MP Barclay and MEPs pledge support for campaign against planned Wisbech anti-immigration protest
MP STEVE Barclay, two MEPs and councillors from across the political spectrum have pledged their support for the We Are Wisbech community campaign.
We are Wisbech was set up following a meeting called to unite the community in the face of an anti-immigration protest being held in the town next month.
The group has no plans for a counter demonstration but instead is backing the annual International Children's Day 1,000 balloons race event and barbecue that's going ahead at Wisbech's Rosmini Community Centre on May 18, the same day as the protest.
East of England MEP wins baby milk guarantee
EURO-MP Vicky Ford, met leading manufacturer of baby milk Danone, in Brussels yesterday (Tuesday, April 9) and won an assurance the East of England's babies will have enough formula.
The pledge follows yesterday's announcement that major UK retailers are limiting sales of baby milk to two packs per customer.
UK buy-to-let regulation stalled
Britain has made significant ground on gaining exemption from the EU directive aimed at regulating the buy-to-let (BTL) scheme in the same way as residential loans.
The directive on credit agreements, relating to residential property (CARRP), seeks to harmonise mortgage regulation across the member states, though it has been persistently opposed throughout its two years in the legislature pipeline.
The directive had raised concerns in Parliament, as the industry already has to deal with a plethora of regulations which restrict the property market from growing to its pre-2008 status.
East of England MEP Vicky Ford has fought persistently in Brussels to ensure the scheme, which could shackle the growth of the UK property market, doesn't materialise.
Vicky Ford, MEP said: "While there are some problems with buy-to-let mortgages, these should be dealt with by UK not EU legislation. The initial versions of the legalisation would have effectively stopped this type of mortgage altogether."
MEP in Wisbech to talk about immigration
Tomorrow, Friday 4 April, Vicky Ford Conservative MEP for the East of England will be joining local Conservative councillors at a street surgery in Wisbech town centre at 12.30pm for an hour. The group will be interested to hear concerns on local issues and the views of resident on last week's announcements on changes to immigration policy.
Euro-MP backs Linton Zoo's conservation work with lemurs in Madagascar
LINTON Zoo's efforts to save the lemurs of Madagascar have won support from East of England MEP Vicky ford.
The Conservative visited the wildlife park on the Uttlesford border with other animal lovers to learn more about the environmental projects supported by boss Kim Simmons and her team of keepers.
They introduced some of the zoo's most exotic specimens to the guests during a behind the scenes tour. They included red ruffed lemurs and a rare radiated tortoise, all native to the island in the Indian Ocean
MEP pledges action on red tape for region's businesses
EAST of England Euro-MP Vicky Ford has promised the region's businesses her campaign against Brussels bureaucracy and red tape is being stepped up.
The European Commission launched a consultation on the Top 10 Most Burdensome Pieces of EU Legislation for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) late last year and the results of the exercise have now been published and identify broad policy areas as well as specific pieces of legislation which are deemed to be the most trouble.
Top of the list are health and safety, VAT and chemicals laws. However EU waste policy and the Working Time Directive are also on the list.
Conservative Mrs Ford said: "I have consistently been pressuring for a review of red tape in EU legislation. Thank you to all the small businesses who took part in this consultation.
Offshore oil and gas: Vicky Ford
Vicky Ford is parliament's rapporteur on facing the challenge of the safety of offshore oil and gas activities and ECR shadow rapporteur on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities
Following the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, it was right that the EU looked at its approach to the offshore sector – after European energy commissioner Günther Oettinger revised his initial calls for an EU wide moratorium on offshore drilling in the wake of the disaster.
Being from the UK, where we have more offshore oil than the rest of the EU put together, I was naturally concerned at the introduction of new EU legislation in this area given how it could affect the UK both environmentally and economically. The UK takes a site-specific approach to safety, it is not the tick-box culture which was identified as a major contributing factor to the Gulf of Mexico disaster.
The signs they are a changing to help end flood roads misery for travellers through West Norfolk village
ROAD closure misery at Welney is set to be reduced dramatically when new electronic information signs are installed this Autumn.
Three signs will give real time flood status updates on the A1101 so that motorists know immediately if they can pass through safely.
The dot matrix signs, costing £20,000, were agreed during what was described as the "most positive meeting that has ever taken place" between multi agencies in an effort to solve Welney's flood lock problems.
Next on the list is an in-depth economic study into the impact of road closures so councillors can seek European funding for a solution such as building a causeway over the current road which in just three months this year has already been closed for 46 days.
Gathered for the meeting at Welney village hall today were SW Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss, Conservative Euro MEP Vicky Ford, county council representatives from both Norfolk and Cambridgeshire because Welney sits on the border of two counties, district councillors and borough councillors.
Mrs Ford said: "Welney is a unique part of East Anglia which takes the flooding so that everybody else doesn't have to.
Norfolk MP and and Eastern region MEP in joint talks to try and resolve flooding delays through Welney
The meeting at Welney parish hall has been called by Elizabeth Truss, the MP for South West Norfolk and those attending will be looking for both short term and longer term solutions.
A spokesman for the MP said today that in the short term there was "encouraging news" of funds being made available to introduce better signage warning motorists of when the Welney Washes are closed.
"The closure signs can sometimes be up for ages, even when the road has re-opened," said the spokesman. "Part of the solution in the short term might be the introduction of dot matrix signs and the parish council has funding secured for at least two of these."
Also joining the talks tomorrow will be Vicky Ford, Conservative Euro MEP for the East, and Ms Truss is hopeful European funding might be appropriate for a longer term solution.
Banks win in EU tussle over default time limits
Banks have secured a victory after successfully lobbying against plans to force them to crack down on forbearance by repossessing a borrower if they are more than 90 days in arrears.
In final negotiations over CRD IV earlier this month, ministers, MEPs and European commissioners agreed to define a mortgage default limit of 180 days, doubling initial proposals for a 90-day limit.
Speaking to Mortgage Strategy, Conservative MEP and lead CRDIV negotiator Vicky Ford says a 90-day limit was too low.
MS Leader: Standing up for ourselves
Full marks to Conservative MEP Vicky Ford for doggedly trying to ensure that buy-to-let is not included with residential mortgages in the European Commission's mortgage directive.
Despite the many pieces of regulation that the UK market already has to contend with, the EU mortgage directive still hangs over it like a particularly menacing dark cloud.
UK wins ground in European mortgage directive negotiations
Proposals to regulate buy-to-let mortgages in the same way as residential loans are set to be scrapped from the European mortgage directive.
Negotiations for the directive were held in Brussels last week between member states, European commissioners and MEPs.
Conservative MEP and shadow rapporteur Vicky Ford says it was agreed that buy-to-let will not be regulated in the same way as residential mortgages, as initially proposed.
Ford says progress was also made on tough new rules for packaged products, proposed by the European Parliament last year, which would ban all products that require a savings account not directly linked to paying off the mortgage.
East Anglia: MEPs unite in bid to stop Strasbourg trek
MEPS from all parties have united in a bid to end the monthly trek from Brussels to Strasbourg for full meetings of the European Parliament.
East of England Tory MEP Vicky Ford is helping to lead the "Stop the Strasbourg Circus campaign" which is aimed at ending the monthly trek,
She said the cost of the regular moves was about 200million euros a year – and it caused major disruption for MEPs, EU staff, and everyone else connected with the parliament.
Ramsey: Politicians praise "green store"
North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara and the MEP for the East of England Vicky Ford visited Tesco's flagship zero carbon store in Ramsey in a bid to learn more about its green credentials.
After the visit, Mrs Ford described the numerous innovations at the supermarket, which includes using rainwater for the store's car wash, as "world class".
MEP presses for research funding
Conservative MEP for the East of England Vicky Ford has begun negotiations in Brussels to secure funding for the region from the European Union's H2020 funding programme.
This will be allocating money for science, research and innovation for the next seven years. The total amount of funding available from the programme is expected to be in the region of between €70 to 75 billion.
European challenge to UK green tax breaks branded “crazy”
Tory MEP Vicky Ford says legal action over VAT on green materials is unacceptable
EU hails 'breakthrough' deal to cap bankers’ bonuses
Bankers in Europe face a cap on bonuses as early as next year, following agreement in Brussels early Thursday (28 February) to introduce what would be the world's strictest pay curbs, in a move politicians hope will address public anger at financial-sector greed.
The provisional agreement, announced by diplomats and officials after late-night talks between EU country representatives and the European Parliament, means bankers face an automatic cap on bonus payouts at the level of their salaries.
Vicky Ford, a British Conservative MEP who is one of the European Parliament's chief negotiator on the Capital Requirements Directive, was in two minds over the agreement, saying it contained both positives and negatives. "Overall this agreement will be positive for the real economy. We have managed to include provisions that will help savers and pensions, building societies and manufacturing industry; and we have included measures that will free up financing for small businesses," Ford said.
East of England MEP calls for numbers on Romanian and Bulgarian immigration
CONSERVATIVE East of England MEP Vicky Ford is questioning the European Commission about how it will address crucial migration issues once restrictions on workers from Romania and Bulgaria are lifted at the end of this year.
She raised a series of important issues in a formal parliamentary question today (Tuesday, February 26) tabled under the "urgency" procedure.
MEP Vicky Ford challenges Commissioners over Bulgarian and Romanian immigration
CONSERVATIVE MEP Vicky Ford has today tabled urgent questions to the European Commission about a possible influx of workers from Romania and Bulgaria coming into the UK when restrictions are lifted at the end of the year.
Brussels' Green Deal court action branded 'crazy'
Conservative MEP and industry leaders slam European Commission's move to take UK to court over energy efficiency tax break.
MEP brands EC court decision "crazy"
Vicky Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England has called the European Commission's decision to take the UK to court over tax breaks for the Green Deal "crazy".
Last week, the Commission confirmed it would take the UK government to court because it believes the UK is breaking EU law by charging VAT at a rate of just 5% on energy saving materials, like insulation.
Eastern region MEP challenges Euro finances
One of the Anglia region's Conservative Euro MPs is to travel to Luxembourg this week to challenge the European Union's finances.
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, will meet with the UK representative on the EU Court of Auditors in a bid to unravel the EU accounts and the reason why they remain unaudited.
Suffolk: County's food and farming heroes can help boost tourism and economy
THE world-class food and farming industry in Suffolk can help the county's economy grow and be a powerful magnet for tourists, a major conference has been told.
The Suffolk Food and Agriculture Conference, held yesterday, highlighted the challenges that will be faced in the years ahead – but stressed what a huge asset the industry is.
A range of speakers at the conference looked at key areas which need to be addressed, including recruiting the industry's future workforce, and the importance of research and development, water and resources, infrastructure and supply chains.
MEP Vicky Ford pointed to the higher animal welfare standards, particularly in the pig and poultry sectors, to other parts of the European Union.
"We are home to some of the most productive farms, not just in the UK but in Europe and the world," she said. "Food and farming is incredibly important and change and our little tiny corner of the world is vital in that change."
East England MEP meets horse network
Representatives from the equine industry travelled to Brussels last week to raise concerns about diseases and research.
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, met members of the European Horse Network in the European Parliament.
EU taxes crippling cement firm
A cement-making firm is having to import cement from less efficient plants in Germany and Ireland because it is being taxed too heavily to make it in Tilbury. Cemex opened its £49million production plant at the port to great fanfare in 2009.
It is capable of producing 1.2million tonnes of cement each year, using 20 to 40 per cent less energy than traditional mills.
But high carbon costs, recommended by the European Union and adopted by the UK, mean it is cheaper for Cemex to import cement from plants elsewhere in the union, in countries such as Germany and Ireland, where governments have decided not to impose such high taxes on energy.
East of England MEP Vicky Ford has called this "a complete waste of energy" and demanded "a level playing field" for UK businesses.
Tory MEP: CRD IV negotiations going 'round in circles'
A senior Conservative MEP has hit out at the European Union's CRD IV negotiations for losing focus of its core objectives.
CRD IV was introduced to implement the global rules on capital requirements and liquidity as proposed in Basel III.
But shadow rapporteur for the directive Vicky Ford says the legislation has been knocked off course by other issues such as quotas for women on boards and a bankers' bonus cap.
She says: "we are going round in circles by focusing on areas such as women on boards, bankers' bonuses or country-by-country reporting issues.
Welwyn Garden City campaigner lobbies European Parliament to fuel fight against biofuels
A CAMPAIGNER from Welwyn Garden City joined a charity trip to Brussels to lobby the east of England MEP to stop food being used to create biofuels.
Will Davis, of Hardings, met Vicky Ford at the European Parliament and discussed issues surrounding the campaign.
Woman takes biofuel fight to Europe
A CAMPAIGNER has gone to Brussels to make her voice heard by European politicians over biofuel concerns. Liz Carlton, from South Woodham Ferrers, went with anti-poverty charity Action Aid to meet East of England MEP Vicky Ford to discuss issues surrounding the production of biofuels.
The fuels are made from a number of natural materials including animal fats and food with the aim of finding more sustainable energy sources and reducing carbon footprints globally.
Polish man who stabbed vulnerable jeweller to death during bungled raid while on the run from prison is jailed for life
An immigrant who stabbed a disabled jeweller to death in a bungled robbery while on the run from a Polish prison has been jailed for life.
Ireneusz Melaniuk, 28, who had a long criminal record in his native Poland murdered frail Peter Avis, 66, in his flat above his old fashioned shop Collis & Son in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, said the case raised questions over how European countries share information. She said: 'We need to have the basic protections regarding a handful of dangerous criminals.
Politicians view final touches to Southwold sea defence wall
Leading political figures from the region have viewed the finishing touches to renovations of a sea defence wall on the Suffolk coast.
Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey yesterday visited Southwold harbour where she joined East of England MEP Vicky Ford for a look at progress on the £3.2million regeneration project to boost fishing facilities and carry out repairs to the North Dock Wall.
Southwold: Region's politicians examine harbour wall work
LEADING political figures from the region have been checking out the finishing touches to renovation of a sea defence wall on the Suffolk coast.
MP Therese Coffey yesterday visited Southwold harbour where she joined MEP Vicky Ford for a look at progress on the £3.2million regeneration project to boost fishing facilities and carry out repairs to the North Dock Wall.
MEP Vicky Ford urges companies to take part in anti red-tape consultation
VICKY Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England, is urging small and medium sized businesses to speak out against over-regulation from the European Union.
She wants businesses to take part in a consultation to find the "top 10 most burdensome legislative acts for small and medium sized enterprises, and he consultation will run until December 21.
Fugitive robber let into Britain to kill
AN elderly jeweller was murdered by a convicted robber let into the UK from Poland — where he was on the run from JAIL.
Brute Ireneusz Melaniuk, 34, was yesterday revealed to have waltzed past border staff with NO checks.
Last night he was facing a life sentence after pleading guilty to battering and knifing to death disabled Peter Avis in a raid on the 66-year-old's store.
Melaniuk scarpered back to his homeland — where he was already a wanted man — after the horror in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
He was caught a month later following an international manhunt — and extradited to Britain. Last night there was outrage the killer — who fled jail in Chelm, Poland, on day release — was free to come here in the first place.
The murder victim's local MP David Ruffley demanded: "How did an escaped criminal not get picked up at the UK border?"
Tory MEP Vicky Ford stormed: "It seems very strange. It's basic Sherlock Holmes stuff. Criminal on the loose — you alert ports and airports."
Stabbed to death by robber on run from Polish jail
A CRACKDOWN on Britain's borders was demanded yesterday after the revelation that a robber who murdered a frail jeweller in his bed entered the UK while on the run from prison in Poland.
Ireneusz Melaniuk had been at large for three years after fleeing to the UK in 2009 when he stabbed Peter Avis to death in January.
The killer escaped to his homeland two days after the savage attack but was brought back to the UK to face trial following an international manhunt.
The Pole's criminal past was revealed yesterday when he admitted murdering 66-year-old Mr Avis in a midnight raid to steal jewellery from his shop in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Border Agency officials refused to say if he entered Britain on a false passport.
But if the Polish authorities failed to put him on a "watch list", immigration officers would not know he should be detained even if he was travelling under his own name.
The case raised concerns about Britain's porous borders and led to calls for greater information sharing between EU countries.
Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley said: "How did an escaped criminal on the run from Poland not get picked up at the UK border?
Either he had false documents that were not detected or he may have been smuggled in.
"Either way, this reminds us of the need to tighten our borders so that heinous crimes like this don't happen on our doorstep."
Local Euro MP Vicky Ford said: "We need to have the basic protections regarding a handful of dangerous criminals.
"If you have relatively open borders, you need to have the ability to protect yourself from very dangerous people, which means sharing information."
Polish robber on the run from his homeland murdered 66-year-old Suffolk jeweller during a botched break-in
An immigrant who killed a disabled jeweller during a burglary was on the run from a Polish prison, it emerged yesterday.
Ireneusz Melaniuk, 28, beat Peter Avis, 66, around the face with an ashtray before stabbing him 13 times after breaking into his home.
Mr Avis, who used a walking stick after suffering a brain aneurism, had no chance of defending himself and died of his injuries. Melaniuk had been serving time in his home country for robbery, but fled to Britain after being granted day release three years ago.
It is understood Melaniuk could not be found on a European watch-list, so British authorities would not have known he was a wanted man. He evaded capture by using a variety of aliases, and carried a fake passport to enter the UK.
However, he had several distinguishing features which would have made him stand out. The two middle fingers of his right hand above the knuckles are missing, as is the thumb from the same hand. He also has tattoos on his hands.
After the murder in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, the killer returned to Poland, where he was later arrested. Last night the UK Border Agency faced questions as to why it had no idea that Melaniuk was a wanted man.
'Gentle' classic-car fan Mr Avis was found dead in his bed in the flat above his jewellery shop in Bury St Edmunds
David Ruffley, MP for Bury St Edmunds, said: 'The first question we should ask is how did an escaped criminal on the run from Poland not get picked up at the UK border?
'This reminds us of the need to tighten our borders so that heinous crimes like this don't happen on our doorsteps.'
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, added: 'If you have relatively open borders, then you need to have the ability to protect yourself from very dangerous people, which means sharing information.'
Jeweller Peter Avis murdered by on-the-run Polish prisoner
A convicted robber murdered a Suffolk jeweller after entering the UK while on the run from a Polish jail, it has emerged.
Ireneusz Melaniuk, 34, stabbed 66-year-old Peter Avis in a botched burglary in Bury St Edmunds on 13 January.
Melaniuk then returned to Poland on a flight from Stansted Airport, in Essex.
Vicky Ford, a Conservative East of England MEP, said the case raised questions about checks on criminals carried out between European countries.
Bury St Edmunds: Killer was on the run from Polish prison when he knifed jeweller
A CONVICTED robber murdered a Suffolk jeweller while on the run from a Polish jail, the EADT can reveal today.
Ireneusz Melaniuk stabbed 66-year-old Peter Avis more than a dozen times after fleeing from the authorities in his homeland.
Melaniuk is currently awaiting sentencing by Ipswich Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to Mr Avis' murder in Bury St Edmunds on January 13.
However, it can now be revealed that Melaniuk was a wanted man in Poland prior to the homicide.
Melaniuk - who uses several names - had been serving a jail term for robbery, but failed to return to prison after being allowed day release.
Despite being on the run, the 28-year-old was able to leave Poland and come to Britain, before returning to Poland after the murder in a bid evade Suffolk Police.
Mr Avis was found dead in bed at his flat above Collis & Son in Abbeygate Street.
He had been beaten about the face with a glass ash tray and stabbed 13 times.
It is understood Melaniuk was not on a European 'watch list' prior to Mr Avis' death, so British authorities would not have known he was a wanted man.
Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley said the town had been "deeply shocked" by the tragic murder of Mr Avis and there were some serious questions that needed answering.
Vicky Ford, Member of the European Parliament for the East of England, said she and Ipswich MP Ben Gummer were already involved with trying to tighten up controls between European Union countries over the cross-border tracking of criminals.
Essex/Suffolk: Grim warning over pig farming future
THE region's pig farming industry is coming under increasing strain as pork producers struggle to cope with inconsistent farming rules and the rising cost of feed, it has been warned.
With one Suffolk farmer already planning to send some of his herd to slaughter, another family food business hangs in the balance in Essex.
Fergus Howie, farming partner at Wicks Manor, in Tolleshunt Major, near Maldon, will wait until Christmas for things to improve before deciding on the future of the 50-year-old family firm.
Farmers face the double dilemma of inconsistent farming standards across Europe coupled with rising grain and food prices in the UK, where it is estimated many producers are losing around £14 on each pig.
Vicky Ford, a Conservative MEP for the East of England, plans to write to all major UK supermarkets urging them to support the supply of meat compliant to EU rules and has also agreed to write to the EU Commission asking what action can be taken to tackle non-compliance in other countries.
Push for Suffolk road improvements
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, has tabled amendments in the European Parliament that, if passed, could make it easier for parts of the road network across East Anglia - including the A47, A120 and the A12 - to apply for EU money for removing bottlenecks.
She has also tabled amendments to help port hinterlands such the areas around Harwich and Felixstowe.
Euro MP Vicky Ford sees Haverhill Foodbank
East Anglia Euro-MP Vicky Ford visited Haverhill Foodbank to learn about the good work they do feeding people in need.
The Tory MEP for the East of England visited Foodbank on Friday (September 14) as she wanted a clearer understanding of the root causes of the financial difficulties affecting local people and the practical support services such as the foodbank offer.
Braintree: MP highlights importance of police commissioner elections
Braintree MP Brooks Newmark has been highlighting the importance of the police and crime commissioner elections. Mr Newmark and his team spent a morning campaigning in Braintree's town centre with MEP Vicky Ford and Nick Alston, the conservative candidate for Essex.
Euro MP fights 'cripplingly expensive' EU plans for offshore safety
EAST of England Euro MP Vicky Ford is planning a fight against EU plans on oil and gas safety which she fears could be "cripplingly expensive" and reduce standards in the North Sea.
The Conservative MEP is tabling more than 360 parliamentary amendments in response to the proposals, which would force all member states to conform to the same rules without offering them the required flexibility to adapt the framework to their own national circumstances.
Norfolk Euro MP plans to fight “cripplingly expensive” EU oil and gas safety plans
Norfolk Euro MP Vicky Ford is planning a fight against EU plans on oil and gas safety which she fears could be "cripplingly expensive" for businesses and mean poorer standards in the North Sea.
EU may relax capital regulations for SME lending
Conservative MEP Vicky Ford has announced that European capital rules could be relaxed in order to encourage lenders to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with much-needed credit.
Ms Ford, who is an economic and monetary affairs committee member, said that small businesses were unhappy with the credit ratings they are receiving as they could mislead banks to lend less and hold onto more capital.
"It is likely that we will drop the capital requirement subject to an underlying review of the performance of SME portfolios," she added.
SME lending set for EU capital adequacy exemption
European capital rules may be relaxed for small business loans in an attempt to boost the flow of credit to SMEs, according to Conservative MEP and Economic and monetary affairs committee member Vicky Ford.
British Minister ready to fight over VAT
The British government has no intention of raising VAT on energy efficiency products from 5% to 20%, bypassing a ruling of the European Commission that urged London to bring its legislation into line or be sued in the EU Court of Justice. Some MEPs are joining the UK in its cause, calling the Commission's ruling "complete nonsense".
British Energy and Climate Change Minister Gregory Barker announced on Twitter that he has the support of the British government in fighting the EU's ruling on a 'green VAT'.
British Conservative MEP Vicky Ford said: "When you see countries genuinely trying to achieve energy savings and then risking to get sued at the EU Court of Justice of course you're going to get worried as to whether the savings ambitions will be achieved. I genuinely want to see energy savings encouraged and implemented both in my member state and others."
MEPs welcome adoption of energy efficiency law
MEPs have welcomed the decision to adopt an EU directive promoting better energy efficiency across Europe.
The draft law was agreed in a parliament vote on Tuesday in Strasbourg.
The directive has been thrashed out between MEPs and national governments.
Under the proposed law, energy distributors and energy companies will need to help consumers save 1.5 per cent of their energy per year for the period 2014-2020 by introducing programmes like the UK's energy efficiency obligation scheme.
Parliament's rapporteur on the issue, Green MEP Claude Turmes, welcomed the vote, but called for swift implementation and the "reorientation of public policy and funds to ensure job-creating measures can be delivered".
Further comment came from Vicky Ford, a European Conservatives and Reformists MEP, who also welcomed the move, saying, "It should help deliver savings on spiralling energy bills."
MEPs welcome EU initiative on digital innovation
The commission has unveiled plans to stimulate digital innovation through freeing up access to part of the radio spectrum for wireless broadband and mobile telecommunication.
The EU's executive body announced a coordinated European approach to sharing aspects of the radio spectrum to allow greater mobile network capacity, cheaper wireless broadband and new markets such as secondary rights for a given spectrum allocation.
In simple terms, it will mean identifying bands of the spectrum which can be shared by different services without interference, which could then be licensed by authorities at national level.
The move has been welcomed by Vicky Ford, industry and research spokesperson in parliament for the UK Conservative party.
Ideas grow for Euro MP during fact-finding trip
A Euro MP has been down on the farm – to find out how agriculture and science are teaming up to grow better crops and boost biodiversity.
Vicky Ford went to Chishill Orchard Farm at Great Chishill to meet experts from Bayer Crop Science, and discuss their work on pesticides and fungicides.
Leading Eastern Region MEP visits easyJet and London Luton Airport
easyJet, the UK's largest airline and operator of Europe's No.1 air transport network, today welcomed Vicky Ford MEP to its European headquarters in Luton.
During the visit, Mrs Ford met members of the airlines' senior management team, along with staff in its Operations Control Centre and other key team members who contribute to the airlines success.
She was also given a behind the scenes tour of the day to day operations at London Luton Airport, which also included a visit to the 157ft high control tower.
East of England MEP joins fuel cost fight
Vicky Ford MEP has thrown her weight behind PetrolPromise.com, an independent campaign set up to lower fuel prices in the UK by tackling fraud in the oil market and lobbying for more transparency in petrol and diesel prices.
Mrs Ford joins over 60 cross-party MPs who are backing PetrolPromise.com and are putting pressure on the Office of Fair Trading and the F.S.A. to look at allegations of uncompetitive behaviour by UK oil companies, such as collusion to price fix at the pumps.
Mrs Ford explains: "I fully support the call for a UK investigation into petrol pricing. However, given the number of international companies operating our own filling stations, and the recent investigations in Germany, I suspect there may be a need a fuller international inquiry. I have tabled a formal parliamentary question in Europe requesting that this is looked into."
Suffolk MP slams the way EU farming red tape is applied in the UK and on the Continent
A Suffolk MP claims UK farmers are being penalised by red tape while their Continential counterparts are failing to enforce European Union rules stringently.
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter pledged to do what he could to support Suffolk's farmers against further regulation from Brussels following a meeting at local abattoir C & K Meats in Eye, where he was joined by Vicky Ford, Member of the European Parliament for the East of England.
Vicky Ford MEP presses for cheaper petrol and diesel
The European Commission is coming under pressure from Vicky Ford MEP - a new supporter of PetrolPromise.com - who is asking difficult questions about Brussels' failure to tackle fraud in the oil market and petrol price transparency.
Vicky Ford - a campaigning MEP - has pledged that she will push this issue onto the E.U.'s radar.
Pupils save £10,000 with green scheme and tell MEP Vicky Ford all about it
SAVVY students in Norfolk told their local MEP how they managed to cut their school's energy bills by £10,000.
The group of 30 Year Eight pupils hosted Vicky Ford on a special visit to Wymondham College on June 15 to find out more about 'The Big Switch'.
"We ran competitions to see who could save the most - awarding penalty cards to poor-performing classrooms," says pupil, Owen Jack, 13.
Hertfordshires Olympic legacy debated in Europe
Brussels is debating the importance of Hertfordshire's role in the 2012 Olympics and it's legacy...
East of England MEP Vicky Ford is hosting a reception to discuss the benefits to the county's economy and health benefits of getting more people into sport.
Shaun Dawson, the Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, will speak about the canoe slalom venue at Waltham Cross.
Out of the box (feature on Mortgages)
European mortgage legislation threatens to exert a 'Jack-in-the-box' effect on the UK, where rules that might work on the continent give rise to nasty surprises for the British market
As the European economy plays a terrifying game of bailout bingo, the European Union continues to do what it does best – churn out new rules.
Since the crash, European directives on capital requirements, consumer protection in the mortgage market and credit rating agencies have all been proposed. Brussels is positively hyperactive with financial regulation, covering huge swathes of the industry across 27 member states.
At the heart of negotiations is British MEP Vicky Ford, shadow rapporteur on ECON.
"The most worrying aspect is the Jack-in-the-box effect," she says. "Every time we try to tinker with the language in one area, it ends up causing a whole host of other sensible and useful mortgage products to breach the rules".
EU cools on plan for bonus cap
European politicians are likely to back away from plans to implement a region-wide cap on bankers' bonuses, according to a leading British MEP involved in the discussions.
Vicky Ford, a Conservative MEP and member of the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, said there was "a lot of sympathy" for more flexible rules that would allow shareholders the final say on how much banks can pay their staff.
She continued: "The problem everybody has is that if you cap bonuses you push up basic salaries and that would go against the previous rules put in place, which require banks to link pay to long-term performance."
Last week, fears were raised that the European Union could limit the ratio of bonuses to salary to 1:1, though banks were reported to be lobbying to get this increased to at least 2:1.
Last minute deal on energy efficiency
MEPs and member states last night (13 June) came up with a last-minute deal to save the energy-efficiency directive. The deal is a victory for the Danish presidency of the Council of Ministers, which had made an agreement on the directive the centrepiece of its environmental agenda.The deal is expected to be signed by EU energy ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg on Friday (15 June). "During the last couple of weeks we have managed to get support from member states for a more ambitious directive than anyone would have dreamt of only a couple of months ago," said Martin Lidegaard, Denmark's energy minister, this morning.
British MEP Vicky Ford, who led negotiations for the ECR group, blamed the Parliament's insistance on what she called a "one-size fits all approach" for slowing negotiations. "The deal represents a fair compromise, particularly considering the often rigid approach taken by some MEPs, who expended most of their political capital sniping at national governments which already lead the way in energy efficiency good practice."
EU countries strike deal on energy efficiency law
Negotiators from the European Parliament, Commission and Council reached a deal on the Energy Efficiency Directive last night (13 June). But it fails to achieve its initial purpose of reaching 20% energy savings by 2020, the Parliament's chief negotiator has warned.
Claude Turmes, the Green MEP from Luxembourg who was leading the negotiation on behalf of the European Parliament, appeared moderately satisfied after the agreement was struck.
British Conservative MEP Vicky Ford, in charge of negotiating the directive on behalf of the European Conservatives and Reformists group said that the deal represents a fair compromise.
"Soaring energy bills are a huge problem for many households. Insulation and other energy saving measures can be a great help. However, it is important that each country can come up with their own tailored schemes to help households and businesses."
Wedding venue in ruins - but 'fantastic' owners rescue big day
Historic barns which were one of the region's most popular wedding venues have been destroyed by a fire – but the owners have rallied round to ensure one couple's big day can go ahead tomorrow.
Management at Chilford Hall in Linton scrambled to secure marquees so they could fulfil bookings after flames caused damage running into hundreds of thousands of pounds in the early hours of yesterday.
Their efforts mean tomorrow's wedding of Emma Farr and Greg Smith from Cherry Hinton can still go ahead.
Vicky Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England and a Balsham resident, had attended a dinner to mark Jim Paice's 25 years as MP for South East Cambs at Chilford Hall on Saturday and told the News she was "absolutely devastated" by what had happened.
She said: "This was a historic, irreplaceable and very unique building, where we, like so many others, have celebrated happy, memorable occasions."
Suspected arsonists held after blaze at Chilford Hall
Two people have been arrested following a fire at Chilford Hall during the early hours of 13 June, according to a statement from Cambridge Constabulary.
The hall's Linton Hall Barn, Gallery, Great Hall and Pavilion venues are all affected by the blaze.
Vicky Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England told the local Cambridge News she was "absolutely devastated" by what had happened. "This was a historic, irreplaceable and very unique building, where we, like so many others, have celebrated happy, memorable occasions."
Europe votes to ban bundled mortgages
European MPs have voted to ban mortgages that are tied to other products like savings accounts.
Last week, ECON the European Monetary and Economic Affairs committee voted through a number of draft proposals on the directive.
One of these stipulates that lenders will not be allowed to sell mortgage deals linked to savings accounts where the account is not used solely for the purpose of repaying the mortgage.
This would mean deals such as Lloyds group's Lend a Hand, where only a 5 per cent deposit is needed and another 20 per cent in savings as security for the mortgage, would not be allowed.
Econ shadow rapporteur and British MEP Vicky Ford was involved in the voting.
She says: "The amendments I wanted regarding the language on tied products did not get through."
Europe votes to ban tied mortgages
Tied mortgage products, such as Lloyds Banking Group's Lend a Hand deal, are set to be banned under the current proposals in the European mortgage directive.
Last week, ECON the European Monetary and Economic Affairs committee voted through a number of draft proposals on the directive.
One of these stipulates that lenders will not be allowed to sell mortgage deals linked to savings accounts where the account is not used solely for the purpose of repaying the mortgage.
This would mean deals such as Lloyds group's Lend a Hand, where only a 5% deposit is needed and another 20% in savings as security for the mortgage, would not be allowed.
British MEP Vicky Ford, shadow rapporteur on ECON, was involved in the voting.
She says: "The amendments I wanted regarding the language on tied products did not get through.
"The proposal states that borrowers can use a savings account but only where the sole purpose of it is to repay the principal interest on the mortgage clearly that is not how savings-linked accounts work."
Ford is now campaigning to get the proposals amended.
MS Leader: Europe needs to butt out
After five delays and a massive 819 amendments, the European Monetary and Economic Affairs committee - ECON - last week finally voted through a number of draft proposals as part of the move towards implementing a European mortgage directive.
For ensuring that all buy-to-let mortgages are exempt from the new rules, pats on the back for the various regulatory trade bodies and in particular British MEP Vicky Ford.
New bank capital rules a 'positive vision'
Thanks to some skilful negotiating, MEPs last week agreed new capital requirement regulations to strengthen the banking system that could be quickly signed off by EU finance ministers, writes Conservative member of the European Parliament
I had never seen anything like it and nor had other MEPs. When the European Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee voted last week to implement the capital requirements regulation directive on banking reform the 44 votes in favour were a remarkable figure – but the lack of any vote against was astonishing.
It is frankly as rare as hen's teeth for such a complicated and controversial package of regulation to receive unanimous approval. Given the range of political viewpoints represented on a committee that includes communists and greens as well as free-marketeers, and considering the prolonged and sometimes tortuous nature of the discussions behind all the amendments and compromise positions which were eventually put to the committee, this outcome was a tribute to the strong parliamentary skills of the negotiating team. Rapporteur Othmar Karas, from the centre-right European People's Party, is owed much credit for his diplomacy, flexibility and good cheer.
Aristocratic eco-warrior charged over GM wheat vandalism
A 50-YEAR-OLD aristocratic eco-warrior who caused 'significant damage' to the UK's first genetically modified (GM) crop wheat trial has been charged with criminal damage.
Hector Christie, of Tapeley Park Lodge, Instow, in Devon, will appear at St Albans Central Magistrates Court on July 13, Hertfordshire police said.
Mr Christie, an old Etonian and the son of Sir George Christie, head of the Glyndebourne opera family, has been described as an eccentric and well-known anti-globalisation campaigner.
His actions on Sunday morning, when he caused what the Rothamsted Research institute described as 'significant, random property damage' have been condemned by scientists, politicians and farm industry leaders.
NFU president Peter Kendall likened GM activists targeting the trial to Nazis in the 1930s in a speech on Monday.
Local MEP Vicky Ford has joined the condemnation, describing the 'mindless and ill-informed act' as 'bad for British science and bad news for fight against food poverty'.
West Norfolk: Keep demanding new road - MP
CALLS have been made for pressure to be kept on the European and UK parliaments over funding for vital A47 improvements after Euro-MPs this week delayed a decision for another year.
The European Parliament's transport committee met in Brussels on Tuesday to review funding of major routes across the continent.
Pressure is mounting for the A47 to be upgraded from the Trans-European Network's (TEN-T) comprehensive road system to a core route so that it qualifies for EU funding.
North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham said: "For West Norfolk and King's Lynn to fulfil its full potential, it's essential that we get the entire length of the A47 dualled.
"It's been forgotten about too many times in the past and pressure must be kept on the European Parliament at every opportunity."
East Anglian Euro-MPs Geoffrey Van Orden and Vicky Ford were at the transport committee hearing.
Mobile roaming charges to fall again
Mobile phone roaming charges will fall again from July following a European Parliament vote today.
The latest round of cuts are the latest step towards a European Commission goal of reducing the gap between domestic and "foreign" call rates to virtually nothing by 2015.
East of England Tory MEP Vicky Ford said: "Excessive charging for roaming causes consumers and operators to lose out. Many consumers who have faced high charges just switch off their data roaming and don't access services at all."
Mobile roaming charges to fall again
MEPs have welcomed plans for a new deal to cut mobile phone data roaming charges in Europe, during a debate in the European Parliament on 9 May 2012.
Under rules set to be approved by the European Parliament, it will be less expensive to make calls and download data abroad.
British Conservative MEP Vicky Ford feared mobile phone operators might pass the cost of the cap onto domestic consumers, by increasing their bills.
MEPs call for A47 funding
The European Parliament has been asked to help fund a series of improvements to the A47.
The road, which links Great Yarmouth to the Midlands, does not qualify for Euro subsidies because it is not considered to be a core route.
Conservative MEPs Geoffrey Van Orden and Vicky Ford have called on the European Parliament to recognise the importance of the A47, and to provide it with funding to dual it and improve junctions
Wisbech, King’s Lynn, Norwich and Yarmouth must wait another year for EU to decide on A47 funding
Poor roads are keeping Norfolk's economy in the slow lane and stunting growth and job creation, the county's chamber of commerce warned today.
Euro MPs met earlier to review how roads across the continent are funded. Norfolk County Council and the county's MPs hope to change the status of the A47 to that of a so called TEN-T core route, meaning it would qualify for funding.
Norfolk's main East - West Route is currently classified as part of the so-called "comprehensive network", meaning it doesn't qualify for funding.
East Anglian MEPs Geoffrey Van Orden and Vicky Ford attended the transport committee hearing which discussed the roads guidelines.
New pig welfare standards 'must be enforced'
New rules for the pig industry are intended to create a more-even set of welfare standards across Europe and stop some farmers - such as those in Britain - being undercut by competitors using less welfare-friendly methods.
European Commissioners cannot sit back - they must take tough action against any countries that flout new rules partially banning the use of stalls for sows, Conservative MEP Vicky Ford has warned.
A14 working party seeks funding for upgrade
Vicky Ford, a Conservative Euro MP for East Anglia, said: "I was discussing the EU budget for the next seven years in Brussels and part of that money will be for transport, but it's more likely to be for road and rail projects, rather than just road projects, so we need to think about the road and the rail together.
"If you're going to get privately funded roads anywhere in the UK, then the A14 will be the place for it.
"It would need to be paid for through a toll whether that was a user-toll or government toll."
Parliament split over energy efficiency bill ahead of key vote
The draft Energy Efficiency Directive is likely to need backing from the European Parliament in a plenary vote at the end of March before the Assembly can speak with one voice in upcoming negotiations with the 27 EU member states.
Conservative MEP Vicky Ford, chief negotiator on the energy efficiency bill for the European Conservatives and Reformist Group, hoped that those who are calling for a plenary vote did not use it as an excuse to delay the start of negotiations with the Council.
MEPs press for rethink on Euro mortgage edict
UK MEPs Vicky Ford and Arlene McCarthy are pushing for significant changes to the European Commission's mortgage credit directive.
The directive aims to harmonise regulation across the EU for all mortgages, including buy-to-let and bridging loans.
MEP unveils latest electric vehicle charge points
The latest electric vehicle charge points in our area were unveiled by an MEPon Tuesday.
Millbrook Proving Ground has worked with Source East, managed by EValu8 Transport Innovations – a company set up by the University of Hertfordshire – to purchase and install the charging points.
EU mortgage rule vote delayed
Committee member and Conservative MEP for the east of England Vicky Ford, who is leading the Tories work on the directive said: "The one size fits all approach has caused some problems in the parliament because of how varied the mortgage market is across the 27 member states. Presedo is taking his time to find the right language."
Once the amendments are voted on, the amended bill will make up part of the parliament's position for negotiations with the European Council and the European Commission over how the final directive will look.
European mortgage directive delayed again
Vicky Ford, Conservative MEP for the East of England and shadow rapporteur for ECON, says: "The reason for the delay is that it is not clear the rapporteur's views are being held across all groups in the parliament.
"Using a one size fits all approach is a concern to lots of different MEPs. Sanchez Presedo is taking his time to find the right language."
Could EU mortgage directive lead to fraud tourism?
The news that the European mortgage directive has been delayed yet again is hardly a surprise considering the problems facing the continent. But if MEPs fail to make the right decision, the consequences could be dire.
At today's briefing Vicky Ford, MEP for the east of England and shadow rapporteur on the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, reeled off a whole host of other priorities facing the European Union.
Bank-Debt Limit Sought by EU Lawmakers Following Dexia Break-Up
Banks may be forced to limit their borrowing in a bid by European Union lawmakers to strengthen the region's implementation of Basel capital rules
EU lawmakers want bank buffers for sovereign debt
UK Conservative member Vicky Ford urged lawmakers not to allow EU states, which have joint say on the draft bill and which issue sovereign debt, to dominate the zero risk debate. "Leaving zero risk to the Council has a conflict of interest," Ford said. Schaeuble on Monday dismissed a report that Germany and France wanted parts of Basel delayed.
The Battle for the Fiscal Compact in Anticipation the Fourth Draft
On Thursday there will be another, fourth version of the text of the intergovernmental treaty for enhanced economic and monetary union...
Ford hits out at 'burden' of FTT
British MEP Vicky Ford has lashed out at a proposed financial transaction tax in Europe saying the burden will fall hardest on pension funds and business.
Financial transaction tax would 'hit jobs and pensions'
A financial transaction tax would see financial players relocate overseas, taking tens of thousands of jobs with them and putting the burden on pension funds...
Conservative MEP rejects veto on EU financial rules
Vicky Ford, a Conservative MEP who played a key role in negotiating recent financial law said such a veto would backfire, because it would be impossible to give it to the British alone.
"Given the importance of financial services to Britain it sounds like a good idea for the UK to have a veto, but if the cost of doing this would be to give every one of the 27 countries a veto, it could be a complete disaster for negotiating international financial regulation," Ford told Reuters.
Separately, she underlined Britain's interest in heading off plans for an EU tax on financial transactions, an idea proposed by Germany which Chancellor George Osborne recently demanded be "put to rest."
Vicky Ford MEP visits Norwich Research Park
Vicky Ford, Member of the European Parliament for the East of England, visited Norwich Research Park on Friday 18th November to see for herself the latest developments in science and innovation coming from the institutes and companies based on the park.
Vicky is a full member of the Industry, Research and Energy committee and her visit gave her a taste of the cutting edge research that is happening across the research park. Her interests in the issues of food security, healthy ageing and energy were discussed in visits to the Institute of Food Research as well as a tour of the Biorefinery, which is using waste products from the farming and food chain to develop new biofuels.
South Cambs MEP criticises EU budget increase
Plans to increase the European Union budget by more than five per cent - despite the financial crisis ravaging the continent - were condemned today by Conservative MEPs Vicky Ford...
Pension problems set to increase says MEP Vicky Ford
Vicky Ford's mother was born in 1937.
She was born in 1967 and her daughter, yes, was born in 1997.
The anecdote, as well as indicating a certain consistency in the Ford family, is a telling one, particularly when it comes to pensions.
For life expectancy has risen from around 60 in her mother's day to more than 80 now.
Who knows what it might be for the next generation?
MEP visits factory for advice on energy
A MEMBER of European Parliament has visited the British Sugar Factory in Bury St Edmunds in the run up to the vote on the EU's Energy Efficiency Directive.
New move for town’s major flood defences
IPSWICH: Town MP Ben Gummer has linked up with East of England MEP Vicky Ford in an attempt to ensure funding is guaranteed for the last piece of the town's flood defences.
Already more than £25million has been pledged....
MEP Vicky Ford welcomes new European food labelling laws
New food labels will be appearing in shops and supermarkets following a vote in the European Parliament this week.
The new rules will mean fresh meat products will need to show in which country the animal was reared and slaughtered.
Contact Vicky
Vicky Ford MEP UK Office
153 St Neots Road
Hardwick
Cambs
CB23 7QJ
Tel: 01954 211 722
Email: office@vickyford.org
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