush

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent Strasbourg session of the European Parliament to increase the EU’s reproductive health funding to 74 million Euro. The programmes run in the Developing World for clinics, contraceptive advice and education programmes for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

Mrs McNally said, “When George Bush came to power he immediately cut his country’s funding for reproductive health programmes in the developing world, leaving projects in a parlous state.

“It’s the same kind of people who pressured Bush into his cuts that have tried to misrepresent the situation to MEPs. Those trying to use the issue of abortion as a wedge to polarise opinion have not swayed us; in fact we’ve clearly rejected their campaigns of misinformation.”

“Those who oppose our decision seem to be willing to ignore the fact that women in developing countries are dying from haemorrhaging, infections, high blood pressure and obstructed labour. They also die from unsafe abortions. Reproductive health is not a euphemism for abortion services and the projects the EU supports acknowledge the rights of women to have reliable information and compassionate counselling."

"The programmes we sponsor are about health clinics, contraceptive advice, the training of midwives and support and education programmes for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. It's about providing a range of services from contraceptive advice to iron tablets for anaemia and proper care during pregnancy - in so many cases people are dying from sheer lack of care."

“It may be all alright for Mr Bush to turn his back on the millions of poor women in the developing world but I can’t let the European Parliament do so. We have the power to make women’s lives better and I’m proud of the fact that we haven’t been pressured into abandoning those in need.”

The decision to approve the 74 Million Euro Budget line must formally be approved by EU Governments before coming into force.

Euro MP calls for ban on breast implant ads

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is backing moves in the European Parliament to ban the direct advertising of breast implants. A debate will take place on Tuesday (11 Feb) in the parliament’s Strasbourg plenary session, and Mrs McNally is supporting the report that wants National Health Services alone to be responsible for providing information on breast implants.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “This is a very sensible move in light of the extremely serious health risks associated with breast implants and the surgery involved.”

“For too long there have been profit oriented organisations that have not always provided clear and objective information to would be patients. By only allowing National Health Services to provide women with information we can expect them to get a balanced view of the potential risks.”

“Far too many women have suffered and this answers the call of hundreds of women throughout the UK and Europe who have worked tirelessly to make sure other women do not repeat their painful experience of silicone implant surgery."

Local Labour Euro MP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has called for an urgent enquiry into lengthy delays in the cervical smear screening process in the region, which mean that women won't know the result of their tests for four months. The delays in Hertfordshire are being blamed on staff shortages and according to Mrs McNally are very dangerous.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, "I was appalled when I went for a routine test recently to learn that I won't know the result until the end of April. The whole point of cervical smears is to detect cell changes that can lead to cancer, and treatment must begin early on if such changes are found. Other countries in which I work, such as France and Belgium, seem able to provide early results and I cannot accept that women in our region should be put at risk."

Mrs McNally is seeking urgent meetings with the responsible Health service managers to see what is being done to recruit more staff.

17 December 2003
Euro MP backs 'commonsense solution' on human tissues and cells
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, took part in the recent successful vote
in the European Parliament session (16 December) in Strasbourg to allow the
EU-wide exchange of medical products and therapies based on human tissues
and cells, along with a strict regime on quality and safety.
Tissue-based therapies and embryonic stem cell based therapies are currently
the only significant hope for a cure for chronic diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The Parliament's decision will give encouragement to those working to find treatments.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, said, "We've reached a commonsense solution on this issue. I believe it is an important moment in European medicine and a very good day for the citizens of the EU - and that means my constituents locally. "
"Despite the efforts of some would-be wreckers - political opportunists and
religious fundamentalists - the compromise we reached is an extremely good
outcome for science and medicine."
Mrs McNally, who is the Parliamentary Socialist Group co-ordinator on the
committee dealing with research matters, added, "I successfully got
amendments passed in our committee on the original proposals with the result
that the proposed severe limits to EU funding for stem cell research have
been removed."
"The vote in the Parliament means that we'll have strict standards on
quality and safety for human tissues and cells. It's generally felt that
patients being treated with these therapies can trust that these substances
are safe and of good quality."
"Science will set the conditions for cross border trade and exchange, while
national governments and parliaments will set their own national law. There
will be no chance of a black market in tissue products - the one thing that
an outright ban was certain to create."

10 July 2003

EU Stem cell block must end

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the statement by European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, which seeks to end a moratorium on EU-funded stem cell research - imposed in a controversial last-minute move by certain predominantly Roman Catholic EU Member States.

Mrs McNally, who is the Co-ordinator on research matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, “This European block on stem cell research, imposed by Italy, Austria and other countries is a disgraceful affront to researchers and even more so to those suffering from serious illnesses such as Parkinson's.”

“No-one wants to impose research on any country, but for a small group of unrepresentative Member States to go against the decision by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers is reprehensible.”

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, added, “UK researchers, and those from other Member States, have been prevented from doing work with potentially very significant benefits to people undergoing great suffering, of whom there are many in my own constituency.”

“We very much hope that the European Commission's determination to re-launch this research will be widely supported.”

“Are designer babies what people really want?”

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is chairing a high level committee in the European Parliament that is considering the ethics of genetic testing. The panel, made up of leaders from industry and science, patients’ groups and politicians is drawing on a wide range of evidence including several experts in the field.

Mrs McNally, who is the Co-ordinator on research matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, said, “This issue is a real hot potato and one of very high importance. All kinds of related cases are beginning to appear. For instance a lesbian couple in the US, both of whom are deaf, want to have a deaf child by selecting a deaf father.

“Such events are emerging within the EU and we have to have an ethical stance agreed by all those with an legitimate interest. Members of the public may not want potential employers or insurers to have the right to know if they are susceptible to certain diseases due to their genetic-make up. Should people be able to buy their own testing genetic kit, say off the Internet, or should only doctors be able to carry out such tests?

“We’ve got people on the committee who are associated with work on genetic testing to better understand the biology of diseases and are involved in genetic information for drugs developments and for the production of diagnostic kits, screening to see whether patients are eligible for specific therapies. Others are see how genetic testing might produce information that might have a beneficial impact to see the effectiveness of specific drugs for patients, and for population screening to identify pathological gene traits as a tool for preventive medicine.

“We place great importance on underpinning our research and development policies with proper dialogue between science and society, and we’re hoping to see much public discussion on this new leading-edge technology not only across the current EU Member States but also the ten new countries that will join us in June 2004.”

“I’d be very pleased to hear constituents’ views on this very broad ranging issue. We’ll be carrying out our work over the next three months and then we’ll hope to publish a consensus on ethical guidelines/standards. Such guidelines could, when appropriate, take the form of self-regulatory initiatives in the scientific community and industry.”

10 June 2003

Euro MP asks PM to ban Chilean navy boat

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has written to Prime Minister, Tony Blair, asking him to withdraw the government’s invitation for a Chilean navy training ship to visit London. This is because the boat, the Esmeralda, was used in 1973 by the regime of general Augusto Pinochet to detain and torture both Chilean citizens and foreign nationals.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, said, “I’ve reminded the Prime Minister that the Esmeralda is known to have been the scene of assassination and systematic torture by the Chilean regime in September 1973. I’ve told him that the proposed visit would be degrading to those people who were tortured or killed on board the ship and well as being distressing to the families of victims, many of whom now reside in Europe.”

“A refusal to receive the boat might also put pressure on the current Chilean government to refrain from putting obstacles in the way of those seeking redress through the courts for the crimes of the Esmeralda.”

“I believe that the planned visit of the Esmerlada to London between 15^th and 18^th July this year should not go ahead. If the government were persuaded to cancel the visit this would reflect the emphasis placed on human rights in the European Union – Chile Association Agreement that was voted by the European Parliament last year.”

3 April 2003

Speaking in a recent debate in the European Parliament, local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, noted that the President of the European Commission had pointed out a great disparity between the spending on prosecuting the war on Iraq and the funds available to meet the resulting needs for humanitarian aid.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, said, “There is something surrealistic - and in fact disgusting - about squandering money on a fully-contrived war and then handing out lucrative contracts to favourite local firms to repair the damage caused by that very war.”

She added, “Daily we’re getting reports of innocent civilians – men, women and children – being killed by the allies. These were meant to be the very people that the war would allegedly save from tyranny. This is only made worse by members of our armed forces being killed by so-called friendly fire.”

“It’s clear that untold thousands of innocent people are likely to die either as a direct result of the armed assault or through lack of clean water and food.”

“I remain implacably opposed to this war and am not persuaded that Saddam Hussein could not have been contained and eventually overthrown by firm and consistent weapons inspection and destruction.

Euro MP says Iraq slaughter is unnecessary

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, says that war on Iraq is not justified and that the mood this morning in the European Parliament is very despondent.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “Today’s news that the UK has joined the USA in a war on Iraq is tragic. Untold thousands of innocent people are likely to die either as a direct result of the armed assault or through lack of clean water and food. This morning’s dawn raid of Cruise missiles on Baghdad won’t have left civilians unharmed.”

“The foundation of the European Union was based on the notion of international co-operation but this American led military action will severely damage institutions like the EU, NATO and the UN.”

“The European Parliament feels in despair that all attempts since the Second World War to solve problems without brute force have come to nothing in Iraq.”

“I am not persuaded that Saddam Hussein could not have been contained and eventually overthrown by firm and consistent weapons inspection and destruction.”

Letter to the Editor (Situation in Iraq)

Readers must be well aware of the political arguments concerning a possible war against Iraq, but as we hear of alleged American dirty tricks to get their own way we ought to pause and consider the plight of the Iraqi people.

No one can doubt that Saddam Hussein’s regime is evil but I don’t believe the USA should be able to bully its way around the world removing governments that are not to its liking. Will North Korea be next? Part of their rationale is to free the people from tyranny but I want readers to know that last Thursday the head of the European Union's humanitarian aid arm told the European Parliament that most EU governments were unprepared for the humanitarian consequences of a war in Iraq.

She made it clear that the existing Oil for Food Programme is extremely important for the Iraqi people - so many of them are dependent on it for a minimum amount of food - and the risk to the programme from war would be very dangerous.

Independent observers estimated that 30,000 entirely preventable deaths took place in the Gulf War, not from bombing or shooting, but from starvation or drinking contaminated water.

If military action takes place it’s thought likely that the Iraqi infrastructure will be affected to a degree of leaving 50 % of the population without drinking water. Humanitarian food aid – the only source of meagre meals for most Iraqis – will dry up on day one of any war. Electricity supplies bombed out of action for military purposes will render sanitation systems inoperable, causing more serious health risks to the general population. No one knows how long such a war would last

If war takes place a huge humanitarian crisis looms as up to one million refugees flee into Iran, Jordan and Syria.

I want to make it clear that I joined hundred of thousands of British people in London on 15 February to register my absolute opposition to war against Iraq. A punitive war driven by the US is not the best way to help the ordinary people of Iraq.

Labour Euro MP for the East of England Region, Mrs Eryl McNally, told a meeting of Labour Party members in S.W.Hertfordshire this week that a war against Iraq which wasn't fully backed by the UN and other European countries would be "illegal, immoral and stupid".

The meeting held, in Berkhamsted, unanimously agreed with Mrs McNally’s views, which she says are also widely held in the European Parliamentary Labour Party and by other members of the European Parliament.

Mrs McNally, said, "If war is to be fought in my name, I expect it to be based on a legal justification, such as an actual attack on another country. I want to be led by someone wise and level-headed - hardly the case of George Bush - and I want the outcome to be a better and safer world. These conditions wouldn't apply if the US were to go it alone and I hope that Tony Blair doesn't attach our country to Bush's unilateralist escapades."

The meeting was organised by the SW Hertfordshire Constituency Labour Party and was held in the Friends’ Meeting House, Berkhamsted on Friday 10 January.

2 May 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is taking part in a secondment scheme specially set up for Members of the European Parliament by the UK National Council for Voluntary Organisations. She is linking up with the Dacorum Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS) based in Hemel Hempstead. Her first day’s activities (on Friday 26 April) included speaking at Bennett’s End Neighbourhood Centre to a group of students preparing for the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting. The funding of the course is part financed by the European Social Fund.

Mrs McNally said, “I told my audience about the work of the European Parliament’s interpreters and translators, and we compared their working environment with that experienced by those working for the public services in Hertfordshire. I’m very concerned that local interpreters seem to get quite poorly paid for the vital work that they do.”

Mrs McNally empathised with the students by sharing a little of her own professional background, explaining that she’d been a languages teacher and inspector, being a fluent speaker of French, Spanish and German.

She said, “ I know from my own experience how stressful this work can be. For those of us listening through our headphones in the Parliament we marvel at the incredibly expert and competent way interpreters deal with difficult terminology and situations, for instance when parliamentarians try to use humour or get angry.”

Giovanna Stevenson, a student on the course, said, “The diploma course is very helpful. There are quite a few people in Hemel Hempstead like me whose first language is Spanish but some of them are not fluent in English and this is where I can help.”

Another student, Yang Lok, who speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese, said, “Whilst my English is good the diploma course helps me to improve and to gain in confidence. I save newspapers articles on public services so I’m up to date when interpreting.”

Cllr Maureen Flint, a Trustee of DCVS, said, “This course is just one of several projects in which our organisation is involved. It’s really great that as a Member of the European Parliament Eryl McNally has agreed to come and spend several days seeing our work and, where possible, giving a helping hand - just as she did today in serving teas at the Mount Prison Visitors’ Centre.”

Mrs McNally added, “Things have changed a lot since I was involved in voluntary work many years ago so I’m looking forward to visiting the wide variety of projects run by DCVS. As well as providing me with information that could help smooth the way to more EU funding it’s also important for public representative to keep their feet on the ground.”

15 July 2003

Euro MP receives Doctorate

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has been awarded an honorary degree by Cranfield University in Bedfordshire. The ceremony, where she was made an Honorary Doctor of Science, was held in the Cranfield University at Silsoe on Friday 11 July.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “Since first being elected to represent Bedfordshire in the European Parliament in 1994 I’ve had a close association with Cranfield University. Its work is outstanding and leads the field in many disciplines.”

Joe Morris, Cranfield University Professor of Resource Economics and Management, introduced Mrs McNally at the degree ceremony. He said, “Cranfield University was extremely pleased to award Eryl an honorary doctorate in recognition of her services to science and technology.”

“During her two periods of office as MEP, Eryl has taken a lead role in shaping the strategic direction and management of the EU's scientific research and technology development programmes, especially with respect to biosciences, energy, aerospace and environment”.

“She has been keen to help promote Cranfield University's engagement in these programmes such that they now form an important focus and source of funding for the University's extensive research activities.”

Mrs McNally, who is the Co-ordinator on research and energy matters for the European Parliamentary Socialist Group, added, “Before the award ceremony I was able to make a brief tour of the laboratories at Silsoe and saw some ground-breaking work going on. It was pleasing to know that some of this research was started with the help of EU funding. The university’s excellent relationship with industry and the public sector contributes to giving us a knowledge based economy that rewards us with good jobs and public services – very much part of what the EU is about.”

A champion of encouraging women to take up scientific careers, Mrs McNally recently steered through the European Parliament a report on “Women in Science”. She is currently a member of the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on the ethical implications of genetic testing.

This is the second time that Mrs McNally has been recognised for her work in the community and for her support of higher education. In November 2000 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

For further information from Cranfield University at Silsoe please contact Prof Joe Morris on 01525 863000.

29 May 2003

Euro MP in SARS scare

Travelling last week to the Brussels European Parliament local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, found her aircraft was the subject of a SARS scare. She was kept on board her British Midland flight at Brussels airport for two hours because another passenger was showing symptoms of the deadly virus.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament, said, “The passenger, a man of Chinese origin, had been travelling from Toronto and quite clearly was rather ill and was suspected of having SARS.”

“During our two hours on board, it was clear to us that neither the Belgian health authorities nor the airline concerned, British Midland, had the faintest idea what to do in such an eventuality. Fortunately, the person tested negative.”

“Since similar circumstances are likely to reoccur I took the opportunity in the recent European Parliament question time to raise this matter. I asked the President of the Parliament to contact both the European Commission and the Council of Ministers, representing the Member States, so that appropriate measures can be put in place and so that both airlines and national health authorities know what to do if someone they suspect of being gravely ill is on board one of their planes.”

Euro MP votes for EU-wide violent crime compensation scheme
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent Strasbourg session
(23 Oct) of the European Parliament to introduce a scheme to compensate
victims of crime across the EU. This would mean that British people who were
the victims of crime in any of the EU's other fourteen countries (rising to
24 states from next May) would have the right to apply for compensation from
the country where the crime was committed.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European
Parliament, said, "Fortunately for most people who go to other parts of
Europe, be they on business or holiday, they don't come up against violent
crime. However, sadly for some, mugging, rape, assault or worse has
happened, and until this intervention from the European Parliament no chance
of compensation was available."
"Although this will affect a small minority of people it is only fair that
recompense should be available - our proposal is up to EUR60,000
compensation (about £42,00) per case. My colleagues and I in the European
Parliament have long championed the right of our citizens to live, work and
travel freely within the EU, so we need tough structures in place to protect
them when they are abroad."
Under the new system, you would be able to go back home and contact a
central authority that will apply to the country where the crime occurred to
get compensation on your behalf.
Mrs McNally concluded, "The Labour government and many local councils have invested millions of pounds in the East of England region to tackle crime
and anti-social behaviour. Today, though, people travel and crime knows no
borders, so these new rules would respect people's right to justice both at
home and abroad."

Note to Editors:
Compensation for Victims of Violent Crime - The current rules
The UK has had a criminal injuries scheme, to compensate UK residents who
are victims of violent crime, since 1964. It handles more applications
(nearly 80,000) and pays out more compensation (over £200 million) per year
than all the other EU schemes put together.
The situation varies amongst other EU Member States. But, in practice, all
of the schemes really only apply if you are a resident in the country where
you are a victim - so not if you are on holiday or away on business.
The new rules
MEPs have approved new EU-wide rules which will require each EU Member State
to establish a state compensation scheme focusing on victims of violent
crimes, as the UK scheme does now.
The new rules will establish:
· Minimum standards for the scope and amount of compensation to be
awarded i.e. define the crimes covered and to whom compensation will be paid
(the victim, someone who stepped in to assist them or a dependent family
member of a deceased victim).
· Establish the procedures for making a claim. Each EU Member State
will be obliged to accept applications from its residents or nationals who
have been injured in other EU Member States and make applications to the
authorities in the Member State where the crime occurred for compensation on
their behalf.
What happens next?
EU Justice Ministers must approve the new scheme before it becomes law. But
there is widespread support amongst EU Governments for the proposals, which
will next be discussed by EU Ministers on November 6th.

Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, who lives in Abbotts Langley, addressed a
joint meeting of members from Watford Oxfam and the World Development
Movement in Bushey and Oxhey Methodist Church last Thursday (9 October).
She told them that the failure of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks
in Cancun, Mexico, was very bad news for developing countries and that the
EU has a moral duty to get the WTO back on track
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region, including Watford,
in the European Parliament, said, "The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- with its massive subsidies to farmers, so unfair on crop growers in the
developing world - must go, although farm workers in our area deserve our
support."
"We have to face the fact that the power balance of the world is inexorably
changing and the formation of a new block, containing China, India and
Brazil and representing more than half the world's population, is welcome as
an addition to the EU/US players."

"Oxfam members had given me a send-off before I travelled to Cancun as part
of the European Parliament's delegation, and their clear message was that
the talks should concentrate on helping the world's poor. The WTO failed to
do this but I'm committed to playing my part in Brussels in getting our
representatives to make this a priority."

4 September 2003

Letter to the Editor (world trade)

A Summit for change - or business as usual? Five tests for the WTO in Cancún

Our world is at a turning point. Globalisation has demolished many of the old certainties of our way of life. As Europeans in particular, we see that much of the economic and political security which we had taken for granted has begun to slip away. While globalisation has brought benefits of jobs, prosperity and consumer choice, it has also brought new political and economic insecurities, environmental risks - and, for some, impoverishment and destitution. Our next challenge at the turn of the century is to build a new globalisation at the service of human values and priorities.

Next week, in Cancún, Mexico, the World Trade Organisation summit will provide a crucial test of that ability. The WTO has become for many a symbol of everything wrong with globalisation: secretive, undemocratic, hypocritical, and promoting the values to the goal of free trade to the benefit of rich nations, while forcing open the markets of the poor.

This old-style WTO is under attack. At the Doha summit in 2001, developing countries, now in the majority, forced a shift in emphasis, giving priority to a landmark deal on access to medicines for poor countries and a new "development round" of trade talks, that would aim to redress the injustices of the trade system.

Since then, negotiating deadlines have been missed. Rich countries have failed to deliver on their promises. And the USA, under pressure from its powerful pharmaceutical lobby, has backtracked from the Doha agreement on medicines.

The Cancún summit will see a mid-term review of the Doha Development Round. It will determine whether these negotiations will bring about a real shift in favour of the world's poor, in favour of sustainable development and in favour of democratic accountability. To help judge its success, my political group, the PES Group in the European Parliament, has identified five crucial tests:

1. At Cancún, the WTO must finally honour its promises to ensure that public health needs in all developing countries override the its rules on intellectual property.

2. The EU must abandon its attempt to launch negotiations on trade, investment, competition policy and public procurement against the will of most developing countries, who fear it will undermine their industrial development and lead to strengthened power of Northern multinationals.

3. The EU and the other rich countries must finally offer better access to their ruthlessly-protected markets for developing countries, particularly in the agricultural sector. Fairer agricultural trade would boost developing country incomes by $150bn, and developed country incomes by $100bn, and contribute to the fight against world poverty, to sustainability, and to safer food and a better rural environment for the EU.

4. At Cancún, negotiators must preserve the rights of each WTO member to regulate its own public services, especially such basic services as water, health and education; respect the sovereignty of WTO members to set food standards and promote public goods; make progress on stalled trade and environment talks; agree on a fundamental review of WTO intellectual property rules which currently perpetuate the divide between the world’s rich and poor and work to ensure respect for core labour standards.

5. The issue of democracy in the world trade system must be treated seriously, and the WTO made more transparent and accountable.

When I travel to Cancún next week with EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy and my fellow MEPs, all my energies will be devoted to ensuring that the EU's negotiators heed these priorities, and work together with delegates from developing countries, to build a new kind of WTO, as part of a new and better global governance.

2 September 2003

Local campaigners send off Euro MP to Mexico

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, is shortly to go to Cancùn in Mexico as part of the European Parliament’s delegation to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and was joined by fair trade campaigners on Friday the 29^thAugust at an Oxfam shop to send a message to the leaders of the world’s richest countries that they must stop dumping produce on poor countries.

The Oxfam campaigners gathered around a map of Mexico, ‘armed’ with a giant corn cob, to highlight the fact that rich countries produce too much corn and then ‘dump’ it on poor countries like Mexico, wrecking the livelihoods of millions of poor farmers who cannot compete with such artificially low prices.

The EU and the USA provide massive subsidies to their large-scale farmers. This encourages them to produce excessive amounts of commodities such as corn, milk and sugar - much, much more than is needed locally.

These surpluses are then transported to poor country markets like Mexico and Jamaica, at rock-bottom prices. This means that local farmers cannot afford to compete, and are forced out of business in their own country. Eventually they are driven into poverty, and can’t send their children to school or afford basic medicines.

Mrs McNally, said, “Reforms to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are coming far too slowly and mean that European farmers will be able to continue to export goods with a guaranteed income for some years to come.”

“At the WTO meeting I’ll be doing my best to encourage our own government and those of other EU Member States to ensure that the talks’ outcomes are much more favourable to developing countries, otherwise we condemn their people to very poor and miserable lives indeed.”

Oxfam’s Campaigns Officer for the East of England, Rajinder Dadry, said, “Mexico is one of the world's largest producers of corn. Around three million people grow it, and it supports millions more. But an influx of cheap corn from the US has created a crisis for local corn producers.”

“Similarly, milk surpluses dumped on Jamaican and Indian markets are seriously damaging livelihoods in those countries. The World Trade Organisation, meeting this month in Mexico has the power to make trade fair for millions of poor people. It is vital that they do not waste this opportunity-millions of livelihoods depend on it.”

22 August 2003

Letter to the Editor

As readers enjoy their breakfast this morning, I wonder how many are aware that there is another side to the story behind their milk, sugar and corn flakes. Everyday, millions of farmers who produce these commodities are being forced into poverty in developing countries. The added shock of course is that as UK taxpayers, they are financing this oppression.

The EU provides massive subsidies to its large-scale farmers. This encourages them to produce too much milk, sugar and other agricultural commodities - much, much more than is needed in Europe. This means that the average dairy cow in the EU receives £1 a day, more than the daily income of half of the world’s population.

These surpluses are then transported to poor country markets, at rock-bottom prices. As a result, local farmers cannot afford to compete, and are forced out of business in their own country. Eventually they are driven into poverty, and can’t send their children to school or afford basic medicines.

As an MEP for the East of England region I will be representing the views of my constituency in Mexico in September at the World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Conference. I will be calling on world leaders to reform the rules that govern international trade. Trade needs to work in favour of the poor as well as the rich. I support Oxfam’s campaign to Make Trade Fair. The WTO summit in Cancun is an opportunity for world leaders to wake up and change trade rules so that they are not rigged against some of the world’s poorest people.

19 January 2004
Euro MP deplores vote by Tories and Lib Dems that threatens BBC
Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has deplored the action of Tory and Lib Dem MEPs in voting on a recent report (14 January) to support the extensive privatisation of public services, an end to Britain's system of public
service broadcasting - including the BBC, and a requirement for charities to compete for public money.
Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England region in the European Parliament, said, "Thank goodness this was just a discussion report and that we can count on Britain's Labour government and our democratic socialist colleagues in governments across Europe not to support these crazy ideas
should laws be drafted."
"The BBC is too precious a public service organisation to hand over to into private hands. We need to keep it independent of all external influences and to maintain its broad, quality output."
"However, with the European elections only a few months away it does serve as a reminder to local residents how extreme Labour's opponents can be. Surely the Conservatives should have learnt from what even they now admit was a complete failure in privatising the railways, but here they are again calling for more private involvement in providing public services for our citizens. Their ideas would end in a two tier system - one for the wealthy
and a second rate safety net for the rest."
"This is a stark warning for voters in the European elections in June that if they support the Tories and the Lib Dems they're likely to end up with more privatisation and massive cuts to services."

9 March 2004
Euro MP votes extra funding for victims of domestic violence
Labour MEP for this region, Mrs Eryl McNally, today voted to give an
additional EUR50 million (about £34 million) to work dedicated to put an end
to violence against women and children.
Along with her fellow Labour MEPs she voted, in what is the week that
celebrated International Women's Day, on a report that sets out the budget
for the next four years for the 'Daphne' programme. This has funded over
300 projects so far throughout the European Union to provide support for
women and children who are victims of violence. In the UK this has included
funding the charity 'Until the violence stops'.
Mrs McNally, who has served on the Parliament's Women's Committee, said,
"This is welcome news particularly for women and children and shows that we
take the issues of domestic violence very seriously."
"Violence against women and children is a terrible blight on our society and
must be stamped out. Our decision this week on the 'Daphne' budget means
that the funding of various community projects will be boosted. On our
doorstep and across the whole EU women and children will stand a better
chance of being protected from domestic violence."
The 'Daphne' programme aims at raising public awareness and exchanging best practices, as well as helping to co-ordinate information between voluntary organisations and social workers. It will now be extended to the ten new countries joining the enlarged EU in May this year."
Mrs McNally concluded, "The European Parliament and its funding of these
projects is only one part of a multi-agency, multi-faceted approach to
removing the fear and abuse of domestic violence. My Labour MEP colleagues and I are very pleased to be able to play our small part by supporting these measures."

6 October 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has joined many thousands across the globe, in welcoming the quashing of the sentence of death by stoning on Amina Lawal, a Nigerian woman.

The sentence had been handed down in March 2002 by the Sharia Court in Katsina State, northern Nigeria, when it had been alleged that Amina had confessed to bearing a child when divorced.

Mrs McNally, who represents the East of England Region in the European Parliament said, “I’m very happy to hear the news that Amina has won her second appeal and has been freed from the threat of punishment on the grounds that neither the conviction nor the confession were legally valid. This means that no offence as such was established.”

“I still remain very worried that despite Nigeria being signed up to many international conventions including human rights and discrimination against women, they must put a stop to punishments such as stoning, flogging and amputation. These are inhuman and degrading.”

“I’d also like to pay tribute to organisations such as Amnesty International as well as colleagues in the European Parliament who have spoken out for Amina and campaigned on her behalf.”

15 September 2003

Spare a thought for Amina, says Euro-MP

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, like many thousands across the globe, is hoping for a successful outcome to the second appeal of Amina Lawal, the Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning. The result is expected soon.

Amina was found guilty of giving birth to a child after her divorce and under the Sharia Law of Katsina State of Nigeria was sentenced to death by stoning. No charges were ever brought against the child’s father.

Mrs McNally, said, “Nigeria is signed up to many international conventions including human rights and discrimination against women, and they must stop punishments such as stoning, flogging and amputation. These are inhuman and degrading.”

“I hope all fair-minded people will spare a thought for Amina at this worrying time.”

24 April 2003

Where have all the women gone?

Regional Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has slammed opposition parties for failing to put any women in potentially winnable places on the lists for the 2004 European Elections. Under the new electoral system, introduced in 1999 for the first time, voters choose between Party lists and MEPs are elected in their list order, according to the Party's share of the overall vote.

Mrs McNally said, “The Labour Party ensures that women are given a good chance of being elected, by alternating male and female candidates, but local Tories and Lib Dems have put only men in winnable places.”

“So much for the kitten-heeled tendency in the Tory Party and the hypocritical Lib-Dem pretence to be interested in ending discrimination against women. Clearly "Jobs for the Boys" is the new motto of both Tories and Lib-Dems in our region. I simply don't believe that there aren't capable women in the other parties."

“Sadly this comes as no surprise and it mirrors the current situation in the Parliament. The Tories only have three women out of thirty-six Euro MPs. This helps to put the UK fourth from bottom of a league table on women's representation in the European Parliament - a pretty disgraceful state of affairs.

Labour's top woman candidate for 2004 is Beth Kelly, from Borehamwood in Hertfordshire.

Mrs McNally was elected to represent the East of England Region when she was top of Labour’s list in the 1999 Euro elections. A former Deputy Leader of the UK’s Labour MEP group she is the spokesperson for the Parliamentary Socialist Group on the Parliament’s biggest committee that deals with industry, external trade, research and energy. She is the President of the European Forum on Renewable Energy Sources and chairs the Parliament’s expert committee on the ethics of genetic testing.

Mrs McNally has announced that she is standing down at the next European elections, having been an MEP for 10 years.

Labour’s candidate list for the East of England in the 2004 Euro elections is as follows:

1. Richard Howitt; 2. Beth Kelly; 3. Clive Needle; 4. Ruth Bagnall; 5. Nigel Gardner;

Background

9th December 2003

9 June 2003

14th July 2003

20 May 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent (14th May) European Parliament session in Strasbourg for new rules to make companies fully liable for the repair costs of the environmental damage they cause.

23 April 2003

7 April 2003

9 June 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, has welcomed the likelihood that the government will announce today that a decision has been made in principle to join the Euro.

10 April 2003

28th October 2003

7 October 2003

6 October 2003

8 September 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, voted in the recent European Parliament session in Strasbourg for the introduction of a new UN Convention on Disabilities.

4 June 2003

8 April2003

10 July 2003

10 June 2003

3 April 2003

2 May 2003

15 July 2003

29 May 2003

4 September 2003

A Summit for change - or business as usual? Five tests for the WTO in Cancún

2 September 2003

22 August 2003

6 October 2003

15 September 2003

Local Labour MEP, Mrs Eryl McNally, like many thousands across the globe, is hoping for a successful outcome to the second appeal of Amina Lawal, the Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning. The result is expected soon.

24 April 2003