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Celebrating Labour’s Third Term

Fresh from a hat-trick of UK General Election victories, Labour MEPs arrived in Strasbourg in buoyant mood.  They were greeted by fellow members of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, who were only too keen to raise a glass (or two) to join in the celebrations.

Martin Schulz, President of the Socialist Group said:  “Labour has once again proved it is in great shape.  It has won the support of the British public for an historic third term.”  Bernard Poignant, Leader of the French Socialists, said: “On behalf of the French delegation, I am glad and very happy to congratulate you on the re-election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister.  This is a victory for Labour’s programme, a victory for a man of excellence and, above all, a victory for the British people”.

The McCartney Family

The sisters of Robert McCartney, Gemma, Paula and Catherine, were in Strasbourg this month to win support for their campaign to bring their brother’s murderers to justice.  The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution, tabled by Gary Titley.  This called for financial aid to be made available for the family to pursue a civil action in the courts, if the Police Service of Northern Ireland is unable to bring a criminal prosecution for the murder of Robert McCartney.

Speaking after the vote, Gary said:  “The murder of Robert McCartney has been met by a wall of silence and intimidation.  That is why we support the use of EU funding, specially designed to aid the victims of terrorism to underwrite the cost of any civil action taken by the family”.

Working Hours

Britain’s opt-out from the European Working Time Directive, negotiated by Tory Prime Minister John Major in 1993, got the thumbs down from MEPs this month.  By a margin of 378 to 262, they voted to make a number of changes to the legislation, including ending the right of British employees to work over and above the 48 hours a week maximum.

Labour MEPs won a hard-fought compromise, though, about what is known as the reference period – the length of time over which the weekly average is calculated.  This was increased from 17 weeks at present to 12 months.  According to Gary, this would enable firms to accommodate seasonal and other fluctuating work patterns without falling foul of the law. 

“At present, there are far more workers in the UK putting in very long hours than the EU average,” he said.  “Labour MEPs have worked hard to get a workable compromise put in place.  The measures agreed give employers and employees a great degree of flexibility, while improving the work-life balance.  That is why they are so strongly supported by the trades unions.”

 For the revised Working Time Directive to become law, it will need to be approved by the Council of Ministers.  As this is health and safety legislation, it only requires a qualified majority vote – the national veto does not apply.  If it does eventually reach the statute book, Britain’s opt-out could come to an end over a three-year period.

 Recognition of Professional Qualifications

 Vets, architects, nurses, plumbers and a whole range of other professionals will soon be able to take up jobs anywhere in the EU, thanks to a series of measures that won the backing of Labour MEPs this month.  The new laws will iron out difficulties many people have encountered, trying to take up jobs in other EU countries because their training and qualifications are not recognised.

 “This legislation will enable people to move more easily between EU countries when looking for work,” said Gary.  Strengthening the right of recognition of qualifications is an important step towards creating a better educated and more qualified workforce.  It’s especially good news for the UK because it will make it easier to bring in professional people to plug skills shortages.”

 Bathing Water Quality

 The 1976 Bathing Water Directive made a huge difference to water quality in Europe and put an end to the annual nightmare of “holiday tummy” for sun seekers.  But due to scientific advances and greater health awareness, this 30 year-old legislation no longer has enough teeth.  To address the law’s shortcomings, MEPs this month voted for a clear and simple system to indicate water quality.  There will be four categories - poor, sufficient, good or excellent.  Gary said that water quality was not simply a public health issue.  It also had major implications for tourism and the revenue and jobs that the industry generates. 

 “Labour MEPs did not support moves to include recreational waters in the new rules”, he explained.  “Many sports like canoeing and water-skiing are practised throughout the year, not just during the bathing season.  It would be disproportionately expensive and logistically unworkable to monitor all of these areas, all year round.”

 And Finally…

 Gary’s nationwide tour of marginal seats during the General Election campaign was a great success – albeit a painful one when one of his teeth broke.  Seasoned campaigner that he is, though, he bit his lip and soldiered on to the bitter end.  Then it was off to Strasbourg and two trips to the dentist later, Gary was as right as rain.

Gary Titley MEP

May 2005