Strasbourg Roundup - December 2008
 
Hello and welcome to my Strasbourg Roundup.  December was a packed schedule with high media interest and high profile votes taking place.  Below is my brief summary of what happened.
 
Working Time Directive - This directive will safeguard workers' rights by limiting the numbers of hours which they have to work to below 48 per week when averaged over 12 months.  This extends the period over which the hours are averaged from four months to twelve months meaning that businesses still have the flexibility which they need, without sacrificing the health and safety of employees.
 
Emission Reduction Commitments up to 2020 - Tuesday saw a vote on this report which sets out binding targets for member states to help us achieve the commitments we have made to reduce our emissions.  I voted in favour of it because It creates a fair system where emissions are reduced according to a country's ability to pay, meaning that poorer member states are not left behind, ensuring that everyone is able to play a part in protecting the environment.
 
Renewables Commitments - I support this report because it strengthens our obligations for renewables targets.  Importantly it has a clause which guarantees that food prices or land use will not be adversely affected.  This means that we can commit to a reduction of CO2 with the knowledge that our actions can only have a positive impact upon the atmosphere.  I voted in favour of it because it incorporates all forms of renewable energy, creating realistic levels for each.
 
Toy Safety Directive - For many of us toy safety is something which we take for granted.  However, it is only with legislation such as this passing through parliament that minimum standards are created.  This directive was passed in time for Christmas aimed at beefing up safety regulations and banning toxic elements from toys.
 
Increase in Bank Deposit Guarantee - In this tough financial climate, knowing that your money is safe is a big relief.  This report raises the guarantee level in the event of deposits being unavailable.  Part of the aim of this new legislation is to bring some calm in the financial market by protecting hard earned savings.
 
Other matters that came up in Parliamentary Business this week included:
 
Animal Welfare meeting - I attended this meeting along with rapporteur Diana Wallis MEP and various Animal Welfare groups, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).  The meeting was a chance for the Animal Welfare groups to put across their points of view on the proposals for a ban on trading seal products which I introduced.  It was a successful meeting where ways of improving the proposals and making them more effective were discussed, which will lead to better protection for seals.