While no Obama in terms of oratory skills, I have heard worse speeches than the one he delivered today. A high point was the re-statement of the Commission’s commitment to continuing work on developing the Single Market, including the creation of a single EU patent and reducing red-tape for SMEs looking to conduct business cross-border in the EU. This is critical. The Single Market is surely the EU’s greatest tangible achievement, and the Commission is right to target it as a crucial area where the EU can really add value to the lives of European citizens.

I also liked the proposal of a ‘European Vacancy Monitor’ to show EU citizens where job opportunities exist for them beyond their home market. Lack of job mobility has been a key hindrance in developing the Single Market. This could be a good step in helping to address that.

I did not like however the President’s words on the sustainability or otherwise of national budgets. Mr Barroso has clearly come along way from his early leftish political leanings. He now claims that “debt and deficit lead to boom and bust”. My fear is that in following the mantra of rightwing governments across Europe the President is now committing the Commission to a similar mindset. This is despite the very strong arguments – which I support – that the recovery is not yet secure and that cuts, if they are necessary, should be well targeted and gradually introduced, rather than ’slash and burn’. The previous Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer believed that the UK could only afford to cut its deficit by half over four years without damaging economic prospects.

The Commission does not have direct power over national budgets, but it will still influence how European finance ministers adopt the various proposals around economic governance under consideration. It is of concern that Mr Barroso has joined the apostles of austerity – Osborne, Merkel et al – just when the Commission should be devising strategies for growth in Europe.

I was one of the five MEPs on the Parliament’s negotating team (see photo, right, of trialogue negotiations), my chief responsibility being for the creation of the new European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. It was a hard slog. In the end we had around 25 trialogues, which is the technical term for the negotiations. I believe that must be quite near a record!

The reason why the negotiations were so ardeous was that the legislation is so important and far-reaching. The purpose is to prevent another breakdown of communications between national supervisory authorities, as occurred between the UK, Iceland and the Netherlands over Icesave, or between the Belgian and Dutch authorities over Fortis.

I won’t go into all the details on the powers of the new authorities here,  interested readers can find out more at – http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/042-80951-245-09-36-907-20100902IPR80950-02-09-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm

Suffice to say that all parties came out of the negotiations fairly happy with the outcome. The powers of the new supervisory authorities are concorrent with the roles bestowed upon them. National governments retain ultimate responsibility, as should be the case given that they are the ones responsible to tax-payers for bail-outs. However, the new bodies have enough teeth to help overcome some of the problems witnessed during the last crisis. I am very pleased with the result.

Applicants should send their applications to Peter Skinner MEP, 99 Kent Road, Dartford DA1 2AJ or via email southeast {at} peterskinnermep(.)eu by 5pm on Friday, 10 September 2010.

Research & Constituency Assistant

Position: Research & Constituency Assistant

Incumbent: vacant

Location: UK, 99 Kent Road, Dartford DA1 2AJ (subject to review)

Salary Range: to be advised

Full time: 42 hours per week including occasional work in evenings and at weekends

Benefits: to be advised

Responsible to: Regional Office Director

Accountable to: Member of the European Parliament

Description:

• Ensure a prompt and efficient response and management of all enquiries to the MEP by telephone, email, correspondence or by personal visit, liaising with the Regional Office Director and the MEP’s Assistant in the Brussels office
• Work with Brussels scheduler to set up UK-based appointments. Collate invitations for agreement with the MEP, ensure written communication or apologies in good time
• Assist with communications outreach including bi-annual “South East Matters”, monthly e-newsletter and work with contractor on website design and update
• Research and prepare responses to casework initiated in UK and Brussels
• Research and advise the MEP on political matters, in conjunction with the MEP’s other staff; maintain a general awareness of regional issues and of the MEP’s parliamentary work
• Assist with the organisation of bi-annual constituent visits to the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg
• Attend, when necessary, Labour Party meetings such as Regional Conference
• Attend other constituency meetings as directed, from time to time
• Accompany MEP on visits across the region as required
• Develop and maintain good relations with the regional Labour Party, Constituency Labour Parties and Labour party branches, Labour councillors and MPs in the constituency, trade unions and other labour movement organisations providing information to them about the MEP’s work
• Maintain an awareness of Party activity in the region and nationally, especially conferences and policy forums, front bench visits, by-elections, social and fundraising activities, ensuring high-level participation by the MEP whenever possible
• Organise direct campaigning opportunities for the MEP with local Labour Party members including surgeries, street stalls, membership events, contributions to Party newsletters and leaflets, and in relation to local, national and future European elections
• Develop and maintain good contacts with a range of organisations in the region including regional bodies, local authorities, health provides, public utilities, business and voluntary organisations, and to maintain good public relations with them on behalf of the MEP
• Undertake all administrative tasks including full record-keeping required to support the duties of this post. Compile and maintain databases of contacts for the MEP in relation to his work in the region
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about the MEP’s affairs
• Ensure cover for the constituency office, assisting with covering the duties of other staff during sickness / leave absence, and undertaking other duties of a similar nature and responsibility as required.

Requirements:

• Previous experience of research and casework
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• IT skills, able to use Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Driving licence
• Qualification in business administration preferred
• Political experience and knowledge about UK and European political systems
• English as a first language, knowledge of French helpful  

If you’re travelling to another European Union country this summer, there are dozens of consumer rights and legal protections designed to keep you safe. Here are just a few things to think about:

Stay healthy – plan ahead:
Make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card. It can help cover the cost of emergency medical care if you fall ill while away. It isn’t a replacement for normal travel insurance, so you should still ensure you have adequate cover, but many insurers will waive the excess on a claim if you hold the card and sometimes the small print on policies actually requires you to have one. Make sure you apply in time. Go to: www.ehic.org.uk

Don’t be left feeling stranded:
If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than a few hours then you must be given immediate assistance by your airline. This includes arranging alternative travel – whether the problem is within the airline’s control or not.

Depending on the delay, airlines must also provide food, refreshments, communication facilities and, if the delay is overnight, accommodation. In certain cases airlines must also pay compensation. Get more information about your transport rights at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger-rights/en/

Special rules also apply for package holidays http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/citizen/my_holidays/index_en.htm

Stay in touch – take control of your mobile bill:
Labour MEPs pushed through rules that have significantly cut the cost of using your mobile when in another EU country. The cost of sending a text message is capped at around 10p and texts are free to receive. The prices for making and receiving calls are also limited by EU rules and your operator should send you a free text message to let you know how much it costs to use your phone while abroad.

Are you planning on using a smartphone while you’re away? Using the internet or email on a mobile device can be expensive and it’s not always clear how much it’s costing you. Under EU rules, your phone company must allow you to set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend on internet fees while abroad. Contact your operator before you leave to set the limit.

Time shares – take time to cool off:
When sitting back in the sunshine, the idea of having great holidays time and again will always be tempting. But be careful of getting carried away by the holiday feel-good factor. Some disreputable companies and individuals use the holiday season as an opportunity to put people under pressure to buy into dubious timeshare schemes.

Thousands of people get fantastic holidays and huge enjoyment out of their timeshares, but it is an area notorious for conmen and tricksters, so you need to be sure about exactly what you’re committing to. A reputable company won’t put you under pressure to commit to a contract, so stop to think before you sign.

If you do make a commitment that you then regret, EU law guaranties you a cooling off period. You can get more information from the Timeshare Consumers Association [http://www.timeshare.org.uk/buy_web.html] or your local Citizens Advice Bureau [http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/winnn6/index/getadvice].

Rights not respected? Let me know
You can be confident that these EU rules apply to all European Union member states. You can see exactly which countries are members of the EU on this map [http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_en.htm]

If you’re concerned that your rights haven’t been respected while you were on holiday, or if you need help with a problem that arose while in another EU country, please get in touch. Email me at southeast {at} peterskinnermep(.)eu

Checklist and useful links:

• Take your free EU Health Insurance Card, apply here [http://www.ehic.uk.com/apply.html]

• Check the Foreign Office’s Know Before You Go website [http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad], there may be public holidays or domestic situations you should know about.

• Read up on your passenger rights [http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger-rights/en/index.html ], so you know how you should be treated if there are delays.

• If you’ll be using the internet on your mobile or smartphone, tell your mobile phone company you’re going away. They’ll arrange a limit so you don’t break the bank in data charges.

• If you have any dispute or complaint regarding any purchases you’ve made on holiday, contact the consumer centre [http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/redress_cons/docs/ecc_network_centers.pdf] for the country you are visiting who can help resolve the issue. If they can’t help try the EU-wide Solvit service [http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site/index_en.htm ]

• Call your bank to tell them which country you’re visiting so they don’t block your card while you’re away. Check their charges for withdrawing money from an EU ATM – some banks don’t charge a fee at all.

•Check your car hire company’s policy on refuelling. Many of my constituents have been stung by companies who have expected them to return vehicles fully filled or they face a heavy fine, penalising them for using less fuel.

• In an emergency you can call 112 anywhere in Europe, from any phone, free of charge. It is the equivalent of calling 999.

We were impressed by David’s commitment to Europe and the role it can play in helping to build a fairer world. He has a strong reputation among social democrats throughout Europe and the commitment he demonstrated as Foreign Minister to promote active and constructive UK participation in the European Union will be invaluable.

Comment from Peter Skinner: “David was the first of the candidates to ask for our support, but we knew him already, as did a lot of MEPs, social democrats and those from across the political spectrum. David was well-known in Europe as a committed and forward-looking foreign minister. He has great respect among all of us here, and we know he is as committed as we are to seeing British engagement to help build a strong, outward-looking European Union that looks to tackle our common problems.”

Comment from David Martin: “At a time when Europe is facing big challenges and opportunities in tackling climate change, reforming the banking sector, strengthening our commitment to international development and securing balanced trade agreements, we need a leader committed to pursuing a constructive and positive role for the UK in the EU. We believe the dedication and drive in international affairs which charactarised David’s time as Foreign Secretary would be fundamental in his role as leader.”

David Martin MEP

Peter Skinner MEP

Among the many injustices of George Osborne’s first budget, a particular concern of mine is a proposal that will damage the competitiveness of employers in the South East, just as the region begins to recover from recession. Under the Tory chancellor’s plans, companies in the South East would not be exempt from £5,000 national insurance savings that competitors throughout the rest of the UK will benefit from.

Osborne is wrong to apply a one-size fits all approach to the entire South East region of Britain, which is vast and diverse. The South East is not London, it contains some poorer areas in need of further investment; Thanet for example has unemployment levels of around 9%. Osborne’s plans will damage the South East economy and make its companies less competitive.

The coalition has already begun to impose heavy burdens upon the South East. The suspension of £23m funding to the Kent Thameside Strategic Transport Programme will take away vital funding to the Thames Gateway and the national economy as a whole. The government has turned its back on jobs and growth in the economy and is already cutting vital services, as the Kent police force, which will have to make £20million worth of savings, has found out to the cost of the local community.

Budget not fair and not forward-looking!

More generally the Con-Dem Coalition’s Budget is unfair and relies on non-progressive means to get Britain out of recession. We all know that the debt needs to be cut, but the Chancellor’s plans will impose burdens on those least able to bear them. An increase in VAT will hit pensioners and the unemployed hardest. The huge cuts in public services as welfare will mean that we will soon feel the pinch of the coalition’s cuts.

Another Lib Dem let-down

What else is poignant in all of this is that Lib Dems have been willing participants, not just cheerleaders, to the Tory axeman. Clegg and Cable told us that under the Lib Dems there would be no return to Tory cuts; instead they’ve let down all those people who put their faith in them to deliver a fairer Britain.

Government showing no faith in young people

Depressingly the real losers from the budget will be children and young people; the sad fact is many of them have already lost, witness the swathes of school children now denied free school meals. As well as this the Future Jobs Fund, created with the aim of getting 150,000 young people into work, has been ditched along with child trust funds. For those of us who supported a government intent on eradicating child poverty this budget is depressing reading. The Chancellor has shown that this Government will wield the axe and hope for the best without regard for the future of our young people.

I and my team were active across the region and got a warm reception in all the Labour-held constituencies we visited. A constant theme throughout the campaign was the energy and commitment displayed by Labour representatives and activists from across the South East: their drive and determination to get out the vote on behalf of ensuring a fairer Britain was a constant source of inspiration for me.

Although there were numerous disappointments on election night, no-one could accuse former MPs like Michael Foster, Jonathan Shaw and Paul Clark of not defending their slim majorities. Their loss from Parliament will surely be felt.

There were a number of Labour MPs who were returned successfully. When I went on the campaign trail in Slough with Fiona MacTaggart (pictured, second from left) it was clear that the community was well-behind their local Labour candidate, her re-election is testament to the hard work she and her staff have put in during her time as MP.

I was also privileged to be able to help out Andrew Smith in Oxford East who was returned as MP for the area.

Credit must also go to John Denham and Alan Whitehead and their election teams for all their hard work in ensuring that Southampton has two Labour MPs! There are those who think the South East is a Tory zone; thanks to the work of numerous committed Labour activists and representatives that is not the case!

My commiserations to all those hard-working Labour MPs who unfortunately lost their seats. With the election of a new leader in September the Labour Party in the South East will begin the re-building process that I am sure will result in much less blue and much more red come the time of the next election.

Last week MEPs voted in favour of ambitious reforms of the supervisory framework under which cross-border banks, insurers and fund managers operate in Europe. This included a vote on the establishment of a European insurance and pensions authority (known as EIOPA), for which I am the Parliament’s lead negotiator.

Members of ECON voted to give significant powers and responsibilities to EIOPA, more than I had recommended on the basis of my experience of the insurance industry. Nonetheless I support the Parliament’s ambition to ensure that real change to how we regulate financial services occurs following the financial crisis, and I am now in negotiations with representatives of national governments and the European Commission arguing this point.

Earlier this week MEPs voted on the highly controversial AIFM Directive to regulate hedge funds and private equity. All parties involved agreed that these important parts of the financial system need regulation. However, the poor drafting of the initial proposal and subsequent efforts from some quarters to impose additional measures restricting access to non-European funds or investors led to wide spread criticism of the legislation, particularly from the UK, which is home to the vast majority of such ‘alternative’ funds.

Despite my support for many aspects of the legislation, I was one such critic, particularly of the third country restrictions. I think these restrictions not only amount to a form of protectionism by Europe, but will also reduce investment options for our pension funds, which is ultimately negative for European citizens. As a result I voted in favour of a number of alternative amendments that better reflected my view, and abstained overall on support for the legislation.

As with the supervisory legislation mentioned above, negotiations on the AIFM Directive will now start between Parliament, national governments and the European Commission with the aim of beginning the introduction of the legislation in 2011.