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Strasbourg Roundup - January 2009

Hello and welcome to my Strasbourg roundup.  January saw a snowy Strasbourg with a busy agenda- below is my summary of what went on.

Adoption of Resolution on Gaza

I and my Labour colleagues voted in favour of a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and a negotiated truce.  The resolution states that the ceasefire should include the halt to rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel and the end of Israel's military action in Gaza.  Israel's attacks on the Gaza strip are absolutely unacceptable, resulting in the loss of over 1000 civilians in this campaign alone.

Russia-Ukraine energy dispute

After the gas line running to Eastern and Western Europe was shut down because of a dispute over unpaid bills and a disagreement over the amount of Gas Russia has supplied, the Socialist Group recommended that Russia and Ukraine should solve their disputes rapidly without blaming one side or the other.  I agree with the Socialist position which puts the focus on resolution rather than prolonging the dispute by placing blame on either country.

Directive on the Sustainable use of Pesticides

New EU pesticides legislation was adopted which will increase the number of pesticides available in Member States, while in due course banning the use of certain dangerous chemicals in these products.  Measures to ensure the safer use of pesticides in daily life will also be introduced.

Report on strategy for civil dialogue under the Treaty of Lisbon

This report which I supported maps out a strategy for making it easier for citizens of member states to have a direct input into the European Parliament.  Successive EU enlargements have lead to a communications gap being created between the Union and citizens.  The report develops the concept of allowing citizens greater access to documents via the internet, greater information provided by the Parliament's information services and calls for funding to meet the increased dialogue.

Other Business

I met with the Intergroup for the Protection and Welfare of Animals.  We discussed the conditions which animals face on their way to slaughter.  The intergroup is pushing for the commission to cap the number of hours animals have to travel on their way to slaughter.  I believe it is only fair for animals to be treated humanely on the journey to the slaughter house.