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 Press releases |
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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... 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... 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 of scams... 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. Simpson.
Many passengers have... 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 electronic system of
data exchange... 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 per week over four months
will... 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 crops to a more market... 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 aviation... 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 current... 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 holidaymakers come... "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 from
the Far East and... “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 is wrong
that some... "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 have doubled... 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 compulsory... 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 time to... 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 in
favour of their own... 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 air
passengers. Now
airlines will not be... 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 I think that is... 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 contact Mr Simpson.
“I... 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 belief that
unless something is... 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 Tax, TV Licences... 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.
“Without a doubt, the
work... 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 for live animals that are... 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 smoking.... 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 banning... 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, will not... 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 and of... 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. Many Post Offices... 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 makers appear... 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 is... “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. Firstly... “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 to... 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 across Europe. This... “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, and it
is good... “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 of what... 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 they... 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 used in... 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 Group, said,... 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 a high... 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 so... Labour MEPs support one seat for European Parliament
A poll conducted by the Campaign for Parliament Reform (CPR) has revealed an overwhelming majority, 89% of MEPs, not only want one permanent seat for the European Parliament but also that 81% want the seat to be in Brussels. 84% also believed the Parliament should be able to decide on its own the location of its seat. Gary Titley, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "Strasbourg costs £200 million a year and leaves a massive carbon footprint. The monthly move of... Tories slammed for playing politics with jobs in UK spirits industry
Tories slammed for playing politics with jobs in UK spirits industry MEPs have negotiated legislation on the
definition, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks which aims to ensure that consumers are not misled. Vodka has been especially contentious, since it is made from different ingredients in
different countries. Next week the European Parliament will vote on new rules on the production and labelling of spirits such as whisky and vodka. A compromise text has just been agreed between the
Parliament and Council covering... EU doubles funding for projects to tackle domestic violence
EU doubles funding for projects tackling domestic violence The
European Parliament voted to increase the funding for programmes aiming to prevent violence against women and children by over 130% to Euro 116 850 000. The objective of the Daphne III programme is to prevent and combat all form of violence against children, young adults and women.
The programme includes preventive measures and provides support for victims and groups most at risk. The programme will also raise public awareness of violence and address... Get Insurance and expect delays
North West MEP and Labour’s Transport Spokesman Brian Simpson has warned holidaymakers to get adequate travel insurance and to expect delays this summer. Speaking
at a public hearing on Aviation Security in Strasbourg, Mr Simpson pointed out the reality of the security situation now that countries like Spain are stepping up their own security at
airports. “I am afraid air travellers could well be faced with delays this summer as countries like Spain step up their security as part of an EU
wide... Fly to the Lakes Proposal
One of Cumbria’s Euro MP’s Brian Simpson, would like to hear from local people in regard to a proposed new air service between London and the County. Normally the
Labour MEP and Transport Spokesperson would welcome any improvement in the transport links between the County and the capital, but this proposal is a little different in that it is a seaplane
operation taking off in the River Thames and landing on one of the lakes in the Lake District. “ I believe... Support British Growers and Farmers
SUPPORT BRITISH GROWERS AND FARMERS Local Euro MP and Labours spokesperson on Agriculture in
the European Parliament, Brian Simpson, has urged all local people to buy local and/or British products when out shopping this weekend. “I’m sorry
to say we in Britain show no loyalty to our own produced food preferring instead to buy processed foods and ready made meals, most of which does not come from Britain.” said a concerned Mr
Simpson. “ I know in the past we have had problems... BUYERS BEWARE ON FOREIGN PROPERTY
BUYERS BEWARE ON FOREIGN PROPERTY Local Euro MP Brian Simpson would like all tour operators and
airlines to warn their clients about buying property abroad, without going through the proper channels. With the holiday season about to start, the Labour MEP is concerned that UK
citizens fly off to the sun, decides to buy property and then are left with problems on their hands. “We have a number of ongoing cases where
people have bought property, particularly in Spain and Eastern Europe and... at last an end to the cruel trade in cat & dog fur across the EU
Brian has given his full backing to new legislation that has passed through the European Parliament this week putting an end to the cruel trade in Cat and Dog fur across the EU.
Brian has followed the issue closely in Parliament over the past year said; "It is great that MEP's across the political spectrum have given their backing to the ban on cat and dog fur. What we need now is for Member States across the EU... about time too!
AND ABOUT TIME TOO! Local MEP Brian Simpson has welcomed the Governments decision to pay Gurkha soldiers the same pensions as
other soldiers in the British Army. Mr Simpson, as supporter of the Gurkha Welfare Trust which looks after ex-Gurkha soldiers in their native Nepal, said the decision is good news
and long overdue. “Our soldiers in my mind are the best in the worlds and none more so than our Gurkha regiment. They have
served with great distinction over many years and... RE-REGULATE OUR BUSES NOW
The Region’s bus network should be re-regulated as soon as possible, in order to end the decline in bus usage, according to local Brian Simpson. Speaking in support of the region’s two PTE’s, Mr Simpson said that our urban areas should have the same system as London, where the regulated network means that Transport for London can control services, control the quality of services and the fares charged. “Lets be honest about this; traffic chaos has hit the... Cumbrian Euro MP Brian Simpson has described as ''disappointing'''
Cumbrian Euro MP Brian Simpson has described as ‘disappointing’ the decision by the Department of Transport to scrap through trains from Carlisle to the West Country. Presently, Carlisle has five through-trains per day to Bristol, Plymouth and Penzance, but under the new Cross Country Franchise scheduled for 2007-2008 they will all disappear. The new look Cross Country Franchise has no direct services on the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe and Manchester. Instead, the Trans-Pennine Express Operator will be... MEP Calls for support of Rural Post Offices
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has supported calls from Age concern for the government to support our rural post offices. Mr Simpson; a member of the postal trade union CWU, and a former spokesman on postal affairs in the European Parliament, believes the government needs to take a decision soon on continuing the 150 million pound a year subsidy to the Royal Mail to enable the 8000 rural sub post offices to carry on their valuable work. "I know... SUPERMARKETS SHOULD DO MORE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES''" says Euro MP
Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has called on the large supermarket chains to do more to help local farmers to do more to protect the environment and to help create more sustainable rural communities. Speaking in the European Parliament, Mr Simpson recognized that the large supermarkets had brought some benefits, but that they had also created many problems that needed to be addressed. “The growth of large multi-national supermarkets has led to the closure of many local bakeries, many local... Euro MP Brian Simpson calls for lower drink limit
Local MEP Brian Simpson has called for a reduction in drink driving limits as part of a European Union Road Safety Plan. Speaking at the Parliament’s Transport Committee in Brussels Mr Simpson supported moves to bring in a level of 0.5 across the EU and 0.2 for inexperienced younger drivers under 24 with less than two years experience. “I appreciate that this move may be controversial, but the fact is that there is an increase in drink driving incidents in... Local MEP Brian...
Local MEP Brian Simpson has accused MEP’s from the Conservatives, Lib/Dems and UKIP of abandoning sustainable rural development in the North West, in favour of rich farmers in the South of England. Mr Simpson was reacting angrily to a vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, when his attempt to obtain 4.4 billion Euros for the UK for Rural Development was scuppered by a coalition of right-wing parties and French farmers. Mr Simpson stated:-“We had an opportunity here to reform... Lower Drink Driving Limit for all say Euro MP
New Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has called for the drink driving limit to be reduced for all drivers not just the under 25's.Reacting to the suggestion from the Governments own influential advisory council on drugs that the limit should be dropped from 80mg to 50mg for drivers under 25, Mr Simpson said the case for reducing the drink driving limits for all drivers was compelling. "Britain has a problem with binge drinking and drink driving. We have one of...
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