NEWS FROM GLENIS WILLMOTT

Action on ‘Transplant Tourism’                                                             

In recent weeks I have been working on EU proposals to improve organ donation and transplant across the EU. 

I paid a visit to the Renal Unit at Nottingham University Hospital to see for myself the work they do and some of the dilemmas they face on a daily basis.  I met with surgeons and local transplant coordinators, as well as representatives from UK Transplant and the Human Tissue Authority.

Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine, but organ shortage is a common dilemma in all European countries and there is clearly the need to improve the systems supporting organ donation.

In the UK, 25% of the UK population are registered organ donors and last year around 2,400 people in the UK benefited from an organ transplant.  But more than 1,000 people die every year waiting for a transplant. A recent report from the Department of Health – ‘Organs for Transplants’ – has made a number of recommendations designed to increase the number of donors in the UK.

Across Europe nearly 40,000 people are on organ donor waiting lists. A lack of donors has resulted in a disturbing growth in ´Transplant Tourism´ to the world's developing nations. The international black market in organs is attracting people in search of a kidney or other organ, and people living in abject poverty or vulnerable circumstances are being exploited. When illegal organ transplants are practised, the lives of both the donor and the recipient are at risk.

I want to see a European Donor Card to boost donor numbers and a Europe-wide ‘transplant hotline’ to improve efficiency.  They could help stamp out organ trafficking and tourism.

These are practical measures where the EU could really make a difference.

You can see and hear me speaking on this issue via You Tube here

Best wishes

Glenis Willmott
 

More on the Report: Organ Donation and Transplantation: Policy Actions at EU Level

UK Transplant

Irish referendum vote

The Irish ‘No’ vote is not a catastrophe, but it is a blow to those who want the EU's institutions to work more effectively and democratically.

I welcome the UK government's commitment to complete the ratification process. It is important to know where each country stands regarding the Treaty.  We need a Union that is fit for purpose and can and will deliver for the people of Europe. I want a European Union that can focus on the real challenges ahead, in particular on creating decent jobs, fighting terrorism and tackling climate change.  We need to find a way forward acceptable to all 27 member states.

Foreign Secretary's statement in the House of Commons on the Irish Referendum

Green light for Europe-wide protection for agency workers

Labour’s MEPs have fought long and hard for protection for agency workers across Europe. We do not believe that all agency workers are happy temps, delighted to be able to move from job to job.  The lack of protection for agency workers has left them open to exploitation from employers who want to use them as a source of cheap labour.

We are pleased that the UK Government has now come to an agreement with the unions and the CBI that will allow the long-stalled EU Agency Workers Directive to go ahead, so that workers throughout Europe are protected.

The agreement means that agency workers in the UK will get the same entitlement to protection at work as directly employed workers after 12 weeks in a given job.  I believe we should go further and that rights should be automatic from day 1. The 12 week limit will rule out many seasonal workers for example. I will continue to call for protection to be strengthened. 

However, we should not forget that agency workers already benefit from the Minimum Wage thanks to the Labour Government and have the right to 4 weeks paid leave, and protection from discrimination at work thanks to European initiatives.  The Government has also announced that the number of Employment Agency Standards Inspectors will be doubled.

David Cameron has repeated his intention to opt out of the EU Social Chapter if he is elected. A Tory Government would be a disaster for vulnerable workers in the UK.

Cutting energy bills

The cost of energy is a real headache for families in the East Midlands. I am backing moves in Europe to boost consumer choice and cut energy bills.

The energy giants control massive areas of electricity generation and supply. We need to force these businesses to break up these operations. While they dominate, it’s the consumer who ends up suffering.

Companies, or indeed countries, should not control electricity generation or supply as well as transmission operators. New measures now being proposed in Europe would remove any conflict of interest and allow other companies to join the market, encouraging greater competition. Not only will this give people a real choice when it comes to their energy supplier but it could also end up saving them money.

‘Unbundling’ of ownership has taken place in Britain, it is the failure of other countries to do so which is impacting on consumers. While companies from France and Germany have been able to secure a large part of the UK market, we have struggled to access theirs. With more competition, there is an incentive for generators of energy, network operators, owners and suppliers to invest in renewable energy and alternative sources of energy.
 
There will be so much more choice for consumers, whether you’re looking at price, green energy, generating your own power – or all three.

more

Protect Charnwood Forest

Eric Goodyer, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Charnwood, is opposing Tory attempts to make it easier to quarry within ancient Charnwood Forest.

Eric says, “The possibility of drilling and quarrying in Charnwood Forest is vandalism. We demand that this area of natural beauty should be given the same protection as the rest of the National Forest.”

Sign the petition here

Contact Glenis

Glenis Willmott MEP
Harold Wilson House
23 Barratt Lane
Attenborough
Nottingham  NG9 6AD
 
Tel. 0115 922 9717
Fax. 0115 922 4439

office@gleniswillmott.org.uk
 
Glenis’s team
 
Paddy Casswell: Political Manager
Chris Poles: Brussels Researcher
Ted Willmott: Parliamentary Assistant
Maggie Hudson: Constituency Assistant
Elizabeth Udall: Media Officer
Kelly Tomlinson: Secretary
Alex Phillips: Stagiaire (Intern)