Written Statements

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU

The impasse that faces both the EU and the UK results form the deeply flawed method by which the Brexit negotiations have been conducted. These have been designed in two sequences: first to establish the conditions for an orderly withdrawal; then those of a future relationship. Aggravated by huge political fractures on the British side,

Explanation of Votes

Terrorism

The terrorist attacks which took place in Europe showed that a European response to the threat to fundamental freedoms and democratic values is indispensable. The resolution of the EP on terrorism for which I voted goes in the right direction. But it carries some flaws. It makes erroneous connections between migration and terrorism. It overemphasizes

Written Statements

Digital Taxation

It is right that digital business, especially that conducted by the GAFA, be taxed on the same lines as businesses in other sectors of economic activity in the place where they conduct business. Given the nature of digital activity, where value is being added, where costs are being assumed and where profits are being made

Explanation of Votes

Coordination of social security schemes

Coordinating national social security systems within the single market is a desireable objective. It would help reinforce the social dimension of the freedom of movement in Europe, still understood basically as an economic achievement. From the citizens’ perspective, real freedom of movement should include portable social rights that give access to social security protection in

Explanation of Votes

Military mobility

I abstained on the final vote of this report for the following reasons: It does not take into sufficient account the position of the neutral EU member states. It takes for granted the support and association of the EU as a whole in programmes of a military alliance, even when this could be problematic, and

Explanation of Votes

European Labour Authority

I voted in favour of Establishing a European Labour Authority because I believe that the EU needs more resources to ensure that its rules on labour mobility are effectively enforced. Further, the EP’s amendments to the Commission’s proposal as regards the introduction of specific references to recognised Union sectoral social partners, representing sectors particularly concerned