David Martin, MEP

Latest European Report

FEBRUARY 2012

Socialist Schulz new President of the European Parliament
The left in Europe has warmly welcomed the election of Martin Schulz, the former leader of the Socialist & Democratic Group, as President of the Parliament in Strasbourg. Martin has been elected President at a crucial time when the left is starting to put new vigour into the fight back.  As a long-time colleague I know Martin is committed to ensuring that the European Parliament takes even greater steps to articulate the voice of Europe’s people.
At this time, the people of the European Union (EU) are being subjected to economic hardship, by often-arbitrary credit-rating decisions, and by increasingly non-democratic sentiment and actions.
The Party of European Socialist’s (PES) General Secretary, Philip Cordery said: “Citizens of the EU are crying out for better representation. They require greater transparency, higher democratic standards, and a political direction based on fairness. Martin Schulz can deliver on all three counts.” The PES will work closely with the new EP President to promote policies based on solidarity, openness and long-term economic sustainability. Martin Schulz is a prominent member of the Social Democrats in Germany and a good friend of the Scottish people, expressing the desire in the past to come to Scotland and speak to the Scottish Labour Party members.  Who knows, now he is President he may have more of a chance to visit.  
Danish Presidency critical of UK Tories
In many ways Denmark, the current President of the EU, resembles the UK: a monarchy that joined the EU in 1973, it marks a royal jubilee this year; and has an opt-out from the single currency.  Denmark’s new Social Democratic Prime Minister is Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who is married to Stephen Kinnock, son of Neil, the best Prime Minister we never had. However, many in the Danish political scene see the current UK Tory Prime Minister, David Cameron, as misguided, or worse. This week Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, a former Foreign Minister, was reported as saying: “The British have become toxic. Nobody wants to be Britain’s ally in the EU. British skepticism comes from a superiority complex. Ours comes from a minority complex.” Unlike the British Tories however, who continue to seek repatriation of powers from Brussels, most Danish people are pro-European and believe that sovereignty is best protected through a seat (and a vote) in all of Europe’s councils.
Tory MP shames Britain in Europe
Following a report that one of his Tory MPs, Aiden Burley, had taken part in a racist Nazi-stag-night in a French ski-resort I wrote to the Prime Minister, David Cameron asking what, if any, action he proposed to take.  The Prime Minister replied stating Burley had been stripped of his government post and that a fuller investigation and report on the incident was under way.  I have asked for a copy of this report when it is finalised. We must be vigilant of the emergence of the extreme right in Europe and the European Parliament.
The ETUC condemns nationalistic turn in Hungary
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is seriously concerned at the nationalistic, authoritarian turn being taken by the government in Hungary. Citizens are now subject to a Constitution, which stifles freedom and erodes their public and private liberties. Media pluralism and the independence of the justice system are under threat. The Hungarian government’s measures follow the reform of the Labour Code, which harms workers’ rights, particularly those of the most vulnerable workers. Viktor Orban’s government preaches economic patriotism, which is no more than an illusion, because the country is mired in crisis. The currency is depreciating, capital is flooding out, there is an explosion of debt, yet Hungary continues to depend on the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its survival. The ETUC stands shoulder to shoulder with the Hungarians who came out in their thousands in early January to protest against this government.
Is the UK once again the ‘dirty man’ of Europe?
Under the last Tory regime, Britain became known as the ‘dirty man’ of Europe as far as environmental policy was concerned.  Last week in Strasbourg it was reported that Britain again lags behind other European countries when it comes to recycling electrical waste. Only one third of UK electrical waste is properly recycled and treated. Electrical waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the UK. Britain is low down the European recycling league. If you look at the "small household electrical waste" category, then Denmark and Germany collect three times as much as we do per person. If the new EU rules are implemented in full, from June 2013 consumers will be able to return any small, unwanted electrical items such as toasters and hairdryers to large electrical retailers.  In landfill, electrical waste often leaks toxic chemicals and hazardous substances, so by improving recycling rates we will improve our local environment too.
Invitation: Top French Socialist Harlem Désir to address
Scottish Labour Party
I have invited my greatly esteemed colleague Harlem Désir MEP to address Scottish Labour Party members on Thursday 9 February in the European Parliament Office, at the Tun, Edinburgh at 7pm.
Harlem and I go back a long way.  Before becoming a French Socialis MEP Harlem was the first President of the French anti-racist organisation SOS Racisme and I worked with him and Glyn Ford in this country, and across Europe to spread the anti-racist message.
In his role as a French MEP, Harlem Désir is member of the Capital Tax, Fiscal Systems and Globalisation Intergroup of the European Parliament and has championed the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) known in the UK as the Robin Hood Tax – one of the few truly visionary and innovative responses to the current crisis in capitalism.  Last year Harlem’s popularity and leadership skills were in evidence when he was appointed Delegate First Secretary of the Socialist Party (France) during the candidature of Martine Aubry for the Socialist Party Primary as a candidate for the French Presidential Elections

Entry to the event is free but as places are limited, please email david@martinmep.com or telephone 0131 440 9040 for tickets. There will be a chance afterwards for a chat over wine and refreshments.

DAVID MARTIN MEP, Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RE
T: 0131 440 9040   E:   david@martinmep.com