Robert Sturdy's Strasbourg report – December 2011

Britain's relationship with the eurozone is something like a reverse Christmas Carol. A cheery member state giving out Christmas gifts of bailout funds to crippled young eurozone economies, but after years of giving, the cheery member-state becomes cynical and eventually declares, 'Bah, humbug'.

The question that remains is whether or not David Cameron's unequivocal 'Non' to a new EU treaty will result in the UK becoming as reclusive as Ebenezer Scrooge. Although many had talked of a backlash against Brits, and in particular against the UK Conservatives in the EU, aside from one or two petty individuals, I for one have not experienced such a thing. There was however, a heated debate in Strasbourg where a number of MEPs criticised the UK and even called for the EU to cancel our rebate! Needless to say that that is one Christmas present St. Nicolas will not be delivering to Brussels.

From a personal point of view, I remain convinced that Cameron's actions were correct and justified and that the subsequent flood of support from France and Germany, despite a few unconstructive comments, demonstrates that we are considered an important partner within the EU. Although the Ghost of European Summits Future has yet to cast its die, I am confident that we will not be sidelined by Europe and that we will remain an integral part of the EU decision making apparatus.

Meanwhile, in Strasbourg and Robert's report Barriers to Trade

From a Christmas Carol in Brussels to a Tale of Two Cities and the Christmas markets and dazzling fairy lights of Strasbourg. With such a backdrop, one would be forgiven thinking Christmas has come early but Strasbourg is always busy in December as the Parliament attempts to get through as much as possible before the New Year.

This month was no exception and it saw the European Parliament vote on one of my reports entitled 'Barriers to Trade'. The aim of my report was to highlight the burdensome practice of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade which cost the UK and the EU between £80 to 110 billion a year.

NTBs come in all shapes and sizes, from burdensome regulatory procedure to conflicting customs or labelling rules. Thankfully the Parliament shared my concerns about the removal of this unnecessary red tape and overwhelming adopted my report in a vote on Tuesday. My recommendations will now feed in to the Commission's annual report on NTBs which will be published in March 2012.

+ one more Tory

Another piece of good news from Strasbourg was the inauguration of yet another MEP for the Conservatives in the European Parliament. On Monday, Anthea McIntyre became the Conservatives newest MEP for the West Midlands, bringing our total up to 27, by far the largest UK delegation and one of the biggest in the Parliament.

The UK was allocated its 73rd MEP as part of the European Parliament's changes to various countries' representation as a result of the Lisbon Treaty. Under the same system, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, France, Malta, Spain and Sweden will all receive additional MEPs.

And now to Geneva

Unlike the end of most Strasbourg sessions, I will not be returning to my constituency but instead I will be attending the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Geneva as part of the Parliament's delegation.

These meetings are held every two years and are attended by all members and customs unions to discuss important trade issues and make decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements. All though not expected to produce any ground breaking initiatives, this year's conference is likely to see a conclusion of Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), the accession of new members including Russia and strong pledges against protectionism and the imposition of trade barriers, something that I have worked hard to prevent.

Oh to be in Belgium...

Just a small anecdote for you this Yuletide; next Thursday, just days before Christmas, it seems that in Belgium, no public transport will be stirring, not even a bus. In true union style, Belgian unions have decided to call a general strike to complain about raising their retirement age from 59.  I am not sure that disrupting everyone's travel plans for Christmas will accomplish their aims but maybe they just forgot to do their Christmas shopping.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Contact Robert

Please do not hesitate to contact Robert Sturdy if you have any enquiries of a European nature – I very much enjoy attending events and welcome any invitations.

       Robert Sturdy MEP

       Constituency Office
       153 St Neots Road
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       Cambridge
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       T  01954 211 790
       F  01954 211 786
       E  rwsturdy@btconnect.com
       W  Robert Sturdy

                  Julia Smith – PA to Robert Sturdy
                        T  01954 211 790
                        F  01954 211 786
                        E  rwsturdy@btconnect.com