Tobacco packaging should be in Queen’s speech, say Labour MEPs

Labour MEPs have criticised the government’s decision to remove new laws on standardised tobacco packaging from the Queen’s speech.

Glenis Willmott, Leader of Labour MEPs and spokesperson on health, said, “We have to call the government’s commitment to public health into question.  They are willing to forge ahead with their disastrous reorganisation of the NHS, but will not take the simple measure of standardising tobacco packaging, which will greatly reduce the attractiveness of tobacco for the next generation.”

“Tobacco kills half of all its regular users, and the pack itself is the last place the industry has left to advertise its wares.  Some packaging designs are clearly aimed at young people, with young girls targeted by thin, pink, flowery boxes that look more like lipsticks.  Standardised packs would put an end to these marketing tactics.”

Linda McAvan MEP, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on the Tobacco Products Directive said, “The EU is revising its rules on tobacco and Labour MEPs want to introduce standardised packaging across Europe.  We are also pushing for large pictorial health warnings and a ban on flavourings.”

“Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the UK, the EU and across the world.  Australia, one of the world leaders in tobacco control, has already implemented standardised packaging and the UK is falling behind in the fight against tobacco.  We are disappointed the UK government has backed down, but Labour MEPs will continue to push for standardised packaging at EU level.”

Glenis pledges support for “Action on Stroke Month”

Glenis Willmott has pledged her support for a campaign to increase awareness of stroke.

The campaign “Action on Stroke Month” is organised by the Stroke Association, and is the charity’s annual drive to increase awareness of stroke, the impact it has on people, and the help available to those affected.

Glenis said: “I’m delighted to support the campaign.  Those who survive a stroke and those who care for them, often face a future which is incredibly difficult; physically, psychologically and emotionally.

“Stroke victims and their families can often feel isolated and ignored.    This May will be “Action on Stroke Month” and I hope that as many people as possible will sign up to pledge their support on the Stroke Association website at  www.stroke.org.uk

“As Labour’s health spokesperson in Europe, I’m actually steering new laws through the European Parliament at the moment on clinical trials, work that has a real relevance for research into strokes and other medical emergencies.”

Labour MEP welcomes pesticide ban

The European Commission has decided to go ahead with a two year restriction on three pesticides found to be harmful to bees, as EU countries fail to reach a consensus.

Glenis Willmott, Leader of Labour MEPs and spokesperson for health and food, welcomed the news

“The UK government was wrong not to support restricting these harmful pesticides and I’m glad that the ban will go ahead,” Mrs Willmott said.

“Many of my constituents are rightly concerned that the bee population is in crisis worldwide.  In the UK bees have declined by 30% since 2E007.  As around three quarters of crops are reliant on pollination by bees, this is something we have to take very seriously.”

“Labour MEPs have been pushing for action on this for years.  This January the European Food Safety Authority stated that three types of neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to bees, and their use should be restricted.  Now we must take urgent action.”

“The European Commission was right to push EU countries on this.  Clearly the British government has listened more to the lobby of the big pesticide companies than to the concerns of their own constituents.”

“The only way we can have a real impact on saving collapsing bee colonies is by working together at EU level.  Labour MEPs will be closely monitoring the implementation and effects of the restriction to see whether further action is needed.”

Last chance for UK to support EU pesticide ban

On Monday 29 April EU governments will vote on whether three types of pesticides should be restricted, following evidence that they are harmful to bees.

So far EU governments have not been able to reach a majority either for or against the proposal, with the UK government failing to support action on the pesticides.

The European Commission is now taking the proposal to its appeals committee.  If Member States are still unable to reach an agreement, the Commission would be able to take the decision to ban the pesticides.

Glenis Willmott, Leader of Labour MEPs and spokesperson for health and food, said “many of my constituents are rightly concerned that the bee population is in crisis worldwide.  In the UK bees have declined by 30% since 2007.  As around three quarters of crops are reliant on pollination by bees, this is something we have to take very seriously.”

“Labour MEPs have been pushing for action on this for years.  This January the European Food Safety Authority stated that three types of neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to bees, and their use should be restricted.  Now we must take urgent action.”

“I am glad the European Commission has pushed the British government on this.  Clearly the government has listened more to the lobby of the big pesticide companies than to the concerns of their own constituents.  Owen Paterson has one last chance to side with scientists, environmental campaigners and citizens and vote in favour of restricting these harmful pesticides.”