Addressing a conference hosted by German Green MEP’s in Berlin at the start of the German Presidency of the EU.
Jean, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and has been awarded for her work on Justice and Human Rights said; “If we really are serious about tackling issues on irregular migration we have to be realistic about the number of people we are taking on and wake up to the fact that this will involve tackling business interest as well.
“There are some organisations that welcome irregular migration and rely on the employment of those that will work for a poor wage and have few rights in their new country, to keep costs down and profits high.
“To ensure equal pay for all and deal with this appalling mistreatment, we have to challenge a lot of currently accepted practices. It is vital that we end labour market exploitation by opening legal channels and giving people the chance to change their status and become legal. “
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media Officertel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.