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Strasbourg Round-up April 2011

Welcome to my Strasbourg Roundup. This is a very brief update to let you know what happened at the April plenary session of the European Parliament.

New vaccine against Bluetongue
The Parliament voted this week to introduce a new vaccine against Bluetongue for livestock, and gave farmers a greater say over its use in their herd. Until recently, farmers were not able to vaccinate their livestock unless a case of Bluetongue was reported in the UK. Under new regulations which the Parliament has passed, farmers are now able to decide if they wish to continue vaccination their animals as a precaution. Thankfully the UK is once again free of Bluetongue, but these new rules will allow farmers to maintain high levels of precaution.

Tackling violence against women
A report passed in the Parliament has reiterated the Parliament's strong commitment to developing a coordinated strategy to tackle violence against women in Europe. It is estimated that domestic violence costs the EU up to 16 billion Euros, and I and my colleagues in the Socialist and Democrat group (of which Labour MEPs are a member) would like to see an EU Directive on violence against women to focus specifically on immediate measures which are needed to tackle this considerable problem. Strong legal protection is needed for victims, as well as a legal assistance and proper implementation of criminal investigation procedures in Member States. I support this report which reaffirms Parliament's position and encourages the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a Directive.

Refugee crisis in Lampedusa
Responding to the refugee crisis in Lampedusa, where it is estimated around 20,000 migrants have arrived since the recent unrest began in North Africa, the Socialist and Democrat group this week urged the Commission to call for an immediate EU home affairs meeting to coordinate a joint response. An EU strategy is needed to help Lampedusa cope with the sudden influx, and assist the refugees.

Concerns over a challenge to the EU seal ban
I was delighted to speak to the EU Director of Humane Society International this week to discuss trade negotiations with Canada and the EU ban on the trade in seal products. Humane Society International does fantastic work on animal welfare, and I was pleased to be presented with a huge number of letters from constituents in Scotland who share my concern over the enforcement of the ban. The European Parliament overwhelmingly called for a ban in the trading of seal products in the EU, but Canada is currently challenging this ruling in the World Trade Organisation. I am urging the Commission to call on Canada to withdraw this challenge before EU - Canada negotiations on a proposed trade deal are completed.