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In this issue:
Labour Euro MPs stood firm with their socialist colleagues against the appointment of Italian right-winger Rocco Buttiglione to the new European Commission. “Not simply was it unsuitable for an anti-gay, anti-woman candidate to be put in charge of Europe’s citizen’s rights’ policies, but it demonstrated that the European Parliament has the final democratic say, “says Richard. Richard campaigned with prospective candidates Fiona Ross in South East Cambs, and joined Colchester PPC Laura Bruni at the Party’s alternative ‘oyster feast’. He helped raised funds to back the general election campaign at Great Yarmouth CLP’s Quiz Night and the Basildon CLP Annual Dinner, where he also joined the successful council by-election campaign against the BNP. Richard spoke at the Party’s Regional Rally held once again in Cambridge, alongside Government Minister Rosie Winterton. TopRichard called for serious treatment of an allegation of sexual harassment against UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom made by a Cambridge University student visiting Brussels. Richard is also fighting for the publication of findings on whether former Tory MEP Bashir Khanbai falsely claimed expenses. Richard welcomed visitors to the European Symposium on “Heritage for the Future” held in Norwich and launched the bidding process for European Social Funding in Essex. Richard also spoke to businesswomen at the Soroptomist International conference held in Cambridge. Richard tried out new health equipment sold throughout Europe at Huntleigh Technology in Luton. He launched the Inclusive Fitness Initiative at Witchford Village College near Ely and at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich. The MEP joined the Cambridge local group to publicise Back Care week, and took a free blood pressure test as part of awareness-raising at Lloyds Pharmacy in Bury St Edmunds. Richard joined children at Icknield Walk First School in Royston walking to school, amongst 3 million walkers from Europe and across the world campaigning for the health and environmental benefits. He promoted the European Day of Languages at John Henry Newman School in Stevenage, and at Ashlyn’s School in Berkhamsted. The MEP presented awards at the Young Citizens’ Guild at Hemsby, Norfolk. Richard helped to host the first Hertfordshire Disability Awards held at the Moat House in Borehamwood, presented by Olympic Gold Medal swimmer Duncan Goodhew MBE. Re-elected as President of Europe’s Disability Rights Group of MEPs, Richard visited SCOPE in Ipswich and Peterborough and the New Bedfordshire Training Project to highlight new disability anti-discrimination laws for goods and services . Richard supported the annual Beachwatch environmental campaign by joining volunteers clearing litter at Landguard Point near Felixstowe. Richard joined Ivan Henderson MP and TGWU official Victor Brazkiewicz to protest against exploitation of Polish workers in Harwich. He also met with members and officers at Breckland Council, to appeal for housing assistance to Portuguese workers threatened with eviction by abusive employers . Richard helped with fundraising efforts of the Welwyn Garden City Guide Dog Association, the Little Haven Children’s Hospice in Hadleigh and was guest speaker at the King’s Lynn Citizen’s Advice Bureau AGM. Richard welcomed the announcement that all East of England beaches meet European water quality rules including the achievement of higher voluntary standards in Southend for the first time. Richard met representatives of Harwich & Felixstowe Ports in Brussels to plan opposition to the surprise reintroduction of a new EU proposal to force contracting-out in our ports. Richard welcomed a recommendation that the EU start accession talks with Turkey dependent on further progress in respect for democracy and human rights. He is due to travel to Turkey to discuss progress on behalf of Parliament’s Socialist Group. Richard spoke out against EU plans to relax Working Time rules, speaking on behalf of Labour MEPs in a BBC TV debate. As Vice-Chair of Parliament’s Human Rights Sub-Committee, Richard hosted a Brussels seminar with the International Crisis Group and Open Society Institute. He also met freed political prisoner Leyla Zana. Richard spoke to development agencies from across Europe meeting in Brussels on the need to defend the EU’s aid budget. Dangerous chemicals in all EU toys have been banned, linked to childhood allergies, asthma and cancer. In this issue:
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