David has signed the 'Real Man' pledge to mark
25 November as the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women. See the campaign at http://www.realmancampaign.com/
Keeping the Financial Transaction Tax on Track
Since 2010, the introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) has been heavily debated at EU level. President Sarkozy of France, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Zapatero of Spain, the European Commission and the European Parliament have all expressed public support for an FTT ahead of the G20 in November.
A part of the FTT revenues should be invested in global public goods, and thus used to alleviate extreme poverty and to help reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
As Chair of the European Parliament Working Group on Innovation, Access to Medicines and Poverty-Related Diseases, David hosted a lunchtime debate on why the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) should not drift away from benefiting international development and health.
The Working Group believes that new and innovative sources of financing are needed if we are serious about achieving WDGs. An Financial Transaction Tax could turn the global economic crisis into a global opportunity, by making banks, hedge funds and other parts of the financial sector pay their fair share to clear up the mess they helped create.
Drive this Abuse off Europe's Roads!
David visited World Horse Welfare's stand at the European Parliament this week. Presenting them with some of the many cards he has been sent by constituents he reiterated his strong support for their campaign to end the suffering of horses transported long distances.
This week World Horse Welfare submitted their latest Dossier of Evidence to the European Commission.
Every year millions of animals are transported in unacceptable conditions over long distances across Europe. The most important issue affecting their welfare is the length of the journeys.
8HOURS is an EU-wide campaign to bring an end to the long-distance transportation of farmed animals. Working with animal welfare organisations across Europe, including OneKind, the campaign is collecting 1,000,000 signatures calling for 8-hour maximum journeys. David is supporting the 8Hours campaign, see his guest blog at OneKind and click graphic above to visit OneKind's site to support the campaign.
Oxfam Scotland is hosting a petition so that the people of Scotland can show their support and call for the UK Government to change their stance about implementing the Robin Hood Tax. Click to link.
Click graphic below to see David's video interview on the website of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
in the European Parliament
David Martin at the European Parliament
FOR DAVID MARTIN'S WORK IN BRUSSELS AND STRASBOURG,
visit: David Martin at the European Parliament
For enquiries write to: DAVID MARTIN MEP, Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RE
Telephone 0131 440 9040 Email: david@martinmep.com
