Jean Lambert, Green / EFA coordinator on the employment and social affairs committee, said; “We have no framework directive covering these areas which are essential in combatting poverty, encouraging social cohesion and are of particular importance to women.
“The Council and the Parliament have refused to include the necessary legal clarifications and the statement of reasurance from the EU Commission is just words, it has no legal standing before the European Court of Justice which will now be making decisions that Parliament chose to duck.”
Jean Lambert continued to question the European Parliaments commitment to labour rights and the protection of public services and said; “We have seen in today’s vote that the majority of MEPs prefer not to make clear statements on labour rights and the protection of public services. How will they explain to their councillors at local and regional levels that they are weakening their role in determining the provision of services of general interest and safeguard the public interest? Parliament had achieved positive changes in the original proposal but we could and should have done a lot more.”
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.