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- Tory-LibDem Government refuses to make North West roads safer
North West Euro MP Brian Simpson has criticised the Tory-LibDem government for walking away from new laws approved on Wednesday 6 July by Euro MPs in Strasbourg to crack down on foreign drivers speeding on local roads. Britain is the only EU country refusing to support the new measure, which would allow the UK to crackdown on the estimated 79,000 speeding and red light offences committed annually by foreign motorists on British roads. Brian Simpson,...
- Shoppers win right to know origins of their Sunday roast
Brian Simpson has welcomed a new law, approved on Wednesday 6 July, that will give local shoppers the right to know where their meat has come from and allow them to choose produce from British farms. Mr Simpson has been campaigning for tough new rules to stop shoppers from being misled by confusing or unclear labels on meat. Speaking about the vote, which is expected to receive the overwhelming support of Euro-MPs, he said:...
- Michael Schumacher joins Brian Simpson to launch road safety campaign
 Formula One driver and seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher joined Brian Simpson, Labour MEP for the North West, for the launch of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The event endorsed the 'eSafety Challenge', which promotes new life-saving technology that can be fitted to cars and other vehicles to minimise the risk of skidding, alert drivers to excessive speeds and even put an end to deadly 'blind...
- North West Euro MP calls for 'one flight, one price' from budget airlines
Rip-off charges made by budget airlines may become a thing of the past if the EU brings in new legislation to force airlines to be more transparent.
Brian Simpson MEP, North West Labour Euro MP and Chairman of the powerful European Parliament Transport Committee, has called for new EU-wide laws to put an end to the growing list of charges added to the advertised cost of a budget airline flight.
"Flyers are being ripped off by an endless list of charges that...
- Government cuts choke off millions in EU funding for the North West
 Millions in EU funds currently earmarked for the North West region may soon be handed back to Brussels as a result of the Tory-LibDem government's decision to axe the North West Development Agency (NWDA). More than a third of the £684 million allocated to the North West, which is currently funding developments in Cumbria, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, will go untouched if the region is unable to match the EU investment as a result of Government cuts....
- Government putting road safety and jobs at risk with MoT changes
New government plans to relax the strict MoT testing regime will put lives and jobs at risk in the North West, according to Euro MP Brian Simpson. Plans being developed by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond would see vehicles undergoing fewer MoT tests, in a move which would threaten road safety and cost jobs in local garages. Labour's Brian Simpson, who is Chairman of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, said that, "This new scheme would allow cars...
- UK Government gives way to airport pressure on EU liquids ban
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has today confirmed that the UK will not comply with the first phase in the lifting of EU restrictions on liquids in airline hand luggage on 29th April. The partial relaxation of the liquids ban, which comes into force across the EU from the end of the month, will allow passengers on long-haul flights from outside the EU to carry duty-free liquids on connecting flights within EU borders....
- EU gives a boost to North West farmers
EU gives a boost to North West farmers The EU will today [Thursday 7th April] give farmers greater control over vaccinations against the deadly Bluetongue disease and finally allow the UK to be granted Bluetongue-free status. Labour MEP and Agriculture spokesman in Brussels, Brian Simpson said, "I am delighted that the EU has brought in this new law, which has real benefits for farmers in the North West and the rest of the UK."...
- Government back tracks on plans for green transport
Government back tracks on plans for green transport North West Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson will today [Thursday 31st March] question UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond on his commitment to giving Britain its "greenest government ever" at a meeting in Brussels. In May 2010, David Cameron called for his new Coalition to be the "greenest government ever". Yet only weeks after Cameron and Clegg launched the long-awaited Carbon Plan, pledging UK support for EU cooperation,...
- Check your travel insurance
Check your travel insurance North West Euro MP Brian Simpson has warned Easter holidaymakers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance before setting off. Mr Simpson, who is Chairman of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee, fears that travellers faced with the heavy costs of airline fuel surcharges, increased VAT and high Air Passenger Duty levels may choose to cut back on insurance in an attempt to save money. Labour's Mr Simpson said, "Travelling without...
- Osborne's Air Passenger Duty freeze is not enough
Osborne's Air Passenger Duty freeze is not enough George Osborne's plan to temporarily freeze the air passenger duty in Wednesday's budget does not go far enough and the UK government should abolish it entirely, according to Senior Labour MEP Brian Simpson, Chair of the European Parliament Transport Committee. "Elsewhere in the EU, countries are removing counter-productive air passenger duties. The Dutch government recently lifted a similar tax and the newly-elected Irish government are committed to removing...
- Restore direct Blackpool-London trains
Restore direct Blackpool-London trains Following the decision to turn down plans to restore direct rail links between Blackpool and London earlier this month, Blackpool Labour Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson has today [Friday 18th March] written to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers to argue the town's case. The rail regulator (ORR) refused the application on the grounds that it would adversely affect the current service provided by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line, which sees...
- Spanish holidaymakers to face summer travel misery
Spanish holidaymakers to face summer travel misery, warns Euro MP Holidaymakers travelling to popular Spanish beach and city destinations during the Easter break and summer holidays will face serious disruption if a series of planned strikes by Spanish airport workers go ahead, warns senior North West Labour MEP Brian Simpson. The planned strikes will bring Spanish airports to a standstill in the popular holiday resorts of Alicante, Lanzarote and Tenerife alongside the cities of Madrid, Barcelona...
- "More Fairtrade for the North West"
 “More fair trade for the North West" North West Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson has taken the campaign for Fairtrade products to the European Parliament in Brussels, during Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 (28th February to 13th March). As the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight gets underway, countless events are taking place across the North West to highlight the benefits of buying fair trade products. Mr Simpson took the campaign to Brussels by taking part in...
- Government refuses to make North West roads safer
Government refuses to make North West roads safer North West Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson has called on the Tory-LibDem government to reconsider its decision to opt out of plans that would allow the authorities to crack down on foreign drivers speeding on North West roads. In Brussels on Friday 4th March, Britain was the only EU country refusing to support the new measure, which would enable the UK to crackdown on the estimated 79,000...
- Water charges increase is "outrageous"
 Water charges increase is "outrageous" Local Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson has criticised a decision taken by the water industry regulator, OFWAT, that will see the average household's annual water bill rise to over £370. Labour's Brian Simpson has written to OFWAT's Chief Executive, Regina Finn, asking her to justify the "outrageous" pricing changes. In the changes that come into effect from April 1, OFWAT has allowed water companies to use a higher inflation...
- Action needed on lorry "blinds spots", says Euro MP
 North West Labour Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson has this week called for more to be done to protect cyclists, pedestrians and motorists from the "blinds spots" of Heavy Goods Vehicles on North West roads. In Strasbourg on Tuesday, Mr Simpson, as the Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, has lead all Labour Euro MPs in signing a declaration that calls on the European Commission to review older laws that are failing...
- Brian backs the Robin Hood Financial Transaction Tax
 Brian has backed local campaigners in their call for a Robin Hood Tax to make banks and other financial service companies pay their fair share. Campaign groups and trade unions, including Oxfam and the TUC, have been campaigning this week in advance of a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Paris on Friday 18th February. Campaigners dressed as Robin Hood have been sending arrows to embassies and politicians with their message that they want financial services...
- EU State Aid rules and the Port of Liverpool
EU rules are not to blame for Port of Liverpool delay, says North West Euro MP Liverpool Labour Euro MP and Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee Brian Simpson has today welcomed a response from European Commission officials to a recent question concerning the Port of Liverpool. Campaigners who support the changes, which would see cruises starting and finishing at the historic Port of Liverpool, have been led to believe for considerable time that the...
- Cumbrian trees and jobs
Leave our trees and jobs alone, says Labour MEP Labour Euro MP for North West and Labour's Agricultural spokesperson in Brussels, Brian Simpson MEP, has today reacted to news that the Tory-LibDem coalition government plans could lead to the sale of forests and woodland, including the area of Cumbria in his region. The Government has already pledged to sell 15% of public forests by 2015 and this week will see the launch of a consultation on...
- Motorists and Council Cuts
North West motorists amongst hardest hit by council cuts, says Labour Euro MP North West councils were amongst the hardest hit authorities this week when Communities Minister, Eric Pickles, imposed deep cuts on the money available for council services. Manchester Labour Euro MP and Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, Brian Simpson, has described the allocation of funds to North West local councils as being unfair when compared to councils in the South...
- Assurances on Traffic Policing
Euro MP seeks assurances on Traffic Policing A North West Labour Euro MP has expressed a fear that the severe cuts in the policing budget could lead to more drunken drivers escaping punishment this Christmas and New Year. The Chairman of the European Parliament's Transport Committee Brian Simpson is writing to the North West's Chief Constables seeking assurances that Traffic Police will still be visible and active during the festive season particularly against drunk drivers....
- Drop the air passenger duty, it's costing us business
Drop the Air Passenger Duty, it's costing us business Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee Brian Simpson has criticised successive UK governments for their policy of over-taxing the aviation industry. Speaking in Brussels to a wide audience of UK Transport professionals, Mr Simpson highlighted in particular the recent massive increase in Air Passenger Duty as well as the ever-increasing cost of security, which is also borne by the aviation industry and the travelling public. "There...
- BA Boss is right
Local North West Euro MP and Chairman of the European Parliament's Transport Committee Brian Simpson has supported calls by the Chairman of British Airways, Martin Broughton, for a more reasonable approach to airport security so that passing through can be a more pleasurable experience. "I cannot see any reason why passengers should take their shoes off or other items of clothing prior to going through the security scanner or indeed be forced to remove laptops from their containers",...
- Brian condemns High Speed Rail Line
North West Labour Euro MP and Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee Brian Simpson has criticised plans to sell off Britain's only high speed rail line to a consortium which includes the Ontario Teachers' Pension Scheme. High Speed One, between London and the Channel Tunnel, was taken over by the Labour government as a public asset in the late 1990s when it got into financial difficulties. Now the Tory/Lib Dem coalition has sold it off for a knock down...
- 'Bizarre' says Brian Simpson
Press Release – 23rd September 2010 “Green Party to stop supporting rail travel as a more environmentally friendly for of transport” bizarre” says MEP Brian Simpson Labour's Transport Spokesman and Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, Brian Simpson, has described as "bizarre" a decision by the Green Party to stop supporting rail travel as a more environmentally friendly form of transport. Meeting in Birmingham the Greens have decided to drop their support for...
- New Aninal Testing rules - A Missed Opportunity
NEW ANIMAL TESTING RULES 'A MISSED OPPORTUNITY' A European agreement to strengthen rules on animal testing, which have been unchanged since 1986, has been labelled as a missed opportunity by Labour's Euro-MPs. In a vote earlier today a package of measures were approved to minimise the exposure of animals to unnecessary suffering while giving scientists the freedom to carry out vital experiments. However, Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on animal rights, Brian Simpson MEP, believes the...
- Britsih Railways are like a rubbish tip
The European Union’s leading transport politician and North West Euro MP Brian Simpson has accused Network Rail of treating Britain’s railways ‘like a rubbish tip’ and called on them to not only tidy up our railways but to improve working practices to ensure a proper clean up when work is completed. In a letter to Network Rail, Mr Simpson highlights the amount of rubbish left by the tracks, the lack of weed control measures, the problem of graffiti...
- Tory/Lib coalition cut funding for local stations
PLANS SCRAPPED FOR LOCAL RAILWAY STATIONS. Local Euro MP and Chairman of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee Brian Simpson speaking after the new Tory / Lib Dem Government announced they were to scrap the improvements to both Warrington Bank Quay Station and Wigan North Western Station. Brian said “As somebody who has campaigned for improvements to Railway Stations, I am very disappointed that the plans we had and which were given the go ahead by the Labour Government, have now...
- Protect Passengers when airlines go bust
We must protect passengers left stranded when airlines go bankrupt "People look forward to their holidays all year, we must protect passengers left stranded when airlines go bankrupt," Labour's Brian Simpson, Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, said today. The European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg is now widely expected to pass legislation today calling on the European Commission to come up with proposals to safeguard passengers. "We've won support from all groups of...
- diesel replacements
Don’t forget diesel replacements says Euro MP Brian Simpson Local Euro MP and rail campaigner Brian Simpson has welcomed the decision by the Government to electrify the Liverpool-Earlstown-Manchester railway line by 2014, but has warned that there is still an urgent need to replace old diesel units such as “Pacers” for our commuter and stopping services. Speaking at the Northern Way Transport Forum, Mr Simpson pointed out that whilst new electric units will be most welcomed there still had to...
- Brian is new Chairman of EP Transport Committee
20th July 2009 Brian Simpson MEP driving forward European transport policy Today Brian Simpson MEP has been elected as chair of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament. "This is a great honour and reflects the high standing that Labour MEPs have within the European Parliament. Transport is an important policy area that affects people's everyday lives. It also has a crucial role to play in the next five years in helping reduce global warming and to act as a...
- Town could get airport rail link back
Warrington Euro MP and prominent rail campaigner in the Town, Brian Simpson, is supporting an idea that would re-connect the town directly with Manchester Airport. The Labour MEP has lobbied Arriva Trains Wales, to extend their North Wales to Manchester service which stops at Bank Quay to Manchester Airport, now that the Airport’s own railway station has been extended. "We used to have a direct service via Central Station but this was transformed some years back to the Chat...
- local hauliers
Local Euro MP and Labours Transport spokesman in the European Parliament, Brian Simpson has expressed concerns at a proposal from the European Commission that would allow foreign lorries to work in Britain whilst waiting for a return load in five years time. The proposals are contained in a report entitled Access to the international road haulage market presently before Parliament.. “What this proposal allows is unrestricted access to the UK haulage market for foreign companies which...
- Farmers should maintain footpaths
Local Euro MP and Labours Agricultural spokesman, Brian Simpson has welcomed an initial European Court Decision which has insisted that farmers maintain public footpaths that cross their land, if they wish to receive single farm payments. The case was brought against the UK Government by English farmers who claimed that DEFRA were discriminating against English farmers by linking their single farm payment to the maintenance of public footpaths, something which Wales and Scotland has yet to do....
- beware of scams
Blackpool Euro MP Brian Simpson has joined forces with local trading standards offices, to outlaw scams perpetrated against consumers by supporting a new EU-wide Directive called the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. The new Directive passed by the European Parliament will outlaw 31 practices such as bogus draws, lotteries. fake closing down sales, scary scratch cards, fake phone calls and bogus holiday clubs. Scamnesty 2009 is being organised by local Council Trading Standards to highlight the number...
- Lancashire Farmers face pesticide ban.
Local Euro MP and Labour Agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, Brian Simpson has criticised a decision by the Parliament to outlaw certain chemicals used in Agriculture. The proposal would ban pesticides that are used by farmers to protect crops against mildew, blight and other diseases and could lead to increase food prices due to lower yields. “I would normally campaign for a reduction in chemical use, but in this case the Parliament has taken a...
- Network Rail should be brought to book over West Coast fiasco.
Labour Transport spokesman Brian Simpson has called on the Office
of the Rail Regulator to hold a full inquiry into the severe
disruption on the West Coast Mainline near London between the
5th and 7th January 2009. On numerous occasions recently
power lines have failed leading to severe disruption for travellers
to the North West. “This is a line on which billions of pounds have been spent on
modernising the system and within 3 weeks of completion it has
failed twice. Why?
said Mr....
- Brian Simpson supports measures for effective cross
borderenforcement of traffic offences
Brian Simpson overwhelmingly backed plans in
Strasbourg to establish a system to enforce penalties against
drivers who commit an offence in another EU Member State. The
proposal is seen by MEPs as an important step in creating a
comprehensive approach to road safety enforcement across the
EU. This legislation will allow
enforcement agencies, for the first time, to chase up drivers who
have committed offences abroad, with a vehicle registered in
another EU member state.
This will be done through the creation
of an EU...
- Brian celebrates new deal for workers
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson is celebrating a new deal to give
workers more choice if they want to earn extra money through
overtime –without putting them or the public at increased
risk. “Workers will
have more scope to fit their work around busy periods or, in these
difficult times, to increase their hours when they need to,” says
Brian Simpson. European
Parliament plans for new laws mean workers who until now had only
been allowed to do an average of 48 hours...
- Brian slams EU over CAP
Labour's Agriculture Spokesman Brian Simpson MEP is calling for an
urgent and radical reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Speaking in a heated debate in the European Parliament Mr Simpson
accused some member states of "sticking to the old discredited
system" rather than facing the challenges that exist in our rural
communities. Labour MEPs will be voting to reject the weak
proposals to reform CAP today. Brian Simpson MEP wants to change the emphasis away from direct
subsidies for...
- BRIAN TO MEET WITH NEW US ADMINISTRATION
Whitehaven
Euro MP and Labour's Transport Spokeman in the European
Parliament, Brian Simpson, will be one of the first European
politicians to meet with officials at Barack Obama's new Goverment
when it is sworn in at the end of January. The European
Parliament is to send three senior members, including Mr. Simpson
to Washington in an attempt to resolve many oustanding difficulties
in the area of transport between the EU and the United
States.
"Under the
old Republican regime there was very little progress on a number of
civil...
- Local kids to benefit from free EU fruit
Local Euro MP Brian
Simpson is delighted with the decision in Brussels to distribute
free fruit in schools, as part of the strategy on tackling obesity
among children.
The scheme is modelled on England's successful
Free School Fruit Scheme, set up by the UK Government back in 2000,
which has seen a wide variety of fruits, including the ever popular
bananas, distributed free to schoolchildren.
The EU has pledged more than £70 million to
the scheme. "With
this money we will be able to extend our...
- Timeshare laws to be tightened
Local Euro MP and Labour’s Transport and Tourism spokesman Brian Simpson has welcomed moves in the European Parliament to strengthen laws in regard to timeshare property. The new laws will introduce new EU wide rules which will bring legal clarity and enhance consumer confidence. There are some 1,5000 timeshare holiday centres throughout the EU with a value of over €2.3 billion per year with 1.4 million families using this kind of accommodation. “Most timeshare...
- "More information needed on ready meals"
Local Euro MP and Labour
Agriculture spokesman Brian Simpson has supported calls for
processed food to be adequately labelled showing the county of
origin of the main contents. Speaking in the European
Parliament’s Agriculture Committee on a Commission proposal to make
such labelling only a voluntary scheme, Mr Simpson highlighted the
problems facing consumers, especially in the area of ready meals
and processed food. “In the UK, most of our
ready meals are full of meat, not from Britain and the EU, but...
- “New regulations required to help airline passengers”
Local Euro MP and Labour Transport Spokesman in the European
Parliament, Brian Simpson, has called on EU and UK authorities to
put in place a better system of repatriating EU citizens who find
themselves stranded when an airline or travel company goes
bust. Recent events
involving the collapse of XL Holidays and a number of airlines have
highlighted gaps in the system of passenger protection, which has
left many people stranded without help. “When an airline or travel company goes bust, I think it...
- "Sack the Regulators"
Local Euro MP
Brian Simpson has criticised the number of regulators for allowing
gas, electric and water prices rise to record levels. Now he wants the Government to
sack the various regulators and replace them with people who will
put the consumer first.
“When the public
utilities were privatised by the Tories we were promised that the
regulators would keep them in check and ensure that the consumers
got a fair deal. That
promise looks at little thin now”, said the Labour
MEP.
Energy prices to
consumers...
- Brian supports against electronic tagging
Local Euro MP and Labour
Agriculture Spokesman, Brian Simpson, has acted on a promise made
to local sheep farmers on a recent visit to Borderway Mart in
Carlisle and joined a campaign to reverse the imposition of
electronic tagging.
He has joined other MEP’s from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
in demanding that any electronic tagging system should be voluntary
and not compulsory. “My visit to Cumbria in
August when I met sheep farmers and auctioneers face to face,
convinced me that a...
- Brian Simpson warns of dearer holidays next year
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has warned that
foreign holidays will cost consumers more next year as higher fuel
prices and a strong Euro takes their toll. Mr Simpson, Labour’s Transport
& Tourism spokesman in the European Parliament believes some
holidays could cost a whacking 25% more, leading to a downturn in
the package travel industry.
“In some
respect, this year’s holiday costs have been sheltered from the
economic downturn because travel companies plan at least one year
in advance. Now is
the...
- Heritage Movement let down by UKIP
Labour MEP and Heritage Railway
Association (HRA) Vice President Brian Simpson has slammed UKIP for
failing to support the Heritage Railways movement in the European
Parliament. UKIP
MEP’s voted against amendments put down by Mr Simpson on behalf of
the HRA exempting Heritage lines from the new EU Railway Safety
Directive.
Fortunately Mr Simpson had secured other cross party support and
his amendments were accepted by a large majority. “By voting against my amendments
UKIP have seriously let down our Heritage Railways movement...
- Local MEP votes to stop hidden costs on Airfares.
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has been at the
forefront of a campaign to end the practice of airlines hiding
extra costs from travellers when they book an airline
ticket. Labour’s
transport spokesman in the European Parliament believes that
consumers should be informed what the true costs of a ticket is
right up front instead of only finding out at the end of the
process.
Speaking at the Parliamentary debate in
Strasbourg, Mr. Simpson said, “This is great news for all...
- Need to harmonise road safety enforcement
Local Euro MP and Labour Transport
spokesman Brian Simpson has welcomed moves by the European Union to
harmonise Road Safety rules and cross border encorcement of traffic
regulations.
Speaking in the debate at the
European Parliament in Brussels, Mr. Simpson pointed out that many
motorists commit road traffic offences in another country and get
away scott free from any penalities.
"As it stands, if you get a
parking or speeding ticket when abroad, you can avoid paying it
when you return home, and frankly...
- Had a holiday problem? Then contact me”
Local Euro MP and Labour Transport
Spokesman Brian Simpson is seeking the help of local people in
formulating a dossier of complaints against airlines and holiday
and travel companies. “If people have, or have had a bad
experience either at the hands of airlines and/or travel companies,
I would like to hear from them” said the campaigning Euro
MP. People who suffer or who have
suffered severe delays, or denied boarding, or have had their
holiday changed, or found their hotel and accommodation substandard
should...
- Bovine TB Close at Hand
Local Euro MP
and Labours Agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, Brian
Simpson, has warned that Bovine Tuberculosis now threatens the
North West Region. Presently 35% of the UK is affected by
this disease with over 40,000 cows slaughtered as a result.
So far outbreaks have badly affected the South and South West, but
now confirmed cases in Derbyshire and Staffordshire would indicate
the disease is spreading northwards.
"At the moment
the North West is not an affected area but it is my...
- POST OFFICE CLOSURES
I keep reading in newspapers that
UKIP maintain that Post Office Closures are down to EU Directive
88/89 of the Treaty of
Amsterdam. This is absolute nonsense.
Post Office closures have nothing to do with the EU but are down to
Member States, so therefore, if there is to be any criticsm, then
this must be directed at their
own Government.
The
real reason for these Post Office closures has to do with people
using the internet more and the withdrawal of services, such as
Road...
- HRA wins crucial concession on DCM Chemical
A potential
problem for the Heritage Railways sector has been averted by a vote
in the European Parliament after approaches by the HRA and
FEDECRAIL. A proposal
from the Environment Committee of the Parliament would have
outlawed the chemical dichloromethane which is used in the
restoration of heritage rolling stock. At a vote in Strasbourg
today, the full Parliament however watered down the original
proposal by supporting a compromise agreement which will allow the
continued use of this chemical by professionally qualified people
in a controlled environment....
- Live Animal Transportation rules to be reviewed.
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has received assurances from European
Commission Vassiliou that she is prepared to act in the area of
transportation of live animals to improve not only welfare standard
but also the enforcement of any rules that are
agreed. “We know that in some EU countries animal welfare standard are poor
and law enforcement non-existent. This indication from Commission
Vassiliou is a step in the right direction and will hopefully lead
to far better standard of welfare...
- Call to stop EU subsidies on Tobacco growing
Euro
MP Brian Simpson has clashed with other MEPs in the European
Parliament over the issue of ending subsidies to tobacco
farmers. Brian Simpson MEP, who is Labour's
Agriculture spokesperson in the Parliament, called the proposal to
increase direct payments to tobacco growers as "not only
hypocritical but immoral". In a lively debate Brian Simpson
said: "For once the European Commission is right to stop direct
payments to tobacco farmers and to make that money available to
improve public awareness of the dangers of...
- Pigeon Fancy
North West Euro
MP Brian Simpson has extended his considerable sporting interest by
supporting local pigeon racers in a dispute with the Government
over where they can race their pigeons from. Last year the UK Government
banned pigeons racing from continental Europe to Britain because of
the risk of bird flu.
Now after Mr Simpson’s intervention, the European Union has
confirmed that the risk of avian flu being spread from pigeons is
very low indeed and he believes the UK Government may have over
reacted in...
- HERDWICK GIVEN A NEW FLEECE OF LIFE IN NEW "Ewe" Report
Cumbria’s Euro MP Brian Simpson
is at the forefront of protecting the much loved and treasured
local Herdwick sheep breed. Working in close cooperation
with the NFU, Mr Simpson is pushing in the European Parliament for
the recognition of rare breeds of sheep and the vital environmental
role they play in the upkeep and management of our
landscape. An intrinsic feature of the Lake
District, the Herdwick have been grazing in our area for centuries
and are prized for their special features. The Herdwick, unlike
“normal” sheep,...
- Now is the time to lower Drink Driving limits
Euro MP Brian Simpson has called for the drink driving limits to be reduced from 0.8 (80ml) to 0.2 (20ml) in light of recent events in Gloucestershire. Mr. Simpson, Labour’s Transport spokesman in the European Parliament has long advocated a reduction in the drink driving limit because he believes more and more people are now taking risks with drink driving. “I believe we have a problem both with drinking and driving and people driving under the influence of drugs....
- Brian Simpson calls for redistribution of Common Agriculture Policy budget
Brian Simpson has been active in the European Parliament recently trying to reform the CAP. He stressed: “I
along with my fellow Labour MEPs would like to see a reduction in the amount of money paid to farmers as a subsidy. CAP has to move away from protectionism and market-distorting
subsidies." He continued: “CAP must respond to the needs of the consumer, with more focus on protecting and enhancing our rural
environment and supporting farmers in producing food that is safe...
- Post Office closures is Britain’s fault
Post Office closures have absolutely nothing to do with Europe as some have claimed, according to Euro MP Brian Simpson. “I
get fed up with anti Europeans, particularly UKIP, blaming Post Office closures on the European Union, when the problem lies within the United Kingdom. Post Office closures are as
a result of less British Government subsidy and the inability of the Royal Mail and the British Post Office to prioritise this part of their business” said Mr. Simpson....
- Luxury Car Makers to feel the Environment Pinch
German luxury car makers and Japan’s giant Mazda and Subaru, look likely to be the hardest hit by the EU’s new proposals CO2 emissions from cars 20% by 2012
according to local Euro MP Brian Simpson. The proposals outlined the EU Commission are that average CO2 emissions should be cut to 130 grammes per kilometre and
those car makers that fuel to make the targets w3ill be fined proportionate to the number of grammes they are over the limit. “Car...
- Airlines rip off pasengers over taxes
“Airlines rip off passengers over taxes” says Euro MP Brian Simpson Local
Euro MP Brian Simpson and Labour Transport spokesperson has hit out at airlines who fail to repay passengers their aviation taxes if they cancel their reservation or if their flights are
cancelled. All air passengers have to pay taxes and in some instances those taxes are often larger than the fare itself, but very few reclaim any taxes if they cancel their
reservations because airlines charge huge administration charges. “This...
- “Farmers face increase feed costs” claims Euro MP Brian Simpson
Labour’s Agriculture spokesman a local Euro MP Brian Simpson has expressed concerns that farmers could face increasing feed costs for
livestock due to a number of factors. Speaking in the European Parliament, Mr Simpson pointed out that within the UK, livestock farmers were struggling because of low prices paid
to farmers and any increase in feed prices would just add to the burden that farmers are having to bare at the moment. “Livestock farmers are
feeling the pinch on two sides....
- “Rail fares far too high” says Euro MP Brian Simpson
Labour Euro MP and Transport Spokesperson in the European Parliament Brian Simpson now believes the Government should act to restrict rail fare rises in the future, to just the rate
of inflation with a second or standard class fully flexible return ticket from Liverpool to London Euston now costing £215.00. Mr Simpson said that many people are being priced off
our railways. “It is fast becoming a luxury to travel from Liverpool to London by train with many fares being hiked
up...
- Tougher gun control across EU
Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson, voted for a new law to tighten controls on convertible guns in Europe. Convertible weapons such as blank-firing guns, which are imported from the continent are converted into deadly weapons. Despite being banned in the UK these weapons are a growing problem due to smuggling. The new law will clamp down on these weapons. Brian said: "We have demonstrated to our citizens that we can tackle the problem of illegal weapons...
- “Victory for Consumers and Common Sense”
“Victory for Consumers and Common Sense” says local MEP Brian Simpson Today the European Parliament voted to extend the right for UK traders to continue to do business in inches, pounds and
pints instead of having to use metres, kilos and litres. UK consumers will be able to buy traditional goods in pints and ounces. Brian said "This has been an emotive issue in the UK since we went metric. We do not need regulation for regulation's sake,...
- “We must guarantee Religious Freedom” Euro MP Brian Simpson
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has supported moves in the European Parliament to project the rights of Christians who find themselves as a religious minority throughout the world. The Labour MEP took a strong line on the basis that all people should have the right to practise their beliefs peacefully, irrespective of where they live. “Personally I am not a religious person, but I defend unequivocally people’s rights to practise their religion peacefully and without hindrance, irrespective...
- Zero set aside is an opportunity for farmers says Euro MP.
Local Euro MP and Labour’s Agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, Brian Simpson, has welcomed the decision to adopt a zero set aside in 2008 and believes it is an
opportunity to develop environmental stewardship and sustainable conservation in our rural areas. The move to reduce set aside has been made to
ease pressures caused by increasing global demand for grain and will give farmers and growers the flexibility they need to meet the demands of the worlds markets. “With concern growing...
- New Rights for Rail Passengers
All rail passengers will enjoy a set of basic rights, including the right to transport for people with reduced mobility, when the regulation comes into force in late 2009.
Today the European Parliament welcomes new rights for all rail passengers. The rights and obligations of rail passengers was originally intended to apply only to passengers on international journeys, but Labour MEPs fought hard to include
passengers on domestic journeys, meaning train companies in the UK wont be able to avoid the...
- “Supermarkets are keeping prices of dairy products high”
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has reacted angrily to a report by the Office of Fair Trading which alleges the big four supermarkets and milk processors have kept prices of dairy
products high whilst at the same time forcing down the amount paid to the farmers. “For nearly twenty years, supermarkets have been aggressively
pricing milk down which resulted in a serious crisis in the dairy farming sector with the price of milk paid to the farmers dropping from 25p a litre...
- Ban Food Additives and Artificial Colourings
Brian Simpson has given his support to a campaign to outlaw artificial additives and colourings in food and drink, after a comprehensive study by Southampton University found that children’s behavior patterns are affected by additives. Mr Simpson, a former teacher, has long suspected that artificial colourings and food additives lead to hyperactivity and bad behavior amongst young children and now this study confirms that belief. “Ask any Primary School teacher in our towns and they will tell you that...
- AIRLINES ARE CHEATING PASSENGERS
Labour’s Brian Simpson has attacked airlines for deliberately flouting EU Regulations in regard to airline passenger rights. Ever
since 2005 airlines have been obligated to provide passengers with meals and refreshments in cases of delays and monetary compensation if they are ‘bumped’ off overbooked flights. However, Mr. Simpson believes that passengers are unaware of their entitlements and airlines are happy to keep them in ignorance. “I have had a number of incidents reported to me recently where passengers who were delayed...
- Brian Simpson supports the Trade Unions in their Crusade
Local MEP Brian Simpson expresses concern at closure of Remploy in St Helens & Wigan “I would like to express my utter dismay at the announcement that Remploy is proposing to close 43 of its factories, two of which is in St Helens and Wigan, within my region of the North
West of England. I have always been aware that working in a Remploy factory means that the individual works in an environment that caters for their particular needs and requirements...
- Beware Chinese Toothpaste
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has voiced his concerns about toxic toothpaste that has been imported into Europe from China. The toothpaste mainly under the brand
name TRILEAF has been supplied to hospitals, hotels and airlines in small travel pack sizes for use when people forget their own wash bag or in case of emergencies. Spain has
confiscated over 100,000 items and Italy 20,000 tubes of toothpaste which are found to have contained diethylene glycol which is a thickening agent...
- Labour MEPs are calling for transport air ticket prices
Labour MEPs are calling for transparent air ticket prices Labour Euro MEPs have slammed
airlines for deliberately misleading passengers with headline prices that don't exist. Today the European Parliament will debate the current pricing practices of some
airlines. The European Parliament will vote on Wednesday on proposals, which will strengthen the right of air passengers to have clear and full
information on the price they will finally pay when booking an air ticket. Brian Simpson ActingTransport Spokesman for the European
Parliamentary Socialist...
- Labour leads the protection of rural postal services in Europe.
Brian Simpson MEP, Transport Committee Spokesperson for the 217-strong Socialist Group in the European
Parliament, led yesterday evening the Socialist transport delegation to an outright victory on the long-term protection of rural postal services both in Britain and
Europe. Speaking after the evening vote in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament Mr. Simpson
said: "As Labour spokesman I have tried to find the right balance between encouraging competition and efficiency in the sector while protecting
our rural communities' right to...
- Health Threat from Brazilian Beef
‘Health Threat from Brazilian Beef’ Local Euro MP and Labour Spokesman
on Agriculture in the European Parliament Brian Simpson has called for an EU wide import on beef from Brazil when an independent organisation found foot and mouth in Brazilian cattle and no measures
in place to stop the disease. The report by the Irish Farm Centre from Dublin was undertaken last month and found that cattle from areas affected by Foot and mouth disease were
being moved to non affected areas...
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