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WTO rules against Boeing in key case for EU airline industry.

Brussels, 31st March 2011 — In a landmark case, the World Trade Organisation has ruled that US aviation giant Boeing has received billions of dollars of improper subsidies from the US government over the course of the last 30 years. The WTO panel concluded that the subsides, that took the form of research and development grants, had provided the US aviation company with an unfair advantage over its rivals.

The ruling will provide a boost to European companies such as Airbus who are fighting for an increased share in the global aviation market.

Robert Sturdy MEP, Conservative Spokesman on International Trade, said:

 ’I am fully supportive of the WTO and its principles of free and unimpeded international trade. I welcome the ruling on this matter and I hope that the issue will be resolve quickly and amicably, with both sides coming to a mutually agreed solution’.

Ends

For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 0032 22837294

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Conservative MEPs successfully cut Brussels to Strasbourg treks.

Strasbourg, 9th March 2011 — Earlier today, Conservative MEPs successfully pushed through the European Parliament a proposal that would cut down on the number of trips between Brussels and Strasbourg each year. It is estimated that this will save EU taxpayers some 15 Million Euros and save the environment from 1600 tonnes of needless carbon dioxide.

An amendment was tabled by Conservative MEPs to change the parliament’s calendars of 2012 and 2013 by merging the two sessions in October into one week, thus meaning that MEPs will fulfil their treaty obligations to hold 12 sessions in Strasbourg, whilst only having to make 11 trips backwards and forwards.

Although similar proposals had failed twice, on this occasion a secret ballot was held, thus freeing MEPs from the whipping operations of the largest groups in the parliament.

Speaking after the vote, Robert Sturdy, Conservative MEP for the East of England, said: 

 ‘The EU keeps on asking for a bigger budget yet it is unwilling to save significant amounts of money by abolishing the monthly trip to Strasbourg.’

 ‘This vote is a step in the right direction but there is still a long way to go. Only a treaty change can prevent this absurd practice.’

Ends

For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 0032 22837294

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ROBERT STURDY RENEWS CALL TO ABOLISH STRASBOURG SITTINGS

Eastern Region MEP Robert Sturdy has renewed calls to abolish the European Parliament sitting in Strasbourg following research which concluded that 70% of MEPs want to end their enforced visits there.

Robert has vigorously campaigned for 17 years against the present system of travelling from Brussels to France at least a dozen times a year to vote on legislation.

A report called “A Tale of Two Cities” said it cost an extra £150 million annually and resulted in an extra 19,000 tonnes of CO2 a year caused by road and air travel: using one seat instead of continuing the current travelling circus would also save UK taxpayers £28 million a year.

Robert and fellow Conservative MEPs have consistently called for the Strasbourg sittings to be scrapped.

He said: “This latest study supports what Conservatives have long believed, that this travelling circus is very unpopular by the majority of MEPs and should be scrapped to save us millions of pounds, our time and carbon emissions.  It’s a disgraceful waste on all counts and cannot be justified any longer. It is totally unacceptable and it should be acted on now following this report.

“While the Strasbourg seat was once a very positive symbol in reuniting France and Germany, it has now become a negative symbol of wasting money and bureaucracy and should cease being used.

“I find it hard to understand how the European Labour leader in Brussels, Martin Schultz, could dismiss the report as a ‘waste of time’, and I would like to challenge our local Labour MEP Richard Howitt to say if he shares his leader’s views too.”

Last year Robert signed a cross-party letter urging the President of the European Union to end the Strasbourg sittings, and vowed he would never give up campaigning on this issue.

Ends

Note to Editors:

1. Note to editors: the report can be found here:

http://www.brusselsstrasbourgstudy.eu/

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Price of shoes set to fall after shoemakers drop calls to extend EU duties

‘Shoe Wars’ to be brought to an end

Brussels 11 January 2011. Punitive EU duties on the imports of shoes from China and Vietnam look set to be dropped after shoemakers ended their bid to extend them today. The European Confederation of the Footwear Industry has bowed to pressure from EU governments to end the duties of 16.5 percent for China and 10 percent for Vietnam shoe imports.

Robert Sturdy MEP, Conservative international trade spokesman in the European Parliament, welcomed the news as a victory for common sense and good news for hard-pressed consumers and retailers who have been heavily affected by the duties, which have been in place since 2006. He has campaigned for them to be lifted for several years, arguing that shoe manufactureres need to face up to the reality of globalisation and global supply chains, rather than attempt to protect against it.

Clarks Shoes says the duties have cost it around €800m in import costs since 2006.

Mr Sturdy said:

“Consumers and retailers are having to pay more for their shoes because of these duties and, at the current time, that is simply morally wrong. Protectionist tariffs such as these have harmed retailers whilst doing next to nothing to save jobs in Southern Europe.

“Many manufacturers have taken advantage of global supply chains to outsource basic production which in the long-term has led to higher-end jobs at home in design and finishing.

“This is a victory for common sense and good news for the High Street. The EU was harming trade relations with China, pushing up prices for consumers and squeezing already tight margins for retailers.”

ENDS

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16 November 2010

ROBERT STURDY WELCOMES BLUETONGUE VACCINATION ACROSS EU

The European Commission’s announcement that vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats against Bluetongue will be permitted across the EU is a welcome development towards a long-term solution for a disease that has destroyed farmers’ livelihoods, Richard Ashworth MEP, Conservative agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, said today.

Bluetongue caused havoc across much of the UK, and particularly the East of England in the autumn of 2007 when a number of outbreaks were recorded. The subsequent movement bans on cattle caused significant backlogs of animals going to slaughter.
The Commission now wants to update the relevant EU directive so that it takes account of new developments in vaccination to allow the use of vaccines across the EU. Previously, cattle and sheep that had been vaccinated faced export restrictions.

Robert Sturdy, MEP for the Eastern Region said:

“UK farmers practice the highest safety, welfare and quality standards than anywhere else in the world

“The Commission’s decision recognises that vaccination is the only long-term solution to this disease. Movement bans can do only so much in today’s world to halt the spread of Bluetongue. Without vaccination the livelihoods of British farmers are at stake.

“Our region was devastated by Bluetongue in 2007; the use of a vaccine will help prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Today is a chance to restore faith in the sustainability of the livestock industry.”

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9 November 2010

New EU trade agenda must signal an end to Fortress Europe

The EU needs to put in place a clear, transparent and open trading policy that will no longer allow deals to be hatched behind closed doors based on parochial interests, Robert Sturdy MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group international trade spokesman, said today after the Commission published a new agenda for future trade policy.

The paper is intended to set out ways of using trade policy to encourage economic growth. In particular it proposes an ambitious agenda with the WTO and partners such as India and Mercosur, and a deepening of relations with the US, China, Russia and Japan where the focus will be on tackling non-tariff barriers. The commission also wants to create a mechanism to ‘redress the balance’ between open EU markets and closed markets in trading partners (for example in the area of public procurement), and to set out how trade can continue to support development. A Euro barometer survey published alongside the paper shows that two thirds of EU citizens feel that the EU has benefited from international trade.

Mr Sturdy said:

”The European Commission must be a strong defender of free trade at a time when protectionism looks far too attractive to many across the EU.

 The EU needs to see globalisation and the rise of new economies as an opportunity that should be taken advantage of, not a threat.

Too often the EU’s processes on international trade are murky. Future decisions on trade, particularly antidumping cases, must be far more open and transparent and based on solid fact rather than politics. EU policies have often made products such as Chinese shoes or textiles more expensive for consumers and retailers in northern Europe, with questionable benefits for manufacturers in Southern Europe.

“Small businesses find it particularly hard to navigate complex, opaque trade rules, and many have had the rug pulled from under their feet by what they perceive as a remote Brussels bureaucracy. It is already risky enough for small businesses to take advantage of globalisation and to outsource production or import products from abroad. The EU should provide incentives, not additional headaches.

“The EU’s agenda must be to take the lead in dismantling barriers to trade across the world and in securing a multilateral deal. We must lead the rest of the world by example. The commission’s proposals make welcome noises but we will see how the policy stands up in face of events.”

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8 October 2010

SIMPLER EU RESEARCH FUNDING WELCOMED BY ROBERT STURDY

Euro-MP Robert Sturdy has welcomed plans to simplify EU research funding from 2013 following a review of its present overbearing bureaucratic practice.

A budget of around  €51 billion is available from the EU for vital research projects, ranging from crop science to energy saving technologies.

Mr Sturdy said the simplification of funding would be much welcomed by businesses in the Eastern Region, as well as our world leading university.

He said: “This is great news for Cambridgeshire. At long last there is a chance to reduce the overbearing bureaucracy from Brussels. We have some of the most innovative businesses in Cambridgeshire and a world leading university, and being able to access this funding by using a simpler process will be a terrific boost to them. This change is long overdue and will ensure that more taxpayers’ money will end up in the pockets of our constituents.

“It is ludicrous that a whole industry exists just to help people fill in these application forms. The changed process complements the Conservative commitment to ‘less, but better’”.

Ends

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8 October 2010

ROBERT STURDY PRAISES WORK OF INTERNATIONAL BORDER AGENCY

Eastern Region MEP Robert Sturdy today praised International Border Agency officers based at a leading London station after learning about their work to protect UK citizens during a fact finding visit.

Mr Sturdy, the Conservative’s EP International Trade spokesman, has long wanted to see for himself the methods used to protect our borders and tackle illegal immigration and drug smuggling

He was joined on his visit to St Pancras International UK Border Agency by London MEP Charles Tannock, and both were very impressed at what they learnt.

Mr Sturdy said: “I was amazed at the highly sophisticated equipment used by the border agency to detect suspicious goods, as well as people. These highly trained officers are dedicated to seeking out anyone who poses a threat, or is believed to be acting illegally, and know how to do so discreetly, with full respect for civil liberties and without alarming fellow travellers.

“I have used St Pancras Station many times, and I was totally reassured to know that Cambridgeshire commuters who use it too can do so with total confidence as well.”
Ends

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EU COMMISSION SUSPENSION OF PAKISTAN IMPORT DUTY WELCOMED BY CONSERVATIVE MEPS

  

Brussels 7 October 2010.

Conservative International Trade Spokesman in Europe Robert Sturdy MEP and Chairman of the Friends of Pakistan group Sajjad Karim today welcomed a European Commission announcement that it is seeking to temporarily suspend import duties on Pakistani goods entering the EU.

The European Commission is making this move in a bid to boost the flood-ravaged nation’s economy.

Commenting today Mr Sturdy said,

“Europe and Pakistan has a longstanding trading relationship and we have a moral and economic responsibility to help our partner during such difficult times. I very much welcome the Commission’s proposals.  Time is of the essence, and we must make sure these measures are implemented without delay so that Pakistan can start to rebuild itself.”

Sajjad Karim added,

“This move will complement the hard work and dedication shown to the Pakistani people by aid agencies and charities. The news cameras may have moved on but the people’s suffering will take years to sort out. A suspension of import duties is a tangible way of stimulating Pakistan’s economy. There is an awful lot more work to do but today’s announcement is step in the right direction.”

ENDS

Contact: Robert on +32 (0)2284 5294 and/or

Sajjad on +32 (0)2 2284 5640

ECR Press Office: Alex Benjamin +32 (0)476 056 450

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16 September 2010

Korea Free Trade Agreement adopted by EU governments

The adoption today of the EU’s Free Trade Agreement with South Korea will create thousands of jobs and add billions of Euros to both sides’ economies, Robert Sturdy MEP, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on the agreement, said today.

Italy today decided to drop its objections to the agreement, in exchange for a six month delay in the agreement’s implementation until July 2011.

The FTA will eliminate 98.7% of duties in trade value for both industry and agriculture within five years. The deal is expected to save the EU agricultural industry €380 million, whilst the services sector (inducing financial services, telecoms and environmental services) could expect to see a 70% rise in trade volume.

The agreement also tackles non-tariff barriers to trade and includes specific provisions on electronics, motor vehicles and vehicle parts, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and chemicals.

The agreement must still be agreed by the European Parliament.

Mr Sturdy, who is the European Conservatives and Reformists Group’s trade spokesman, said:

“In isolation this is good news for European businesses, but it is also significant for the message that it sends out to other countries that the EU is open for business.

“In response to Italy’s concerns, there will be a six month implementation delay, but that should merely be treated as extra time for European businesses – big and small – to prepare to take advantage of the vast array of benefits that this deal will bring.

“The benefits from this deal will far outweigh any short-term concerns.

”We will now seek to bring about a swift and positive passage of this agreement through the European Parliament. A number of concerns do remain in sensitive sectors and we will aim to alleviate them.

”This agreement has jumped over a number of hurdles but let’s hope it is in the home straight.”

ENDS

Contact: Robert on: +32 228 45294
ECR Press Office – James Holtum – +32 473 861762

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15th September 2010

Airbus and Boeing: time for talks to replace recriminations

The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) expected rebuke of Boeing today should bring about a new spirit of cooperation between Airbus and the American manufacturer, instead of yet more Transatlantic recriminations, Robert Sturdy MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today.

Mr Sturdy is calling on the EU and the USA to negotiate an agreement that enables both sides to continue operating a public-private partnership whilst putting both manufacturers on a level playing field.

In June the WTO criticised subsidies granted to Airbus but it said that the EU had not acted against international trade rules because the ‘Reimbursable Launch Investment’ (RLI) offered on three major aircraft development programmes is being repaid with interest.

Mr Sturdy said: 

”The only people to have benefited from this ongoing dispute are the lawyers. Now it’s time for the USA and the EU to get around the table and work out an arrangement that enables public investment in new technology, whilst putting both manufacturers on a level playing field.

”Public-private partnerships and investment are important, particularly as we seek to make our aircraft more environmentally-friendly.

”It was regrettable that the USA decided to pull out of a bilateral agreement in 2004 but I hope that the European Commission will extend an olive branch and invite the USA to put the past behind them.

“Competition is healthy but this long period of antagonism has undermined the standing of both manufacturers, in an increasingly global marketplace.”

ENDS

Contact: Robert on +32 228 5294

ECR Press Office – James Holtum +32 473 861762

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13 September 2010

Italy puts short-term protectionism ahead of long-term growth in Korea Free Trade Agreement

Robert Sturdy MEP, the European Parliament’s lead member on the proposed EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, has warned that Italy’s refusal to back the deal will cost the EU economy billions of Euros in lost trade revenues, whilst sending out a signal that Europe is pulling up the drawbridge of protectionism.

Mr Sturdy, European Conservatives and Reformists group international trade spokesman, issued the warning after Italy once again refused to grant agreement on the historic deal today. The FTA requires all 27 governments and the European Parliament’s endorsement before it comes into effect. The agreement could now be added to the agenda of the European Council meeting this Thursday.

The FTA will bring about an unparalleled series of tariff liberalisation and dismantling of technical barriers to trade, enabling EU businesses to gain extensive and comprehensive access to the Korean marketplace. It will immediately remove €1.6 billion of export duties levied annually on EU exporters of industrial and agricultural products, and €1.1 billion levied on Korean exporters. The deal is expected to save the EU agricultural industry €380 million, whilst the services sector (inducing financial services, telecoms and environmental services) could expect to see a 70% rise in trade volume.

Mr Sturdy said:

“This sends a terrible signal to the rest of the world. We should declare the EU as open for business but instead we are pulling up the drawbridge.

“Globalisation is a reality that the EU can embrace or it can futilely attempt to block. Instead of embracing the benefits of free trade Italy has decided to protect its parochial interests first. That is Italy’s choice but it is extremely frustrating that 26 other countries risk losing out on billions of extra Euros of trade because of just one country’s protectionism.

“We have secured a safeguard clause in the agreement to protect sensitive industries and will continue to represent the interests of all sectors within the framework of parliament’s negotiations. However, it seems that their government is more interested in shoring up its own domestic position than in making the right long-term economic choices.

“I hope that Italy will seriously reconsider its position. This is too big a deal for us to walk away from now. If we do not reach a deal with Korea soon, there is a significant chance that the USA will beat us to it, putting us at an enormous disadvantage.”

ENDS
Contact: Robert on +32 228 45294
ECR Press Office – James Holtum – +32 473 861762

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Momentum building for historic Korea trade deal

Strasbourg, 7th September 2010

Another crucial step has been taken towards the ratification of an historic free trade deal between the EU and Korea today, Robert Sturdy MEP, the parliament’s rapporteur on the agreement, said today.

He was speaking after MEPs voted on amendments to a safeguard clause to be built into the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which would enable the EU to reintroduce Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to areas where it is felt liberalisation is causing serious injury to EU industry.

A final legislative resolution will be deferred to a future session, following further negotiations with the Council of Ministers, but Mr Sturdy said that the votes today show that there is strong support for the agreement in the parliament.

The FTA will bring about an unparalleled series of tariff liberalisation and dismantling of technical barriers to trade, enabling EU businesses to gain extensive and comprehensive access to the Korean marketplace. It will immediately remove €1.6 billion of export duties levied annually on EU exporters of industrial and agricultural products, and €1.1 billion levied on Korean exporters.

The deal is expected to save the EU agricultural industry €380 million, whilst the services sector (inducing financial services, telecoms and environmental services) could expect to see a 70% rise in trade volume.

After the votes Mr Sturdy said:

 “This will be one of the most historic trade agreements signed by the EU and it will deliver some much-needed good news for the European economy. This is the first FTA of its kind and I hope that it will set a precedent for future trade deals.

”Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, auto parts, shoes, spirits and medial equipment exporters will all see substantial savings after tariffs are removed. Non-tariff barriers to trade such as technical standards for cars or certification procedures for consumer electronics will also be broken down.

”The long-term benefits of this deal will be substantial for the EU and the adoption of this safeguard clause will help prevent short-term pain. The EU needs to send a signal that it is open for business and that it will not resort to protectionism at a time of economic difficulties.

”I hope that we can now move forward to approve this deal as swiftly as possible.”

“
ENDS

The parliament today voted on the amendments to the Bidegain report on bilateral safeguards in the EU-Korea FTA. Mr Sturdy is the rapporteur for the overall agreement.

For further information, please contact: Robert on +33 (0)3 88 1 75294

ECR Press Office – James Holtum – +32 473 861762

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ROBERT STURDY WELCOMES HISTORIC TRADE DEALS BETWEEN EU AND VIETNAM

3 March 2010

Euro MP Robert Sturdy has welcomed the launching of talks towards a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EU that could allow the Asian country to export more to Europe, the world’s biggest consumer market.

Mr Sturdy, Conservative International Trade spokesman, said these talks were crucial as it was one of several bilateral deals the EU was pursuing with emerging economies with the hope of striking a wider World Trade Organization pact in the near future.

Mr Sturdy said:

“I am delighted that Vietnam and the EU have decided to move towards an FTA.  Although the agreement may be many years in the making, I think that the economies of Vietnam and the EU are well suited, and a deal will lead to great opportunities for both sides, but particularly for the Vietnamese, helping to create jobs and foster development.”

“Some have expressed concern that a bilateral deal with hinder progress on the Doha round of talks at the WTO, but this is not the case.  During his visit to the European Parliament last week Pascal Lamy, the head of the WTO, stated that there was no evidence to support this theory.

“I am also particularly delighted that a new round of free-trade agreement negotiations will be held with Singapore next week following the announcement of our talks with Vietnam, and that we should share a vision as partners in trade and partners in growth.”

The bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations were launched following a meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi today.

Trade in goods between the two countries was almost €12 billion ($16.27 billion) in 2008 and has increased 12% a year between 2004 and 2008, said the commission, the EU’s executive arm.

Notes to Editors:

1. Robert Sturdy MEP is available for interview on 0032 2284 7294 or through Press Officer Ellee Seymour on 01353 648564 or 07939 811961. Please see Robert’s website at http://robertsturdymep.com

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CONSERVATIVE EU TRADE SPOKESMAN WELCOMES AGREEMENT WITH PERU AND COLOMBIA

Brussels Wednesday 3 March 2010: Conservative International Trade spokesman Robert Sturdy today welcomed the European Commission’s ambitious trade deal with Peru and Colombia.

The trade agreement is step in the right direction in increasing prosperity in the region and in the development of human rights, he said.

In a statement Mr Sturdy said,

“I welcome the conclusion of the talks and the opportunities that will come forward from this ambitious trade deal.

“It is a step in the right direction towards increasing trade,  prosperity and will undoubtedly bring jobs to the region. In addition stable and sustainable trade will be used to foster development and human rights.

“There are concerns that a bilateral deal will hinder regional integration, but this is not the case.  During his visit to the European Parliament last week Pascal Lamy, the head of the WTO, stated that bilateral deals could be used as a springboard towards more comprehensive regional agreements. I am encouraged by Peru and Colombia’s efforts and hope that other countries in the area will follow suit.”

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4 February 2010

 

ROBERT STURDY WELCOMES SUPERMARKET’S CODE FOR FARMERS

Eastern Region MEP Robert Sturdy has welcomed a new code of practice between the UK’s leading supermarkets and farmers which sets out guidelines to ensure the principle of “fair dealing”. It will be monitored by an independent ombudsman.

Mr Sturdy, who sits on the Agriculture Committee, said the guidelines which come into effect today, known as the new Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice, were long overdue. In the past farmers have been penalised unfairly by supermarkets; for example, for not being able to harvest crops on time because of poor weather, something which was beyond their control.

He said: “Supermarkets have had huge control over farmers and many of them no longer want to deal with them any more. They have pushed the price down to such a degree that a lot of farmers are considering withdrawing from supplying most of the major supermarkets. Farmers will just consider growing energy crops if supermarkets continue to force them down in price. Why should they suffer from the unreasonable pressures that supermarkets put upon them?  We need to ensure that farmers are able to make their living from a liberal market free from price distorting practices.”

The new code of practice will provide retailers with clear guidelines for dealing with suppliers and contains an over-riding principle of fair dealings. It means farmers and other suppliers should get a fairer deal from supermarkets following years of complaints that the largest supermarkets have used their buying power to make unfair and unreasonable demands.

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28 January 2010

ROBERT STURDY CONDEMNS IVORY TRADE

Eastern Region Euro MP Robert Sturdy has condemned plans by two African countries to sell ivory as he fears it could lead to the slaughter of more elephants and possible extinction.

Robert Sturdy, who sits on both the International Trade Committee and the Sustainable Hunting Intergroup where this has been discussed, believes the European Parliament should strongly object to any plans by Tanzania and Zambia to offload existing ivory stock. There is concern that if sales went ahead, poachers could slaughter more elephants and pass off the ivory as old stock. Other countries led by Mali and Kenya are opposed to this.

With elephant numbers already in decline across a number of African countries, and Sierra Leone’s elephant population wiped out since November, Conservative MEPs   have warned that any moves to grant the sale of ivory would be a disaster and could see the near extinction of African elephants in the wild. The UK government has so far refused to rule out supporting a resumption of sales when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species meets in Qatar in March.

Mr Sturdy said: “I am very concerned that supporting these plans to trade ivory could easily lead to a rise in illegal poaching and threaten marginal elephant populations across Africa.  We should be choking demand, not stocking it by legitimising the trade.

“The UK government has a chance to make a difference to the fate of elephants in the coming weeks by supporting this ban. I want the public to get behind my campaign to prevent the ivory trade being given the green light.  I urge people to write to the government, or their elected representative, and asking them get off the fence and follow our lead in opposing the lifting of the ban to help African countries protect their precious but threatened wildlife heritage.”

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SUPPORT OUR EAST ANGLIAN FARMERS AND SHOPPERS WITH HONEST FOOD LABELLING, SAY CONSERVATIVE MEPS

20 January, 2010

With a new EU  Directive on ‘Food Information to Consumers’ in the offing, Conservative MEPs are pushing for changes in food labelling that will ensure consumers have the necessary information to make an  informed choice. Robert Sturdy and his fellow Conservative MEPs want mandatory country-of-origin labelling. They also hope this will encourage support for local produce.

Current law means that a chicken sandwich can have “produced in the UK” on the label but the chicken could have come all the way from Thailand. This is because processed food only has to indicate the “location of the last substantial change” under current rules. As long as the chicken was placed between two pieces of bread in Britain it can be labelled as produced in Britain.

Robert Sturdy said:

“This is not a protectionist measure, it is about giving the consumer the right to make clear and informed choices about the food they buy.  Clear and transparent labelling should indicate which countries the food stuffs have originated in, not simply the country in which they were processed.  We need to close this loophole to protect our consumers and keep them fully informed about where the food they are eating has been sourced.”

This campaign also has the full backing of Eastern Region MEPs Geoffrery Van Orden and Vicky Ford.

Geoffrey said:

“Meat labelled ‘British’ must from an animal born and bred in Britain. The East of England is a major food producing area. This is something we can take pride in and people want to know what they are buying really is from local produce. I would like to think that the industry would get ahead of the legislation and introduce changes itself.”

Vicky added: “I know that we all like to support local firms and local businesses, particularly when it comes to the food we eat.   Currently people are being denied the right to make a clear and informed choice. Conservatives want to change this. We will be working in 2010 to alter to how our food is labelled.”

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18 January 2010

CAUTIOUS SUPPORT FOR NEW EU AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

Eastern Region Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy has given his “cautious support” to the new Romanian Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos.

Mr Ciolos was originally a controversial choice as he had been described by Nicholas Sarkozy as “France’s second commissioner”.

However, during a three hour hearing in front of MEPs in the European Parliament Mr Ciolos gave a convincing performance, demonstrating an excellent knowledge of the European farming industry, as well as a willingness to work constructively with MEPs to ensure reform of the outmoded CAP.

Mr Sturdy, who sits on the Agriculture Committee, said :-

“It was good to hear the Commissioner describe himself as a moderniser, someone who would not let the CAP return to the bad old days of huge surplus production and would seek to use new tools to secure the future of European Agricultural production.

“He will still need to prove that he is not merely a front for French interests and that he seriously intends to carry out serious reform, making the CAP simpler, more transparent and equitable.  We need to make sure that farmers have a secure future and are allowed to make their money from the market.

“However, I would have liked to have heard more about how Mr Ciolos plans to ensure that supermarkets do not abuse their market dominance to drive farmers out of business and how he plans to guarantee that the EU will base its food safety and quality  policies on sound scientific evidence rather than political ideology.”

Ends

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Banana agreement welcomed

Long-standing trade dispute brought to an end

Strasbourg 15 December 2009. The EU’s move to end the banana war with Latin America has been broadly welcomed by Robert Sturdy MEP, international trade spokesman of the European Conservatives and Reformists group, but the money promised to compensate African, Caribbean and Pacific countries must reach the producers.

The EU has given preferential treatment to producers in the ACP, which has led to challenges by Latin American countries at the WTO. However, the EU is expected to initial a deal today that will see its tariffs fall to 114 dollars per tonne by 2016, with an initial cut to 148 dollars. In response, Latin America will drop its WTO challenges.

The EU will also grant ACP producers 200 million Euros of aid to offset the losses caused to them.

Mr Sturdy said:

“Whatever the justification, it was wrong for the EU to give preferential treatment to one set of producers over another. Ending a bitter and long-running dispute with Latin America and the USA is significant because it shows that with a little bit of good will, we can move past protectionism.

“The EU is right to give ACP producers a soft landing. They will need legal certainty that their markets will not dry up and that the assistance being given by the EU reaches the producers and not the large distributors and processors.

“European consumers will see the price of their bananas fall as a result of this decision.”

ENDS

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Robert Sturdy takes Sir Paul McCartney to task over climate change

15 December 2009

While I have never been the biggest fan of The Beatles, (I always preferred The Rolling Stones) I have a huge amount of respect for Sir Paul McCartney the musical genius. And after hearing his speech in the European Parliament, I think he should stick to writing songs.  Sir Paul’s address was massively over simplified and extraordinarily disobliging to EU farmers.  At a sweep, Sir Paul reduced all world livestock farming to a single category, refusing to take into account the variations found across the world.

We have to maintain perspective.  In the UK our livestock production systems are already highly sustainable and are essential for our future food security. This applies not just to the UK, but to the entire EU.   Furthermore, agricultural production is responsible for just seven per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and methane emissions from the sector have fallen by 17 per cent since 1990. In total, agriculture accounts for around one per cent of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. This is hardly the massively polluting industry that Sir Paul described in his speech.

At a time when livestock farmers are already struggling to make ends meet working eight days a week, encouraging people to eat less meat, regardless of its provenance, is not very helpful. It is clear that Sir Paul does not understand livestock production.   Much of our agricultural land in the UK is unsuitable for arable and vegetable crops and farmers play a key role in maintaining the beauty of much of our countryside. If we were to put farmers out of business by not buying their produce then this invaluable asset would be lost forever.

The European farming industry has already made huge progress in reducing its impact on the environment.  The car industry is lauded for its more efficient and environmentally friendly machines, so why should food producers not be treated in a similar fashion?  Focusing on a single issue as a way of saving the planet is irresponsible and will be counterproductive in the long run. What we should be doing is investing in agricultural research and development to develop green technologies which will enable farmers to grow ecologically sustainable food.  A recent report by the English Beef and Lamb Executive clearly demonstrates the steps the industry is taking to make sure they pull their weight.

By looking at the current emissions challenge facing the sector, and what can and will be done to further reduce its impact, the report sets out a clear and precise vision of reform.  Simplistic solutions like cutting livestock numbers, while making for a good sound bite, fail to identify the complicated challenges the food system faces, nor the strategies and practical measures that the industry is developing.
Put simply, eating less meat will not mean less climate change.

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Brussels 30 November 2009.

Robert Sturdy hopes Vauxhall jobs in Luton will be saved

Following news that General Motors plans to cut 354 jobs at its Vauxhall plant in Luton, Conservative MEP for the Eastern Region Robert Sturdy said,

“This regrettable news will mean that it will be a Bleak Christmas for some. It is a real shame that job cuts look likely.

“I hope that, following local consultation with plant and trade union leadership, that no further job cuts will be made and that GM keep their word and ensure that the plant continues to support the local community.

“Today’s news, while devastating to those involved could have been a lot worse if GM had of been sold off completely.”

Ends

Contact: Robert +32 (0)2284 5294

ECR Press Office – Alex Benjamin +32 (0)476 056 450

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20 November 2009

Robert Sturdy accuses EU of “a classic fudge” over two new top Euro jobs

Eastern Region MEP Robert Sturdy has accused the EU of “a classic fudge” over the appointment of its first president and foreign minister, the two top jobs in Europe.

The Belgian Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy, is to be the first president elected by European leaders under the Lisbon Treaty, while Baroness Ashton, former Trade Commissioner, is the newly appointed High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.

Mr Sturdy worked closely with Baroness Ashton as Conservative spokesman on international trade, and in June 2007 ratified her appointed as Trade Commissioner.

He said:

“Both these appointments are a classic EU fudge. They have appointed two weak people so Merkel and Sarkozy are not threatened.

“Baroness Ashton is a very nice person and was a good trade minister, but whether she is up to this new role remains to be seen. I am rather concerned it is a question of appointing people who are not qualified.

“Belgium has a split government and can’t agree on which language they should speak. How on earth can they agree on Europe? I would have liked to have seen Chris Patten as our president.”

Ends

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Shoes set to become cheaper if Commissioner accepts EU vote

EU trade committee votes against extending shoe duties

Brussels, 19th November 2009 — EU trade commissioner Cathy Ashton must not attempt to overrule today’s vote in an EU trade committee which would cause the price of shoes from China and Vietnam to fall, Robert Sturdy MEP, trade spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, said today.

The EU’s anti-dumping committee voted by 15 votes to 12 against extending a 16.5 percent and a 10 percent tariff on shoes from China and Vietnam respectively, for another 15 months.

The duties, which were introduced by Lord Mandelson in 2006 when he was trade commissioner, have had a detrimental effect on consumers and retailers across Europe. For example, Clarks says they have cost it around €800m in import costs since 2006.

However, the vote could now signal the end of the duties so long as the trade commissioner does not intervene to overrule it and force another vote in the Council of Ministers.

Mr Sturdy said:

“These import duties are a tax on consumers and retailers that are intended to futilely protect southern European manufacturers from the effects of globalisation. It is wrong that people should be forced to pay more for their shoes in order to protect Mediterranean cobblers.

“Had the EU’s anti-dumping committee voted to extend the duties it would have been inevitable that commissioner Ashton would have endorsed their decision. Now that the representatives have decided to scrap them, she must also accept their will.

“British consumers will not thank Commissioner Ashton if she intervenes now to renew these taxes, which would undermine any resurgence in high street spending.”

ENDS

Contact: Robert on +32 228 45294
ECR Press Office: James Holtum on +32 473 861762

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18 November, 2009

EU SHOE TARIFFS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE BOOT, SAYS MEP ROBERT STURDY

EU countries have been urged to defend retailers and consumers tomorrow when they vote on renewing punitive trade duties on Chinese and Vietnamese shoe imports, according to MEP Robert Sturdy, Conservative international trade spokesman in the European Parliament.

The EU’s anti-dumping committee will decide whether to extend a 16.5 per cent and a 10 per cent tariff on shoes from China and Vietnam respectively for another 15 months. The duties were introduced by Lord Mandelson in 2006 when he was Trade Commissioner.

Retailers have not taken a shine to the plans, which Clarks Shoes says have cost it around €800m in import costs since 2006.

Mr Sturdy is calling on national governments to think of the millions of consumers who will have to pay more for their shoes, rather than the few Mediterranean producers who want to protect against globalisation, and that they should seize it as an opportunity.

He said:

“Once again we are seeing the EU’s trade policy determined by a few southern European producers who have failed to see globalisation as an opportunity and want the EU to futilely protect against it.

“This is an EU tax on consumers and retailers which will not save manufacturing jobs in Europe in the long run.

“We cannot shut out cheap imports from Asia, but we can reap the benefits from cheaper production thanks to outsourcing. Countries like Britain who have embraced outsourcing of basic production have found their fashion industries thrive as more design and finishing jobs are created at home.

“It seems ludicrous that the EU would want to artificially inflate the prices of shoes at a time when we are trying to encourage high street spending.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1.    For further information, please contact: Robert on 002 228 45294,
or ECR Press Office James Holtum on 0032 473 861762.
2.    Media requests can be arranged through Robert’s Press Officer, Ellee Seymour, on 07939 811961.

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PRESS RELEASE

20 October 2009

ROBERT STURDY CALLS FOR LONG TERM SOLUTIONS FOR THE DAIRY SECTOR

MEP Robert Sturdy has promised to challenge any attempts to bring back huge  EU cash subsidies to the crisis hit dairy sector.

As the European Commission announced £255m in aid is to be given to European dairy farmers to help the sector cope with the recent slide in milk prices, East Anglian MEP Robert Sturdy has reiterated that now is not the time for a return to the days of huge EU subsidies.

The EU dairy sector has already received large amounts of support from the European Commission who have offered national governments the option to pay farmers up to £13,800 under a “temporary crisis framework.”

But a majority of EU member states, led by France and Germany, want to see the reinstatement of subsidies to cope with the sector’s problems.

Mr Sturdy, a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said:

“We must be careful that the recent promises of support for EU dairy farmers do not lead us back to the bad old days of inefficient over-production at the expense of our region’s taxpayers and consumers.

“While I sympathise with the plight of dairy farmers, milk prices are showing signs of recovery and we might well be over the worst of the crisis.

“Europe’s dairy farmers should be preparing for a future quota free milk sector, not calling for short term fixes that will ultimately lead to more problems for them in the long term.

“I want to see a viable and competitive European dairy sector, one that can stand on its on two feet, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by a free global market.”

Ends.

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16 October 2009

 

ROBERT STURDY CONDEMNS GOVERNMENT FOR FARM PAYMENTS BLUNDERS

A damning report from the National Audit Office has once again revealed the blundering of the British government in paying EU subsidies to farmers, said MEP Robert Sturdy.
The report said the administration of the Single Farm Payments scheme did not provide value for money for taxpayers, and accused DEFRA of showing scant regard for protecting public money.

The review also claimed that the cost of processing claims has risen to around £1,743 per claim under the complex system used. Meanwhile, the cost per claim under the simpler Scottish system is £285.

The Single Farm Payment was introduced by Margaret Beckett in 2005. At the time she went against all warnings and created an overly complex system for administering the payments which resulted in substantial delays for farmers.

Mr Sturdy, who sits on the Agriculture Committee, believes that if the government cannot get the system right after four years, it should reconsider it.

He said:

“This is another example of failed Labour Government bureaucracy and it is our farmers who are losing out.  Ministers have failed to protect public money and failed to provide taxpayers with value for money.

 

“Despite many warnings that this convoluted system was bound to fail from the start, the government went ahead anyway and things have gone from bad to worse.  Errors are still being made and our region’s farmers have little idea of when they will actually get paid.

 

“If the government is unable to get it right after four years it needs to seriously reconsider the current system.”

 

Ends

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14 October 2009

SHOE HIKE LIKELY AFTER UK TRADE COMMISSIONER BOWS TO PRESSURE

Brussels 14 October 2009. Conservative International Trade spokesman Robert Sturdy said Britain’s hard-pressed consumers would be hit further after Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton chose to extend ‘anti-dumping’ for another 15 months.

The so-called ‘anti-dumping’ measures currently in place will see additional duties on shoes of 16.5 percent from China, and 10 percent on shoes from Vietnam over the next two years.

Mr Sturdy said UK consumers and local retailers would feel the brunt of the duties at a time when other household bills are rising sharply.

He said:

“Commissioner Ashton’s has bowed to pressure from Mediterranean countries. Shoe prices in the UK could increase unnecessarily as a result at a time when we are already facing higher household bills.

“This extension is a vain attempt to protect Mediterranean leather shoe manufacturers who need to face up to the fact they cannot produce shoes more cheaply than Asian countries. China needs to be seen as an opportunity, but the EU is still treating it as a threat and trying to block it out.

“Free trade is good for consumers and it creates more and better jobs. It may be painful for some, but the EU will gain in the long run. Burying our heads in the sand and pretending globalisation has never happened is the totally wrong approach. I have written to Lord Davies of Abersoch, the Minister of State for Trade promotion and Investment calling on him not to succumb to the legislation and to stand strong on the issue in the European Council.”

Ends

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30 September 2009

“WHAT A LOT OF COBBLERS,” SAYS ROBERT STURDY AS EU COMES UNDER PRESSURE TO EXTEND TAX HIKE ON FAR EAST SHOES

Mediterranean high end shoe manufacturers are trying to keep up the cost of ordinary leather shoes on UK high streets to protect themselves from cheaper imports from China and Vietnam, Conservative International Trade Spokesman in Europe Robert Sturdy MEP said today.

The so-called ‘anti-dumping’ measures currently in place, and being considered for extension by the EU, could see the tariff of 16.5 percent continuing on shoes from China, and 10 percent on shoes from Vietnam over the next two years.

Mr Sturdy said UK consumers and local retailers would feel the brunt of the duties at a time when other household bills are rising sharply.

He said:

“Shoe prices in the UK could increase unnecessarily at a time when we are already facing higher household bills.

“The EU needs to see the opening of markets with China as an opportunity for consumers who will benefit from increased choice and lower higher street prices.  But the EU is still treating it as a threat and trying to block it out.

“Free trade is good for consumers and it creates more and better jobs. It may be painful for some, but the EU will gain in the long run. Burying our heads in the sand and pretending globalisation has never happened is the totally wrong approach.”

Ends

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21 September 2009

ROBERT STURDY SPEAKS AT EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON FOOD SECURITY

 

Eastern Region MEP Robert Study is to speak in Barcelona this week about global food security and the vital role of pesticides at a leading agri-chemical conference.

Mr Sturdy, who is a farmer and sits on the Agricultural and Environment Committees, will join a panel of experts for a discussion on this topic, including plant scientist Dr Ian Denholm, from Rothamsted Research, and Dominic Dyer, Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association.

Mr Sturdy, who is speaking at the Agchem Forum 2009 on Wednesday, said: “This conference highlights many real concerns about food security and how demand could outstrip increases in food production. Without effective crop protection, over 40% of crops grown in Europe could be lost at pre or post harvest.

“With Europe facing serious challenges to its food security, with rising demand, coupled to increased fuel costs and the effects of climate change, it has become more viral than ever that European farmers have access to the crop protection tools they need to produce safe and healthy crops in the quantities required.”

Mr Sturdy will outline his concerns about Commission changes to how plant protection products are defined as harmful to health following the introduction of a new hazard-based regulatory system which will ban products which have been used safely for many years.

Mr Sturdy will also highlight two Commission shortfalls: the first is inconsistencies which allows produce to be imported from outside the EU having been grown with banned pesticides, and the second is their refusal to carry out an impact assessment on a group of chemicals it has banned, endocrine disrupters, without being fully aware of all the facts.

Mr Sturdy added: “We all know that pesticides are already among some of the most heavily regulated chemicals in Europe. So what does the EU do? Drown farmers and industry with yet more red tape, the costs of which will be passed on to the consumer.

“We must consider the effects for producers in the developing world and those already struggling to become better integrated on global markets. We need to have a level playing field for all, and at the moment we just don’t know what the impacts on cost will be.

“While this new legislation may be paved with good intentions, as it currently stands it could have a serious impact on European food security.

“If people can be educated as to their use, I do not see why many chemicals cannot be kept in use in European gardens, allotments, parks and fields.”

Ends

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