PES Manifesto Consultation!

Severn Valley Railway let down by UKIP

Michael Cashman has slammed UKIP for failing to support the Heritage Railways movement in the European Parliament.

UKIP MEPs voted against amendments put down Labour MEP and Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Vice President Brian Simpson on behalf of the HRA exempting Heritage lines from the new EU Railway Safety Directive. Fortunately, Labour MEPs secured other cross party support and his amendments were accepted by a large majority.

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Michael backs liberalisation of EU energy market

Michael has given his backing to plans for Europe's electricity networks to be separated from generation.

"I am in favour of 'full ownership unbundling' because this would remove the conflict of interest of companies that own both production and distribution of electricity."

"I believe that European consumers have been paying over the odds for their electricity and its time that the electricity market was shaken up in order to introduce true competition."

The plans will also ensure access to the grid for renewables and promote a fully functioning internal market, bringing choice and security benefits for consumers.

Among the report's other key proposals which received backing from MEPs are:

Tackling energy poverty – for the first time placing the issue on the EU agenda, including measures to ensure each Member State has an energy poverty action plan.

Protecting consumers – simplification of procedures for switching supplier; better transparency, and access to information.

Boosting energy efficiency - roll-out of SmartMeters within 10 years; increasing block tariffs; encouraging energy efficiency.

Horizontal Directive : Cashman welcomes the decision of the European Commission

Yesterday the European Commission made a significant decision to bring forward a horizontal Directive combating discrimination in access to services and goods on grounds of disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.

The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights congratulates the Commission on the right decision, which will end the hierarchy of discrimination in Europe and protect all European citizens equally.

"We thank all those who have been involved in the campaign for an all inclusive non-discrimination Directive", said Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup. "We congratulate the Commission and in particular Commissioner Spidla and President Barroso on doing the right thing. As ever the details of the proposal will be keenly awaited and scrutinised. And we will work with the Council and Commission to achieve our goal of making Europe a brighter, fairer, equal place to work and to live"

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