The thoughts of an independently minded MEP

The Have Your Say Bus in Worcester

2012-03-09T16:03:00.000Z

Wow, what a busy day!

The team have been out in Worcester today to collect signatures for Campaign for a Referendum. I popped along to help and to meet my employers - my constituents!

It has been a highly successful day for the team and they have collected hundreds of signatures, the overwhelming message that we have gotten from today is the fact that Worcester wants its say on this vital issue.

After making a flying visit to the Birmingham office this afternoon, I will be attending the Kidderminster vs Fleetwood town match tonight. I am the matchball sponsor and will be taking along two constituents and long standing supporters of mine. Fleetwood are top of the table and I am hoping that Kidderminster can get the result they want tonight.

Visit to South Birmingham College

2012-03-08T16:07:00.000Z

I am in the very lucky position where I get asked to talk to students on a regular basis, and this lunchtime I spent a few hours at South Birmingham College.

I was a visitor to the BTEC Level 3 group in Public services, and there was a variety of topics discussed. These included the various voting systems used in the UK elections as well as in the European Elections. There was also wider discussion of how the EU affects our everyday lives, and my work as an MEP.

There was a large group of students and I was encouraged by the thoughtful and thought provoking conversation they had throughout the talk. I hope this now gives them food for thought about the importance of voting, and gives them a little insight into the work of an MEP.

Politicians need to further engage with groups like these, as these students are the future in terms of voters. Why are young people disengaged with politics? The first thing to do is to ask them, and I plan to continue to do this.

Nikki Sinclaire MEP makes a point of order

2012-03-07T12:07:00.000Z

I made a point of order during voting yesterday and got a very curt reply. Here is a video of the whole issue, watch it through to the end, it is quite interesting...

Womens Car Insurance

2012-03-07T09:45:00.000Z

Mail online today have published a story about womens car insurance premiums rising due to an EU ruling. Sorry to say but this is very old news and I have been highlighting this issue for a very long time.

Once again an issue where the EU is costing the British taxpayer futher money.

PRESS RELEASE: WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE PATRONISED BY QUOTAS

2012-03-07T09:00:00.010Z

PRESS RELEASE

WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE PATRONISED BY BUSINESS BOARD QUOTAS SAYS WEST MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 6^th March

The European commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship has this week announced a 3 month public consultation on the issue of the numbers of women on company boards. It is widely expected that this will lead to legislative action.

Viviane Reding has called previously for companies to take voluntary steps to increase numbers of women on the boards of their companies to 30% by 2015 and 40% by 2020. So far, there has been very little uptake of this and Ms Reding wants to take further action to ensure that this happens.

Currently 13.7% of the board members of the top European firms are women.

Nikki Sinclaire MEP, Independent MEP for the West Midlands is very vocal in her objection to such proposals which work on the basis of positive discrimination, something which she is very much against.

Nikki has spoken out on the week of International Women’s day (Thursday 8^th March) to slam planned legislation which will see quotas on numbers of women on company boards.

“How can it be right that women have to be patronised by quotas to be placed in these high positions, and even that men could miss out on a role that they have worked their whole lives for?

What the European Union fails to see is when you use positive discrimination in ideas such as these, that you always create victims.

Women are very much so capable to get into these important positions on company boards, and in the UK we have examples of very strong women in business who have got into their positions through merit alone”.

Nikki believes that it is other factors that should be focussed on in the debate on women and business, and the main one being childcare. Britain is ranked 15th in the world for female employment, whilst other European countries rank higher, including Denmark who are 5th in the world. The West Midlands MEP believes a different culture and attitude towards childcare is responsible for this greater female workforce,

“With a greater focus on affordable childcare for women, countries like Denmark manage to maintain an increased female workforce without the need for unnecessary quotas.

If anything, this proves that legislation should not be coming from the European Union at all. This is a member state issue which needs to be tackled by the UK government rather than faceless bureaucrats in Brussels”.

ENDS

Supporting an amendment in European Parliament

2012-03-06T14:53:00.001Z

It is very rare that I get involved with the European Parliament's legislative process, but I am pleased to lend my support to an amendment to a report by the British Lib Dem Andrew Duff. The amendment is being tabled by a number of MEPs, and reads

"Candidates for European elections must not have been convicted, by a judgment having the force of res judicata, of offenses for participation in a criminal organization, terrorism, corruption, money laundering from illegal activities and fraud."

One of the reasons I resigned from the EFD group was the presence there of political parties whose members had been implicated in, and indeed convicted of, criminal offences.

Birmingham City vs Chelsea FA Cup Replay

2012-03-06T10:17:00.000Z

Local team Birmingham City take on Chelsea tonight. The advertising board got a facelift a few weeks ago and will hopefully be seen live on ITV tonight in their FA Cup replay match against the London based Chelsea.

The advertising board is placed to the right hand side of the players tunnel so we are hoping it should get some airtime tonight. The team will be in tonight to take phonecalls on behalf of Campaign for a Referendum right up until the final whistle tonight.

Let us know if you spot the board tonight and tell your friends and family about Campaign for a Referendum.

Here is a mock up of tonights board:

I also wish Birmingham City luck against Chelsea tonight (even though I secretly think Liverpool will do the Cup double this year...!)

PRESS RELEASE: EUROPEAN COMMISSION UNABLE TO PAY ITS BILLS

2012-03-02T16:45:00.000Z

Press Release

European Commission Unable to Pay Its Bills

As the Eurozone crisis worsens, the EU has admitted that it is unable to pay its bills on time.

A passage in a report due to be debated in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on March 13th, reveals that "...while the Council refused in December 2011 to finance identified additional needs, some payment claims amounting to more than EUR 10 billion could not be honoured in late 2011, which is now impacting directly on available 2012 payments".

The report, authored by Italian MEP Giovanni La Via, deals with the budget for the European Commission in 2013. It calls for additional funding in order for the Commission to be able to honour its debts.

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire said "How on earth can the Commission be €10 billion short at the end of the year? How can they allow themselves to overspend by this amount? If this were a commercial enterprise it would be filing for bankruptcy now."

The report also reveals that the European Parliament's Budgets Committee is now extremely worried about the situation of payments in 2012.

ENDS

Press Release: FIRST LEAVE THE EU ADVICE CENTRE OPENS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

2012-03-01T15:52:00.001Z

FIRST LEAVE THE EU ADVICE CENTRE OPENS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Issue Date: 1^st March 2012

From Thursday 1^st March the West Midlands City of Birmingham will see the launch of the UK’s first “Leave the EU” advice centre.

The centre which is based on New John Street in Birmingham will have manned telephones to take phone calls, as well as offering face to face meetings. A Freephone number is clearly displayed on the buildings brand new signage – 0800 157 7916. The phone will be manned from Monday – Friday 9am until 5.30pm to take phone calls and queries. Those with further issues to discuss will also get the opportunity to book appointments with the centre to get face-to-face advice.

More importantly, the centre will help people reclaim the money paid to the EU, by helping them gain access to grants that they perhaps do not know about.

The centre will also become the home to the Campaign for a Referendum. Campaign for a Referendum was the pressure group that presented over 100,000 signatures to Parliament and caused a momentous debate on the European Union last October.

Membership to the European Union now costs the UK £50 million per day, and makes 75% of our laws. Campaign for a Referendum is running a petition to allow for the people to decide whether we continue in the UK or not. The debate which was sparked by this campaign back in October caused a huge backbench rebellion and propelled the topic into the spotlight.

The centre is being supported by Nikki Sinclaire, an Independent MEP for the West Midlands. She says the centre is vital to manage all the problems that people are having with the EU,

“EU legislation stifles small businesses and adds further problems in a time of financial austerity. The team are here to listen to problems and to give advice.”

“Often we are asked how the UK could actually withdraw from the EU, and they will be able to give advice on mechanisms for this to happen”.

“For those who are not aware how the EU affects every area of their lives, we are also acting as an educational tool to provide this information. We hope that we will be able to help groups to apply for EU grants which they have no knowledge of, effectively claiming back what is ours in the first place.

Ends

Abu Qatada, The Metro and the European Court of Human Rights

2012-03-01T14:13:00.000Z

I have had questions on my Facebook page asking why Abu Qatada was prevented from being deported back to Jordan by the European Court of Human Rights.

Rather than answering on my Facebook page, which isn't the best of mediums to deal with at times, I thought I'd point everyone at an article printed in the Metro yesterday which explains things quite concisely. An extract:

"So, why doesn’t Britain just ignore the ruling and expel Qatada? The reason is Britain played a central role in the creation of the Convention on Human Rights, which the court applies, and is keen to be seen as an advocate of human rights.

In other words, going against the European Court of Human Rights would be somewhat hypocritical, while making it harder for Britain to tell other nations what to do – and what not to do. ‘Getting governments to implement and respect rulings by the court is crucial if the system is to work effectively,’ said Benjamin Ward, of Human Rights Watch"

More on this story http://www.metro.co.uk/news/891664-why-britain-cant-deport-abu-qatada-back-to-jordan#ixzz1nlWcLuow

Understandably people are very angry about this issue, and the Daily Mail claims that the UK plans to try and claw back power from the European Court of Human Rights.

The only way to escape the rulings of the EU is to let the people of this country decide whether they want a continued role in this expensive members club. Campaign for a Referendum is continuing to push the government for an overdue referendum on whether we continue with our EU membership or whether we take the decision to leave. You can sign the Government E-Petition at the following link http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20911 . For further information on the Campaign and what you can do to help, please visit www.HaveYourSay.eu

Ireland says YES to a Referendum

2012-02-29T12:00:00.001Z

Yesterday the news broke that Ireland is to have a referendum on whether whether to accept the European fiscal treaty which tightens controls on member states' budgetary decisions.

Prime Minister Enda Kenny is confident that the Irish voters will vote yes to ratify the treaty, believing that the treaty is vital for Ireland's economic recovery and for the future job creation in the country.

I only hope that the people of Ireland are listened to, and if they do choose to vote against ratifying such a treaty, that they aren't subjected a second referendum as there were over the Lisbon treaty.

The announcement of this Referendum will ruffle feathers in the EU now, and I will be looking forward to this story developing.

I note from the front page of today's Irish Times that the country's political elite are already planting scare stories about what a terrible thing it will be if Ireland votes NO in the coming referendum.

The Irish leader, the Taoiseach, states that "...when the importance and merit are communicated to the Irish people they will endorse it emphatically by voting yes to continuing economic stability and recovery".

In fact, if they vote yes, the Irish people will be voting for an austerity package designed by the French and Germans. It is, of course, their decision, but let us hope that the debate will be open, honest, and with equal coverage given to both sides of the argument..

Further reading:

Sky News
Daily Express.

Flouridation

2012-02-28T15:06:00.001Z

As a member of the Petitions Committee, many issues get put before the committee. Fluoridation was a big issue in the petitions committee this morning.

Flouridation is the process of adding flouride to the water supply. The reasoning behind this is to prevent tooth decay. Information on the extent of water flouridation in the UK can be found here. There is also a map showing the levels of flouride across the country produced by DEFRA.

I opened the floor to my Facebook and Twitter followers to give their opinions on Flouridation. The views were overwhelmingly negative about the whole process,

At this moment of time I cannot state a strong opinion either way. What I would like to categorically state is that issue should not belong in the hands of the EU. This is an issue that should be dealt with by the UK Government.

What is even more important is that the Government then holds a review which spells out both sides of the argument so this can be debated openly and honestly. The views I've discovered today are very strong, and this is obviously a point that people do want brought back into the open. This is something that should be publically debated in the UK, not hidden away in a committee in the EU.

Statement from Nikki Sinclaire MEP

2012-02-23T11:40:00.002Z

Nikki Sinclaire attended the police station voluntarily yesterday and has co-operated with the police.

Nikki Sinclaire MEP disputes all allegations put towards her or her staff. Nikki Sinclaire MEP and her office will continue to fully co-operate with the police on this matter.

The allegations at hand are old allegations from a disgruntled ex-employee who himself is under investigation and whose motives are entirely political to pursue his advancement in UKIP.

Due to the on-going police investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. This is particularly frustrating to Ms Sinclaire who is eager to clear her name and has nothing to hide.

WEST MIDLANDS MEP CALLS FOR TRAVELLER APPEAL TO BE REJECTED

2012-02-21T17:02:00.001Z

PRESS RELEASE

WEST MIDLANDS MEP CALLS FOR TRAVELLER APPEAL TO BE REJECTED

Issue Date: 21st February 2012

A West Midlands MEP who has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Meriden residents will now call for the judge to reject the travellers appeal.

The gypsies, who have settled on the Eaves Green Lane site, will be at Birmingham Civil Justice Centre this morning to challenge the decision taken by the Right Honourable Eric Pickles MP to oust them from their Meriden base. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government agreed with the local council’s decision to deny the travelers retrospective planning permission for the Meriden site on 25^th October 2011.

Nikki Sinclaire, Independent MEP for the West Midlands, will be using her own advertising vehicle to send a clear message about the appeal this morning with the van being present around the Bull street area all day.

The travellers arrived at the site on a bank holiday weekend – a common process which means Council offices are closed, and once Council officials have returned to the sit, it is usually complete. This then leads to thousands of pounds needing to be spent on mounting legal challenges to move these people off the land.

The large ad clearly sends a message to the judge, “DISMISS THE APPEAL. PROTECT OUR GREENBELT” and Nikki hopes that the judge will have strong words to say about this flagrant abuse of the law

“Appeals such as these are unnecessary abuses to the system and are at a huge cost to the law abiding tax payer”

“Any decision about the Eaves Green Lane site needs to be strongly upheld. Any further planning applications at the unlawful and adjoining site need to be rejected outright. To continue further applications at this site and the site next door - where there are already provocative signs erected giving notice of future development attempts - would be to fail the people of Meriden as well as the travellers”

“We cannot ignore the rights of those residents who have camped 24/7 for over 700 days to protect the Greenbelt land. This is about for equal rights for both the traveller and settled community”.

“I am urging the judge to uphold the decision so we can move forward and bring this sorry tale to an end”.

Tomorrow’s case, entitled Noah Burton v Eric Pickles, will begin at 10.30am.

ENDS

STOP PRESS

Comment from Nikki Sinclaire MEP:

"I am incredibly disappointed that the appeal has been adjourned. The residents that have camped for over 700 days and nights to protect the Greenbelt land deserve to have the matter settled sooner rather than later. This will add to the cost on the public purse. Everybody has the right to a fair hearing and I am mindful of this, and they should also have time to prepare their case. However, it is hard to understand the reasoning and late request for the matter to be adjourned. I will now call upon the government to shorten procedure in cases such of these to save on the cost to the tax payers and to prevent any potential misuse"

Campaign for a Referendum in the Sunday press

2012-02-20T14:44:00.000Z

Bell wants to ring changes

Talking of Coventry, their right-winger (appropriately enough) David Bell surely has one of the most unusual kit sponsors anywhere; not the usual small local business or enthusiastic fan but the Campaign For A Referendum On Our Membership Of The European Union.

Where Bell is in agreement with the Prime Minister, who has so far resisted one, is in declaring as he did in last Tuesday's match programme "we're all in it together" – a reference not to the country's economic plight but to City's relegation struggle.

One Sky Blue fan's rather extreme reaction to worries about dropping down to League One for the first time in almost 50 years was to head for the South Pole. Mark Wood, 45, has just become only the eighth person to make it on his own, which took him 50 days in temperatures as low as -27C. He now plans to become the first to complete a solo double by trekking to the North Pole as well.

Taken from http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/outside-the-box-in-scotland-its-a-game-of-two-sides-and-now-celtic-can-profit-7177900.html

Meeting at Solihull Council

2012-02-17T09:12:00.003Z

I was in attendance at a meeting in Solihull council discussing potential traveller sites suitability in the borough. I also got the chance to air my views on this issue.

Further information can be found on the Solihull News website here

The speech that I gave to the council:

THank you. Due to the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty the EU in its own right has become a signatory to the ECHR whose duristiction all public bodies including this council, are obliged by the convention and its jurisprudence. Hence this is a constituency matter for me and I have arrived from Strasbourg to give you my thoughts on this matter

There has been much focus on the Human Rights and Humanitarian needs of the travellers - work permitted by the Council even after the unlawful bank holiday development to accommodate need and no doubt further considerations later on when the site closes. But where is the Councils consideration of the HR and needs of the settled community? Simply contesting the planning case is not enough. The Council can go further to inject a new sense of balance

I am pleased to see that the report has agreed with my long standing view and call that the Eaves Green Lane site is unsuitable

The Council can show its appreciation of the HR of the settled community by

(a) Asserting its position strongly in the case of Eaves Green Lane (EGL) by not allowing further planning applications at the unlawful and adjoining site - which will cause tension, stress and trauma to those villagers who have already sat for nearly 700 days in all weathers to achieve their planning and legal victories so far. To continue further applications at this site and the site next door - where there are already provocative signs erected giving notice of future development attempts would be to fail the people of Meriden as well as the travellers

(b) Remove the School Rd Hockley Heath site from consideration - it is green belt and has many of the same characteristics of the EGL site which has been found to be wanting by everyone who has passed decision on it. You will hear eloquent arguments from others as to its unsuitability. By ruling this out immediately you can remove the burden of blight

(c) Reject 'wish list' research that may emerge - regarding your G&T needs assessment regarding alleged G&T need in the Borough. We need to get to understand the REAL needs of real people - not the greed of developers who want to exploit our green belt. Such research can be guilty of simply taking expression of aspiration as verifiable need - if this happens then the Authority quickly finds itself the victim of unrealistic targets which in turn fuel unauthorised developments by savvy developers who seek to exploit this alleged unmet need

(d) Commit to an evolutionary growth strategy aimed at facilitating family growth at tolerated sites - THIS is a humanitarian approach

(e) Use a greater level of imagination in the search for suitable sites - proactively TARGET sites for discussion - engage with communities - look at sites on our boundaries and borders and beyond which should be brownfield and not greenbelt. The new Government has introduced a duty to co-operate in the Localism Act - use it. Do NOT use the blunt instrument of 'call for sites' - which can often be used for the wrong reason i.e. to stimulate the sale of land rather be anything to do with addressing G&T need. The process itself causes blight, uncertainty and stress - as does the prospect of a new development - of unknown size - at a - usually - unsuitable location in the community

Strike a blow for equality tonight. These things serve EQUALLY the human rights of the settled and travelling community alike

Discussing human rights violations in Cyprus

2012-02-16T11:45:00.000Z

Mr President, amongst the items on the agenda at the forthcoming UN Human Rights

Council will be Cyprus. I would like to concentrate on human rights issues in Northern Cyprus and their place in negotiations for Turkey’s accession to the European Union. In Northern Cyprus itself, there have been reports of violations of the human rights and freedom from discrimination of minorities, torture, and violations of freedom of movement, religion and speech.

In 1974, during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the city of Famagusta was overrun by armour, and the civilian population – fearing massacre – was forced to evacuate, leaving behind everything they could not carry. Only Turks were allowed to remain, and the Varosha section of the city remains isolated and unpopulated to this day. This is in contradiction with UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789.

Technically, this border dispute does call into question the legitimacy of the Cypriot accession to the European Union. A 112-mile long ‘green line’ still divides the island. 1 588 Greek Cypriots are still on the missing persons list following the Turkish invasion, but still the EU – with the exception of one or two Member States – pushes for Turkey’s accession. By discussing Turkey’s accession whilst unresolved border issues and questions of human rights in Northern Cyprus remain, the EU is undermining the integrity of the United Nations. You are overlooking appalling human rights abuses, and you are making a mockery of the integrity of your own position on human rights.

Regarding Turkey’s statement that they would freeze EU ties when Cyprus takes over the EU Presidency, I would ask the High Representative: why is the EU negotiating membership with a country that is acting in such a bullying manner? Although, on second thoughts, the High Representative might agree that such a country would fit perfectly into the European Union.

Voicing my disgust at the discussion of the 2013 EU budget - Stop wasting tax payers money

2012-02-16T11:10:00.000Z

Mr President, I would like to give my thanks and congratulations to Mr Vaughan for this report as well as my commendation to him for becoming the King Canute of the 21st century, although King Canute would have had a much easier task in stemming the sea than the task of stemming the tide of EU expenditure.

In the middle of an economic and financial crisis and ongoing national budget and consolidation efforts the EU just does not want to see sense. It does not want to actually reverse expenditure but wants a freeze on inflation, which is probably still an increase. What we actually need is to withdraw expenditure and save taxpayers' money.

It needs to be by independent assessment. You have the daily allowances of EUR 304 and there will be a significant number of MEPs -- and some MEPs I see in this place right now -- who sign in on a Friday in Strasbourg when there is no official business, stealing taxpayers' money. That should stop. Office allowances are only required to be 50% receipted. That should be 90% receipted and they should be independently audited, as mine is independently audited. If that money is not properly spent it should be returned. The House of History is a colossal waste of taxpayers' money that should be stopped. End this extravagance and return taxpayers' money.

Further reading:
Text with information about last nights debate http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2012-0030&language=EN

Nikki supporting the right for greater access to Brail Texts

2012-02-16T10:40:00.000Z

I spoke last night in a debate titled, "Blind Person's access to Books"

The debate focussed around the following:

In order to confront the problem of access for blind and print disabled persons to books and other printed products, the World Blind Union and the European Blind Union have proposed an internationally binding treaty at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to establish a targeted exception to copyright. The Commission and Council, on the other hand, are proposing stakeholder agreements in the EU and a voluntary recommendation at WIPO. The European blind community deems both to be wholly insufficient.

Here is my response:

Mr President, I am pleased to support any initiative that empowers and enables physically-disadvantaged people, in this case the blind and partially sighted.

The EU has been, in my opinion, insensitive to the needs of millions of blind and partially-sighted people. All Member States and relevant institutions should make the strongest possible representations to the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva in June for a full, binding treaty. This is the best way to ensure the fundamental right to read that is currently denied to far too many – apparently 300 million worldwide.

Put an end to this famine.

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Flag matters

2012-02-15T10:20:00.000Z

Just before Christmas, my office in Brussels raised the matter of the Union Flag being flown upside-down with the parliament authorities.

Action was taken, albeit after a week, and an explaination and an apology would have been nice.

Yesterday the matter was raised again, this time in Strasbourg, where again our flag was once again upside down.

Of course, this does actually have significance: by flying the Union flag upside down, the parliament is in fact indicating to passing shipping that it is in distress.

Given that it is a landocked institution, this might be seen as clutching at straws, but since all else has failed in the EU's attempts to rescue the Eurozone from disaster, perhaps the last hope is that a passing tugboat might tow the EU to safety!

Continuing my role in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

2012-02-14T15:36:00.000Z

Before making the journey to Strasbourg, I have attended a session at Shrivenham as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).

The scheme allows politicians to explore some of the issues that the armed forces are facing and to gain a greater understanding of what is undertaken by them in their work.

Here I am at Shrivenham yesterday:

The Strasbourg Circus

2012-02-14T09:56:00.000Z

As few of you might know, MEPs and the European Parliament are all on the move during this early part of the week, as this week is a Strasbourg week.

The Parliament meets in Strasbourg for 12 sessions a year, and the building is unused for an estimated 307 days per year.

The travelling circus involves many trucks transporting goods from the MEPs offices in Brussels over to Strasbourg, and then back again once the week is over. Assistants and other workers from the Parliament all relocate at a massive cost.

It seems ironic that in a news week which is dominated by the EU telling Greece to cut costs, that they can justify the cost of moving the Parliament from Brussels to Strasbourg for one week a month.

In this article taken from EUObserver in 2008, it was estimated that the travelling circus costs around €200 million per year, and has a big environmental impact with all the extra travel involved.

Further reading

The Contradiction of the EU's Strasbourg sessions
Strasbourg Carbon Cost Condemned

Greek Riots 13/02/2012

2012-02-13T14:34:00.000Z

Another month, another Greek bailout package

Across the news media today are images of riots in Greece following its Governments decision to implement further cuts upon the Greek people.

The riots pictured in todays Metro newspaper

The EU are obviously very keen for Greece to force these austerity measures through, as it will prevent Greek leaving the Euro for the time being – with the feeling being that if Greece fall out of the Eurozone, it would simply be the beginning of a domino effect that brings down other countries.

The riots simply reflect the Greek peoples anguish. Suicide rate has increased since the start of the country’s economic crisis (credit Guardian). According to Daniel Knowles of The Telegraph," Youth unemployment is close to 50 per cent. People, as well as money, are emigrating in large numbers. Schools have no paper, hospitals are running low on medicine and homelessness – once unseen on the streets of Athens – is now apparently rife.

Indeed, Greece should never have been allowed to join the Euro. The idea that a country such as Germany could share a currency with a country like Greece, which has an entirely different infrastructure, is simply preposterous. Indeed, it is easy for Sarcozy to admit this fact himself (BBC News online, 28^th October 2011) but this is now pointless. With simple a little foresight, this whole mess could have been prevented.

The real crisis now is on the streets in Greece, not in the hallways of Brussels. By taking a gamble by allowing Greece to join the Euro in the first place, we are now facing years of personal hardship of its citizens. Is the Euro worth losing lives over?

I have said for many years that the European Union is a political project which is doomed to fail. The situation with Greece has been rumbling on for a number of months, and I have spoken on BBC Radio Wales about their financial troubles.

"They built a house without any proper foundations. It is a political project, not a financial project"

Here is a news piece from the BBC back in 2001 shortly after it was announced that Greece would be abandoning the Drachma in favour of the single currency. Note the section, "
But the president of the European Central Bank, Wim Duisenberg, warned that Greece still had a lot of work to do to improve its economy and bring inflation under control."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1095783.stm

Three words: Doomed.to.fail.

Further reading:
Athens Protests: Lawmakers endorse austerity measures
Riots as Greece attempts to keep Euro
Brussels welcomes austerity vote

WEST MIDLANDS MEP HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EUROPE-WIDE CRIME REGISTER

2012-02-10T16:12:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE

WEST MIDLANDS MEP HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EUROPE-WIDE CRIME REGISTER

Issue Date: 10^th February

A West Midlands MEP has taken steps to alert people to a potential loophole which puts her constituents at risk.

Nikki Sinclaire has written to both Ken Clarke and the European Commission to ask why loopholes exist that allows serious offenders to roam unknown in our society.

The East Anglia Daily Telegraph published a story detailing how a man who was convicted of rape in Germany in 2006 managed to live in Surrey without notifying police of his record. Jouzas Kancauskas, who is a Lithuanian national, was later arrested for a less serious offence, and this is when his history came to light.

Neither Kancauskas nor the German authorities were obliged to declare the conviction, and Nikki Sinclaire feels this is a serious loophole which could be abused in her own constituency of the West Midlands, allowing for people with serious convictions in their history to live unmonitored and unknown to the local police.

Nikki said, “This is a highly serious issue. Whilst the UK has a register for sex crimes, other European Countries do not. It is a further example why the European Union just doesn’t work – it is the responsibility of government to protect its citizens, this government is failing to put in place suitable measures to do so. The UK should have tighter control of who comes into our country including EU citizens”.

“I will continue to highlight issues such as these which endanger the safety of the very people I represent. “

Debate at Hereford College part 2

2012-02-10T09:27:00.000Z

Just a few photos from my visit to Hereford College to take part in a debate on the UK's continued membership of the European Union.

With pupils from the college

A very well attended event!

I had a great time doing the debate and hope to do more of these sessions with pupils at other local colleges very soon. I've already received feedback on twitter from students that enjoyed the event, and I hope the debate gave them food for thought. These are the next generation of voters, and its great that they are willing to engage about issues such as the European Union.

Continuing to highlight unfair car insurance caused by the EU

2012-02-09T14:43:00.001Z

I am continuing to highlight how the European Union will affect all car drivers with its ruling that insurers can not give cheaper car insurance based upon gender. This could mean premiums for some drivers could increase by a whopping 30%.

By sending letters to the press, I am trying to keep this issue in the spotlight, as I feel it is a fantastic example of how the European Union causes disruption normal people.

This is my latest letter to the media:

Dear Sir,

The UK insurance sector is one that is consistently growing against a backdrop of economic difficulty. Indeed, the financial sector dominates the City of London, and brings employment and wealth to the country as a whole.

The insurance sector is now under threat.

The EU wants to bring in legislation that will determine which factors can be taken into account when determining insurance premiums. Gender, age, and disability are amongst those factors used by actuaries to determine premiums. From December 21st 2012, following a ruling from the European Court of Justice, they will no longer be able to do this.

UK industry is reeling under the weight of red-tape and over regulation from Brussels. Despite making occasional mumblings of discontent, Her Majesty's Government does nothing to stem this flow, and now a great many of us will see our insurance premiums rise despite the wishes of the insurer themselves.

As a British Member of the European Parliament I constantly vote against such damaging interference. Sadly, even amongst my fellow Britons, I am in a minority.

Last year I took the chance to talk about this issue on international women's day, slamming the EU on creating legislation that makes women's lives more difficult.

I have also spoken about this issue during the women's committee

My previous posts on this issue:

HUMAN RIGHTS FOR DRUNK DRIVERS NEXT, ASKS MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE?
My anti positive discrimination message hits Spain

Supporting Animal Welfare - 8 hour limit for journeys to slaughter

2012-02-09T10:31:00.000Z

Next week in Strasbourg there will be voting on declaration (Written Declaration 0049/2011) that I think is very important.

Written Declaration 0049/2011 refers to the fact that under current EU rules, although it is acknowledged that long journeys for slaughter should be limited, there is not a time limit of how long these journeys can be.

The declaration seeks to put in place an 8 hour time limit for such journeys.

I am a long term supporter of animal rights, and have tabled my own declarations on issues such as egg production. I am happy to support this issue and urge people to get in contact with their local MEP's to vote accordingly too.

In fact, I believe that we should go further and ban all unnecessary transportation. Animals should be slaughtered within a reasonable distance of their rearing and not transported across the continent to satisfy French consumers!

From the RSPCA Website:

Campaign against live transportation

Millions of animals including calves, sheep, horses and dogs are transported long distances every year throught Europe. Animals are often so tightly packed they can not even turn around easily or lie down comfortably and can be exposed to sweltering temperatures up to 35 degrees. Some animals even die in transit.

When the animals' journey comes to an end, their suffering may be far from over, many of the calves and sheep transported from the port of Ramsgate to the Continent are likley to be reared in conditions that would be illegal in England and Wales.

What can I do to help?

Unfortunatley, a recent European Commission report (November 2011) has proposed no changes to the current rules around live transport. However, a 'Written Declaration' has been tabled in the EU which calls for the 'establishment of a maximum 8 hour journey limit'.

Take action and e-mail your MEP asking them to sign Written Declaration 0049/2011 which calls for the establishment of a maximum 8 hour journey time.

Further information on Europarl

The FSB Annual Dinner 2012

2012-02-08T15:30:00.000Z

I was very glad to attend the Federation of Small Business Annual Dinner last night. Also in attendance was the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

Sadly, Mr Osborne is choosing to ignore the big blue elephant in the room.

Whilst George Osborne promised a moratorium for domestic regulations, he conveniently forgot to mention the regulation derived from the EU that is so crippling small businesses. I am calling for an immediate moratorium of EU regulation in order to boost small and medium enterprises and create jobs.

I would also like to criticise his refusal to extend the national insurance holiday to all small firms taking on extra workers, and he won't recognise that raising taxes and cutting spending too far and too fast has choked our recovery - pushing up unemployment and leading to borrowing £158 million more than planned.

Further reading:

Labour is against Businesses claims George Osborne
FSB chair calls for "ambitious" growth agenda
Osborne takes on business critics

For further information on the FSB please go to http://www.fsb.org.uk/

Debating at Hereford Sixth form College- 9th February

2012-02-08T11:04:00.002Z

I'm currently having a very busy week, but I'm very glad that my schedule tomorrow includes an invitation to take part in a debate at Hereford Sixth Form College.

The motion for the debate is the following, "This House believes that it is time for the UK to withdraw from the EU".

My opposition speaker for the day will be Christine Tinker, who is representing the European Movement. She also stood for the Liberal Democrats in Stone at the last General Election.The European Movement, for anybody who doesn't know, is a pro-European Campaigning organisation.

Taken from their website:

"The European Movement is Britain's pro-European campaigning organisation. It argues that the European Union should become more democratic, effective and accountable, and that Britain should play a full role in reforming and developing the EU.

The European Movement has a range of activities, including the following:

Education information for schools and universities

Media briefings for journalists, to correct mistakes and counter anti-European bias

Politics we challenge Britain's political leaders to put the pro-European case

Business information for companies about the benefits and opportunities of Europe

Local branches European Movement groups are active throughout the UK

Conferences events for members for debate and discussion

Publications the latest thinking and argument about Europe, in print and online

Young European Movement an independent youth and student campaign with activities throughout Europe

European Movement International an international pro-European network, active in more than 40 countries

The European Movement is funded entirely by membership subscriptions and private donations. It receives no money from the British Government, from political parties, or from the European Union or any of its institutions (the Council, the Commission, or the European Parliament)."

Escaping from the office and interacting with my constituents is one of the best things about this job, if not the best.

I have previously taken part in debates, and particularly enjoy visiting schools and colleges, helping to inform students about the European Union and shape opinions on the matter in hand.

On Daybreak 3rd February 2012

2012-02-07T11:39:00.000Z

I had an incredibly early start Friday morning when I appeared on ITV's Daybreak show in support of those at the Meriden RAID protest site.

For further information on the Meriden RAID group please click here

Leaving the European Union - a new video

2012-02-07T10:08:00.000Z

My good friend Trevor Colman MEP has produced a fantastic video, entitled "Time to Leave the EU" for his website www.Th-Eu-Nit.com.

The 18 minute film is the ideal tool to educate friends and family of the true horrors of the EU.

Against the background of a deepening crisis in the Eurozone and the fact that Britain is required to hand over increasingly larger sums of bail-out money, South West UKIP MEP Trevor Colman has produced a film which shows that Britain does not need to be involved in this political nightmare at all.

The film which is based on the recently published book, "Time to Say No", has aroused interest among those in the Houses of Parliment. It was launched online last week.

Written by the respected researcher Ian Milne and published by Civitas, the book de-bunks many of the myths surrounding the need for British Membership of the European Union and describes how easy and beneficial it would be for Britain to withdraw. The film is the ideal tool to teach friends and family how we can really leave.

Trevor said,

"Much of what is in the film has either been hiden or never publically discussed, that is why in addition to the internet launch, I am also launching a dvd version for free distribution to thee public. The infomation in that film is that important, especially now"

Meriden RAID response

2012-02-02T11:36:00.000Z

I am saddened, shocked and angered by the actions taken by Solihull Council last night in choosing to evict the Meriden RAID protestors.

For over 600 days residents have been united in their vigil to observe the traveller site to ensure no further inappropriate development continued on the Green Belt land. I have joined them around the fire and over time they’ve gone from my constituents to my friends.

The West Midlands is made up of a 5^th of Greenbelt land and it is only right that people protect this. Human rights and the circular of 2006, created by New Labour and John Prescott, has given rise to special rights for travellers to develop on Greenbelt land, something that means they are given rights above those of a normal citizen.

These special rights have brought misery to the lives of the residents in the area. The RAID group stated that they were going to continue their observations until Solihull council enforced the traveller site eviction and this is only right. If Solihull council fail to take control of the situation, we could be looking at Dale Farm mark two. It is now only a month until the issue goes back to high court, with the council seeking permission for the traveller site eviction. One can only hope that this will be the beginning of the end for the nightmare that has fallen on Meriden residents.

As the RAID group have said to the press,

“The council have voted to evict the residents on the 31^st March. These are the same residents who have alerted the council to the on-going breaches of an injunction and have provided evidence for the council to use in the public enquiries”.

Although the residents will have to remove the wood burner and shelter from the site, they will continue their constant observation. I will continue to stand alongside them. The fight for the rights of the people of Meriden continues.

PRESS RELEASE

OUTRAGE OF MEP AS SOLIHULL COUNCIL ATTEMPTS TO EVICT MERIDEN PROTESTORS

Issue Date: 2nd February 2012

An Independent West Midlands MEP has slammed Solihull Council’s decision to evict Meriden RAID protestors.

Nikki Sinclaire has worked closely alongside local Meriden residents who set up protest camp at the Eaves Lane site. The RAID group, who were set up as an opposition to the unwanted development of Green Belt land by the traveller’s site, have been joined by the local MEP on long and cold nights, and Nikki has vowed to continue to protest with them.

Following the news that Eric Pickles had dismissed the appeal for the travellers to stay on the land, both permanently and temporarily, the RAID group vowed to continue their protest until they saw the council take action to reclaim the land. In a twist of fate, it may now be the protestors that are evicted long before the travellers.

Nikki said of the latest developments,

“In the West Midlands, 20% of the area is classed as Greenbelt land. However, due to both the EU’s human rights culture and the UK government, travellers now have special rights. Everybody should have equal rights and have the right not to see the sanctity of their local environment ridden roughshod over as the result of this.

“This is Middle England standing up for itself, only to be slammed by Solihull Council. The people involved in the RAID protest camp have restored my faith in grass root politics and activism. When ordinary people speak, then politicians should listen.

“Over the time I have spent with this group, I have come to regard them as friends. I will continue the fight alongside them – they have not come this far for nothing”.

ENDS

Nikki Sinclaire signs off accounts - again

2012-02-01T16:54:00.002Z

PRESS RELEASE

WEST MIDLANDS MEP SIGNS OFF ACCOUNTS - ONCE AGAIN!

Issue Date: 1^st February 2012

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire has this week had her accounts successfully audited for the third year.

This is embarrassing for the Parliament she sits in, as the European Union has failed to get their accounts audited for 17 years.

The Independent MEP made her promise at the time when she took her role that she would be completely transparent when it came to her finances, and she proved this when she was the first MEP to get their accounts scrutinised by auditors. Nikki has also encouraged other MEPs to get their finances to be scrutinised in such a way.

Nikki said, “In times of financial austerity, it is important that the electorate know where their money is spent. Transparency is my number one aim. With the European Union being unable to audit its accounts for the past 17 years, it is no wonder that the majority of this country questions our membership”.

In fact for the year (1^st January – 31^st December 2011), Nikki subsidised her general expenditure to the tune of £41927.47, which has helped fund her work in the West Midlands region.

Nikki’s General expenditure allowance (as specified in Article 28 of the EU regulations)

Office management and running costs in particular heating and running costs (heating, lighting, insurance and cleaning)	£23,152.73
The cost of purchasing or renting office equipment	£966.12
Telephone, including mobile phone and postal charges	£29,409.02
The cost of office supplies and stationery	£3196.77
The cost of purchasing books, periodicals and newspapers	£290.73
The cost of using public data consultation networks	£35
The expenses involved in equipping Members with communications equipment and maintaining that equipment, for example the purchase or rental of a telephone, a fax machine, a computer, a modem or communications card, a printer, other IT equipment, computer peripherals and software packages:	£3,318.42
The cost of a subscription to the Internet and to databases:	£545.15
Representation activities:	£22,176.86
Hotel bills and other related expenses incurred in travelling in a Member’s Member State of election:	£3,887.07

· Total General Expenditure: £86,977.87

· Nikki’s subsidies to General Expenditure: £41927.47

· Total General Expenditure Allowance received from

· the EU: £45,050.40

· This payment is received by every UK MEP from the EU regardless of their expenditure for this period.

It is not the first time that Ms. Sinclaire has supplemented her general expenditure to fund her work in the West Midlands, with a contribution in 2009 and 2010 of £10,453.00 and £26,512.00 respectively.

Nikki was presented with her audit certificate this week. This can be viewed online at http://yourmep.org/transparency-accounts-2011.html

ENDS

Blogging for Total Politics

2012-02-01T11:36:00.000Z

I've been published on the Total Politics blog about the continued Campaign for a Referendum on Britain's continued membership of the European Union.

An extract,

"No government dependent on a democratic vote could possibly agree in advance to the sacrifices which any adequate plan for European Union must involve. The people must be led slowly and unconsciously into the abandonment of their traditional economic defences, not asked…'

So wrote Peter Thorneycroft, Edward Heath’s Tory colleague and friend.

French PM Raymond Barre was still more explicit in his contempt. “I have never understood why public opinion about European ideas should be taken into account at all,” he said.

Such autocracy in the face of democratic will has characterised the European project from the outset. The Commission, from which 75% of our laws emanate, is unelected. The Parliament is an impotent charade.

In 1975, our parents were asked if they fancied being members of a common market. We have never been asked whether we wanted to surrender the power of the people in Parliament, the supremacy of our own Courts or a huge proportion of our GDP and natural resources.

It is a tenet of natural law that there can be no constitutional change without plebiscite. Our constitution has been bulldozed without permission."

The full blog can be found on the Total Politics blog here

Supporting the British Egg Industry Council

2012-02-01T10:19:00.000Z

I get many interesting issues presented to me in the form of letters that my office receive every day. One such letter today was from the British Egg Industry Council.

An extract from the letter says,

"Since the beginning of 2012 coventional battery cages of egg production have been banned in the EU.

British Lion egg producers have spent some £400 million to meet this deadline, and are no producing eggs from higher welfare colony cages or non-cage systems.

However, they are being put under pressure frm eggs still bein produced in barren bttery cages in some oher cuntries in the EU. Despite having had more than 12 years to prepare, more than 50 million laying hens, nearly a quarter of EU cage egg production, are still in barren battery cages in 2012. This is more than 40 million eggs per day.

If you look for the Lion mark you can be sure that the eggs and egg products you use are legally compliant"

The letter has also asked that I sign a pledge on http://www.legaleggs.com/ to support a petition which then supports British farmers.

I have been well aware of this issue since 2010, and myself and Mike Nattrass submitted a written declaration on the issue stating,

0087/2010
Written declaration on the marketing of eggs from hens housed in outlawed cages
The European Parliament,
–    having regard to Council Directive 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens,
–    having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas it is concerned that a number of Member States will fail to implement Council Directive 1999/74/EC by the required date,
B.   whereas it is concerned that cheap eggs and egg products from producers in Member States using outlawed cages will be marketed after 1 January 2012, adversely impacting upon producers using the more capital‑intensive welfare-friendly cages,
C. whereas it is concerned that this illegal price advantage will undermine advances in the field of animal welfare,
D. whereas it is concerned that, unless the law is enforced, producers complying with the EU regulations will be forced out of business, owing to the increased overheads incurred in complying with this legislation,
1.   Calls on the Commission to strictly monitor that the Directive is fully implemented by 1 January 2012 to avoid any distortion of the market owing to unlawful competition by producers profiting from price dumping arising from the lack of application of the above- mentioned rules on animal welfare. For the same reasons, calls on the Commission to act without delay against Member States who are not ensuring compliance of their production with the provisions of Directive 1999/74/EC within the deadline imposed by the directive;

2.   Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.

My website also has a dedicated section about my thoughts on non-compliance of EU regulation when it comes to this kind of egg production and how it will impact on British farmers. If you have not already seen this, the link is here

I will continue my stance on this issue and will discuss it in Parliament where I can. I am happy to declare my support to the British Egg Industry Council.

European Union directives on Buy To Let Mortgages

2012-01-30T14:52:00.004Z

In March, the European Parliament will debate a Commission proposal for a directive that will add more EU regulation to the financial services sector.

The Capital Requirements Directive (CRD4), if passed into law, ‘buy to let’ mortgage applicants will not have their future rental income taken into account when their application is assessed.

A working paper of CRD4 was published in July of last year, and can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/bank/docs/regcapital/CRD4_reform/IA_directive_en.pdf

The introduction on the paper explains the proposal,

“1. INTRODUCTION

The "CRD IV" package is a comprehensive review of EU banking prudential rules and

supervisory arrangements, currently provided for in Directives 2006/48/EC1 (the Capital

Requirements Directive) and 2006/49/EC2. It implements the international Basel accord

on banking supervision. The key objective of the proposal is to address the shortcomings

exposed during the financial crisis, to move towards a single rulebook regulating credit

institutions in order to prevent recent problems from reoccurring in the future, and to

ensure that risks linked to the issues of financial instability and pro-cyclicality are more

effectively contained.”

Further information on the report can be found on http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0142:FIN:EN:PDF

An extract of this:

"(24) An assessment of creditworthiness should take into consideration all necessary factors that could influence a consumer's ability to repay over the lifetime of the loan including, but not limited to, the consumer's income, regular expenditures, credit score, past credit history, ability to handle interest rate adjustments, and other existing credit commitments. Additional provisions may be necessary to further elaborate on the different elements that may be taken into consideration in a creditworthiness assessment. Member States may issue guidance on the method and criteria to assess a consumer's creditworthiness, for example by setting limits on loan-to-value or loan-to-income ratios. " p. 19

Please see even, Chapter 5 Creditworthiness assessment, p. 34-36

Article 14 Obligation to assess the creditworthiness of the consumer

"1. Member States shall ensure that, before the conclusion of the credit agreement, a thorough assessment of the consumer's creditworthiness is conducted by the creditor, based on criteria including the consumer's income, savings, debts and other financial commitments. That assessment shall be carried out on the basis of the necessary information, obtained by the creditor or, where applicable, credit intermediary from the consumer and from relevant internal or external sources and shall respect the requirements with regard to necessity and proportionality set out in Article 6 of Directive 95/46/EC. Member States shall ensure that creditors establish appropriate processes to assess the creditworthiness of the consumer. These processes shall be reviewed at regular intervals and up-to-date records of those processes shall be maintained."

"4. Further to assessing a consumer's creditworthiness, Member States shall ensure that creditors and credit intermediaries obtain the necessary information regarding the consumer's personal and financial situation, his preferences and objectives and consider a sufficiently large number of credit agreements from their product range in order to identify products that are not unsuitable for the consumer given his needs, financial situation and personal circumstances. Such considerations shall be based on information that is up to date at that moment in time and on reasonable assumptions as to the consumer's situation over the term of the proposed credit agreement.

5. Powers are delegated to the Commission in accordance with Article 26 and subject to the conditions of Articles 27 and 28, to specify and amend the criteria to be considered in the conduct of a creditworthiness assessment as laid down in paragraph 1 of this Article and in ensuring that credit products are not unsuitable for the consumer as laid down in paragraph 4 of this Article."

Article 15 Disclosure obligation on the part of the consumer

"1. Member States shall ensure that consumers provide creditors and, where applicable, credit intermediaries with complete and correct information on their financial situation and personal circumstances in the context of the credit application process. That information should be supported, when necessary, by documentary evidence from independently verifiable sources."

This will make it very difficult for those wishing to enter this particular market, as the private rented sector is largely dependent on mortgage finance to fund the purchase and improvement of properties. However, it will not really affect big business, which seems to have increasing influence over the legislative process.

In the UK, this will also affect the social housing sector, as since the selloff of council housing private rentals funded through housing benefit fill that requirement.

The Residential Landlords Association is lobbying HMG to challenge this directive, and they have blogged about it on their site at the following link: http://news.rla.org.uk/index.php/archives/1151. I will certainly oppose it.

More information about CRD4 can be found on the commission website at:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/bank/regcapital/index_en.htm

Further information:

http://news.rla.org.uk/ Residential Landlords Association News Page

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22767 E-Petition about this subject

PRESS RELEASE

A Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands region has this week lambasted EU proposals which would bring Britain’s buy to let mortgage market into line with Continental practice. Leading mortgage brokers and estate agents have all agreed that the buy-to-let (BTL) sector needs EU intervention like a fish needs a bicycle – but fear that is what it is going to get, whether landlords and tenants want it or not. The issue for lenders is the UK is the only European country that has a thriving buy to let market. In other countries, property investment is carried out by companies or trusts rather than individuals.It is thought that if implemented the EU regulation could inflict huge damage to the private rental sector.

Hitting out Nikki Sinclaire MEP said ‘’Some 1.4m landlords with buy-to-let loans are set to be affected by the proposed changes, and some might find they no longer qualify for a remortgage in as little as two years’ time, It is outrageous that the EU should try to dictate to lenders and borrowers the basis on which loans should be offered’’ “This unwarranted assault on the buy-to-let market will inevitably result in less affordable rental housing. It will also put the lives of 1.5million British investors and their tenants into turmoil.”

Potentially the new rules which would dry up funds would force hundreds of thousands of people to sell up. The glut of homes on the market would then see supply outstrip demand, possibly causing prices to crash. Leaving those who have purchased during the past few short years being pushed into negative equity. The buy-to-let sector which is worth several billion pounds has recently reached its busiest levels since 2008 thanks to strong tenant demand.

The private rental sector is increasingly important to the economy, increasing by almost a million homes in just five years. But the EU plans could put fresh growth under threat by reducing the supply of properties.

Nikki Sinclaire MEP has claimed a number of MEPs have claimed that their constituents do not care about the new proposals and may use this excuse to support the proposed changes in Committee or in plenary . Urging landlords AND tenants who have not already contacted their MEP to do so now. ''immediately people would think this would effect just investors but in truth this will damage the whole housing market inculding ordinary homeowners ''

Nikki said if changes to the UK buy to let market need to be made they must be taken by our democratically elected politicians in Westminster, not by faceless and unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

PRESS RELEASE: HAT TRICK OF SPONSORSHIPS FOR MIDLANDS MEP

2012-01-30T10:34:00.001Z

HAT TRICK OF SPONSORSHIPS FOR MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 30^th January 2012

Tonight’s matchup between Worcester City FC and Histon will once again be sponsored by football mad European Politician.

Ms Sinclaire, who is one of 7 MEPs for the West Midlands region, has embarked on a football sponsorship programme this season which has seen her sponsor 14 players from across her region. Her sponsorship has branched out to match ball and game sponsorships, and Nikki is making her third visit to St Georges Lane tonight.

Nikki is paying for her whole football sponsorship scheme out of her own salary, and is delighted to be working with the various local clubs, “Football is one of the bedrocks of our community and engages people of all ages. I think this is a worthwhile endeavour and wish all the West Midlands clubs success for the forthcoming season”.

Nikki is sponsoring Simon Brown of Worcester City this season. She has previously sponsored the home ties Worcester vs Solihull Moors and Worcester vs Colwyn Bay.

ENDS

For anybody who is in the area tonight, Worcester City have reduced ticket prices for tonights match.

Adults - £7, Concession - £3 (Over 60's, Students and the unemployed) Junior Under 16s - £1

Worcester City are a great club and have given me a warm welcome everytime I have been to St Georges Lane. If you want to watch a great match of football on a Monday night then come along.

Constituent email: ACTA

2012-01-27T16:15:00.001Z

Following on from my motorcycle post earlier in the week, another hot topic in the constituency mail inbox this week is ACTA.

More information on ACTA can be found here

The majority of these emails that I'm receiving are concerned about how the ACTA legislation could develop over time to potentially infringe privacy.

The following is an extract of my reply so people can know where I stand on this issue:

"SOPA, and PIPA that are currently being debated in the United States would effectively close down the free internet entirely, using the excuse of protecting Copyright. The EU soon will be debating the ACTA Treaty which like the SOPA and PIPA threatens the exchange of knowledge and information on the Internet; in any and all circles where the information could be deemed to be someone else's 'property'. We believe itself should not exist in any form. It is a catastrophic violation of individual private property, and so we will oppose ACTA when the final bill comes up for vote in the European Parliament.
No-one would disagree with the need to oppose and control infringement of IP/Copyright, but ACTA is not the way to go about this. ACTA like SOPA and PIPA criminalises the general population and strangles innovation and freedom of speech and expression"

I will keep my constituents informed on this important issue.

Other stories about ACTA today:

Anti-ACTA march in Poland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16735219

European Parliament rapporteur quits in Acta protest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16757142

Friday archive: My first ever speech in Parliament

2012-01-27T10:21:00.000Z

I've dug through the archives today, and have found a copy of my first ever speech in Parliament. Almost 3 years in and still fighting to get you out.

14 September 2009

“Mr President, I do not accept the validity of this Parliament or any other EU institution to make laws for the United Kingdom.

My electors have sent me here to tell you that they do not want £45 million of their money every single day spent in the European Union. We want that money spent in the UK on our schools, on our hospitals and our infrastructure, not wasted on corruption with your accounts not being audited for 14 years.

Simply, I have this message from the people who elected me to the Commission: go back to your bureaucracy and prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the corrupt and doomed mess that is the European Union”.

Speaking at the Employment committee

2012-01-26T14:25:00.001Z

Yesterday I spoke at the Employment committee for the first time:

The text of my speech:

Your 18,000 "Europe at work" programme has sentiments that have been echoed a thousand times before it was probably build for from a blueprint from the Commission and Berlin

Last week in Strasbourg Commission President Barroso naively said if every small and medium enterprise created one position unemployment would be eliminated in Europe.

Does the presidency understand that over EU regulation is helping to destroy jobs? In the UK the Federation of Small Businesses manifesto plea at the last election was, "no more EU regulation please".
Minister, you said that "jobs are not created by employment and social policies only" but Minister the destruction of jobs and the creation of jobs are destroyed by such policies.

A series of EU-dictated cuts have degraded public services, reduced salaries and wreaked havoc on people's lives.
Whilst I share your opinion about creating training opportunities for our young people - it is all rhetoric isn't it with no solid proposals.

And again I agree with active ageing, how do you square the circle? Where are all these jobs going to come from? Maybe you want to create jobs by creating thousands and training schemes that bleed the taxpayer without providing any real substance.

Finally, I note that you extoll the virtues of the Euro as currency, from a country that like the UK does not have the Euro. Your people twice rejected the Euro, last time in 2000 in a Referendum. Your country, your population does not believe in the Euro - and quite rightly so. We had the scaremongering in the late 90s about the Euro and we were told we would lose jobs and that certain companies would move out. We've stayed outside of the Euro. Those companies such as Nissan did not move out, it is just scaremongering. Jobs are created outside of the Eurozone, not inside the Eurozone.

Leaflets, Kenilworth and HS2

2012-01-24T10:46:00.000Z

My feelings on HS2 have been known for a very long time. I have openly campaigned against what I see as a white elephant project. This high speed link which eventually proposes to join Manchester and London is projected to cost £33billion, yet I fear that it will cost many more times than this.

Although the government has announced its intentions to carry on with this unnecessary vanity project, I will continue to oppose this and lobby MPs to think of alternatives to this project.

In both my latest booklet (pictured below) and in other literature produced in my office, I have put my objections to HS2 in writing. I have also been seen along the length of the proposed HS2 route with my AdVan with a poster saying No2HS2.

Tomorrow some of my team will be in Kenilworth delivering my latest booklet with my HS2 leaflet inserted. HS2 is a highly emotive issue in the area of Kenilworth, because as you'll see on this BBC map http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets.dft.gov.uk/hs2-arp-00-dr-rw-04023.pdf the proposed route will impact on Kenilworth heavily.

The inside of the HS2 leaflet is below. If you would like to download it in its entireity, then a PDF is available here

As I stated in my press release, sent out on 10th January,

“Upgrading the existing Euston to Birmingham International Rail Line would reduce travel times to 50 minutes and allow alternate stopping and flexible local services to be integrated into a faster service that also meets the commuting needs of the intermediate communities while still catering for rail freight.‘’
What isn’t mentioned much is the real concern that HS2 would lead to economic decline in intervening towns and cities including Coventry and Northampton. So in fact the project would almost certainly end up as a vacuum, sucking investment away from the West Midlands.

“There is a real danger of Birmingham becoming a subsidiary of London if the HS2 project goes ahead. The money would be better spent on further regeneration within the Midlands”.

If you would like to receive a copy of my HS2 leaflet or any other literature from my office, please contact my staff at NikkiMep@gmail.com

Joining the Employment Committee

2012-01-23T14:50:00.000Z

As well as a change over in President last week and the beginning of the Danish Council Presidency, MEP's also had the chance to change committees if they so wished.

At this halfway point you have the choice to change Committees if you so wish, and the press release which you can find here, will explain that I have joined the Employment committee.

Joining Committees

Places on committees are allocated by each of the political groups. Each MEP generally has two committees but this is not always the case. If members change political group, or simply want to change which committee they sit on, this can be done at the halfway point.

Which MEP gets which place is for negotiation between them and their group. Some groups do not give their members much choice over which committees that they sit on.

As a non-attached MEP, Nikki negotiated her new places herself with the Parliament's administration.

When I became an MEP I promised to fight for jobs for people in my constituency. With growing levels of youth unemployment, I am incredibly worried about the job prospects for young people in the UK. I will fight EU legislation which will lead to less jobs being created.

I have spoken about the loss of jobs in the West Midlands in my speeches in Parliament, specifically noting the Peugeot Ryton Plant in Coventry

Nikki talks about youth unemployment and unemployment in the West Midlands in the above video, also referencing the Ryton Plant.

Press Release: West Midlands MEP joins the Employment Committee

2012-01-23T14:32:00.000Z

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire today takes her seat on the European Parliament's Employment Committee in Brussels.

Since her election in 2009, Nikki has spoken out strongly against EU policies and subsidies that have led to British businesses relocating to other EU member states. It was a £105 million grant from the EU that led to Peugeot closing its factory in Ryton and relocating to Slovakia in 2007 with the loss of 2,300 jobs.

Some of the main issues that Nikki will be addressing will include health & safety of workers, and tackling the problems of unemployment. Sometimes, said Nikki, EU policy is confused to say the least. "On the one hand, the EU wants to put more young people into employment, and on the other it wants to raise the retirement age as part of its active aging policy, whilst at the same time creating new taxes on business transactions. We need to remove all this political ideology and bureaucratic red tape and let our businesses get on and do what they are best at - creating jobs and prosperity".

Nikki has voted and acted consistently to protect British business and workers, and rejects what she describes as "EU interference and over-regulation" in British affairs.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Employment & Social Affairs Committee is responsible for:

employment policy and all aspects of social policy such as working conditions, social security and social protection;
health and safety measures at the workplace;
the European Social Fund;
vocational training policy, including professional qualifications;
the free movement of workers and pensioners;
social dialogue;
all forms of discrimination at the workplace and in the labour market except those based on sex;
relations with:
          -    the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop),
          -    the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions,
          -    the European Training Foundation,
          -    the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work;
          -    as well as relations with other relevant EU bodies and international organisations

Danish presidency priorities:

check page 13 & page 50 http://eu2012.dk/en/EU-and-the-Presidency/About-the-Presidency/~/media/Files/Presidency%20programme/EU%20Presidency_Programme_UK_Final%20Web_22_12.ashx

Nikki says no to EU legislation on Motorcycles

2012-01-23T10:38:00.000Z

After a busy week in Strasbourg and a busy weekend of football (don't mention the Worcester or Liverpool scores....) I have arrived back to my office to a full inbox once again. We regularly receive emails on the following issue and I have decided to post this on my blog, with the response I have been sending to people.

"I am very concerned about the content and progress of a piece of European Legislation, currently timetabled for Plenary vote on 14th March.This will affect my primary means of transport (motorcyling) and a valuable leaisure activity (riding, repairing and mainaining
motorcycles. It will also affect my children who are keen fans of the sport/mode of transport.

This issue is also important in terms of UK control over legislation. I consider myself to be an Englishman within Europe rather than a European living in England. I do not want to take an anti-Europe stance gebnerally but believe that some legislation (particularly in respect
of vehicles) needs to be kept within UK control.Article 18a is of relevance here.

The proposed EU Regulation on Type Approval and Market Surveillance motorcycles passed Committee stage on 5th December despite an incomplete impact assessment.

New elements including the mandatory ABS for all motorcycles, the introduction of a new Article 18a (see below) and the Delegated Acts have moved beyond the scope of the Commission's original proposal. ABS technology is not as advanced as for cars and there are many riding conditions where combined braking systems (in which the industry has
invested heavily) are more suitable. The Commission’s mandating of ABS is therefore not feasible for motorcycling at this stage. Articles 17 and 52 directly affect motorcyclists as consumers, controlling the sale and availability of after-market parts within the EU and the modification of certain aspects of the machine to suit riding conditions. This includes simple service items and is akin to forcing car drivers to buy only genuine parts down to the level of
service items.

A significant plennary vote is timetabled for 14th March 2012. This is too soon to enable sufficient discussion permits no time within the chamber for debate.

Clearly a debate is needed as there are many parts of this Regulation which I, as a rider and consumer, welcome, so this cannot be a yes/no vote on the acceptance or rejection of the proposal as a whole.

Article 22 aims to have CO2 emissions published at point of sale for motorcycles is welcomed. Also of interest and in need of debate/representation is Paragraph 9 (page 11) which aims to over-turn previous decisions relating to power limits for motorcycles (1995).

This debate my be informed by the fact that no evidence can be found of a correlation between safety and power. This assertion rather undermines one of the central tenets of the whole proposal, that speed or 'tuning' has a detrimental effect on safety, again forcing the
assumption that the Commission’s proposals appear to be less evidence based and more a matter of crass and uninformed (public) opinion."

The following is the response that is being sent back:

"Thank you for your email concerning the EU regulations on motorbikes. We have been against these proposals from the very start, supported the MAG staged protest last year and shall oppose these proposals at every opportunity when they come before us in the EU "parliament". These proposals only adds to the growing already very BIG list of reasons why'd we'd be better off out the EU !!

The motorcycle community needs EU intervention like a fish needs a bicycle – It is outrageous that the EU should try to dictate to them or anyone else on the basis on which their bikes must be repaired and even if changes needed to be made, changes should be taken by our democratically elected politicians in Westminster, not by faceless bureaucrats in Brussels."

Further information on this proposal can be found on the following website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-26/

Sponsoring Worcester City FC

2012-01-20T12:08:00.000Z

After a hectic week in Strasbourg, I drove back Thursday to get back into my Birmingham office on Friday. Friday is a day of catching up with paper work and getting back into UK time.

My weekend is also busy! With Liverpool not being at home this weekend, I am sponsoring local team Worcester City this weekend.

Worcester City play at St. Georges Lane in Worcester and this is my third visit to the Lane this season. The first visit was on a sponsors evening, where I watched Worcester City take on over 50 children in a match – I’ve never seen so many children trying to claim a goal before! It is where I had my picture taken with the Worcester City first team.

My second visit to the Lane came back in September when I sponsored the Worcester City vs Solihull Moors match, where Worcester came out 3-0 winners.

Tomorrow I sponsor the match against Colwyn Bay FC. Worcester City are currently 8^th in the Blue Square North, whilst Colwyn Bay are just 2 points behind them in 9^th.

As a Liverpool fan I feel an affinity with Worcester City football club. Worcester City beat Liverpool in the 1958-1959 FA Cup, and shortly after this defeat Bill Shankley was appointed as manager. This lead to the reshaping of Liverpool football club, and we know the successes Liverpool have enjoyed since.

Football unites people from all sectors of society, and my football sponsorship scheme I hope has helped some of those clubs who do need the extra financial support. I've paid for all my sponsorships out of my own cash and I get a real buzz out of my local teams doing well. Last time I watched Worcester, Simon Brown who is my sponsored player, had a fantastic game - more of the same please.

Here’s to a great win for Worcester tomorrow – come on you Blues!!

Nikki's response to the programme of the Danish presidency of the council of the European Union 2012

2012-01-18T11:47:00.003Z

The European Parliament today welcomed Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt (pictured) to the chamber this morning following the presentation of the programme of the Danish Presidency of the council of the European Union 2012. If you would like to read in full the 62 page document, it is available on the following link:

http://eu2012.dk/en/EU-and-the-Presidency/About-the-Presidency/~/media/Files/Presidency%20programme/EU%20Presidency_Programme_UK_Final%20Web_22_12.ashx

Although yesterday we saw the appointment of the new president of the Parliament in the shape of Martin Schulz, Denmark are now taking their turn in being the Chair of the European Council.

The Presidency of the Council

Taken from http://www.consilium.europa.eu/council?lang=en

The EU's 27 Member States take it in turn to chair the Council for a period of six months each. During this six-month period, the Presidency chairs meetings at every level, proposes guidelines and draws up the compromises needed for the Council to take decisions.
In the interests of continuity of Council business, the six-monthly presidencies work together closely in groups of three. These three-Presidency teams draw up a joint programme of Council work over an 18-month period.
Only one Council configuration is not chaired by the six-monthly presidency: the Foreign Affairs Council, which, since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, has been chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Since 1 December 2009 this post has been held by Ms Catherine Ashton. Roughly twenty working parties in the foreign affairs field also have a permanent chairman appointed by the High Representative.

Further information on the Council's role within the European Union can be found on http://www.consilium.europa.eu/council?lang=en

Following the presentation of the programme for Danish Presidency, MEP's were invited to discuss what was in the programme.

text of my speech here

Speech in Strasbourg chamber: 18th January 2011

2012-01-18T11:13:00.000Z

Madam Prime Minister,You take on the Presidency of the EU at a time when Unacceptable behaviour threatens democratic principles. Such Behaviour has become endemic and institutionalised in the European Union. We have seen in recent months elected leaders being bullied out of office and replaced by unelected technocrats by an over dominant, German leader, and her French poodle!

With a possible new treaty on the way, the EU apparatchiks are desperately looking to find a way to include all 27 countries without a need for referenda. So much for democracy! No wonder people across Europe are rioting, the message is there for all to see, but the EU turns its head away

You again hold the Presidency at a decisive moment - the possible demise of the Euro. At a time of crisis and uncertainty, the EU is looking to the Danish Presidency for a strong lead. How telling it is that it is a country from outside the Eurozone that is taking the helm. The EU is looking to the IMF to help bail out the troubled Euro. How telling it is that the UK, a country from outside the Eurozone, ridiculed and threatened here in December is being asked to prop up the IMF at this time.

European Parliament to welcome in new President; Martin Schulz

2012-01-17T10:04:00.001Z

I tweeted this morning about the news that will filter out of the European Parliament today:

Parliament voting for a new president, but it is a done deal behind the scenes. Schulz will win,voting is just window dressing in the EU

Current president Jerzy Buzek will finish his term in the Parliament, with Schulz taking over the role for the next 30 month stint.

Schulz has been an MEP since 1994 and is planning to make his role more political.

The whole notion that this is being voted on is nothing short of farcical. Schulz's appointment as President is guaranteed due to a deal being brokered between two of the EP's biggest groups - The European People's Party (EPP) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)

The two groups hold enough MEP's to be able to form a majority to assure Schulz's win. The agreement meant that the five year period was split down the middle, with the outgoing Jerzy Busek taking the first 30 months and incoming Schulz taking the last 30 months.

Mr Schulz is being opposed by two MEPs, Nirj Deva and Diana Wallis, but it seems highly unlikly that they have any chance of being voted in today due to the strength of this deal.

It is also interesting that Mr Schulz was a vocal supporter of Cathy Ashton, someone I often debate with in Parliament. Schulz's approval of Cathy Ashton can be seen on this link http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/gpes/public/detail.htm?id=133315&section=NER&category=NEWS&request_locale=EN

First publication of 2012

2012-01-16T15:41:00.000Z

We are barely two weeks into the new year and I have produced my first new magazine of the year. The magazine is due to hit the doormats over the coming week or so. The news concerning the Eurozone crisis has moved so quickly since I submitted my 100,000 petition at the end of 2010. I hope everybody who gets this new issue enjoys what they read and continues to support the Campaign. My objective to leave the EU is still the top of the agenda for me!

Campaign for a Referendum advert in football programme

2012-01-12T10:07:00.000Z

Placed in the Birmingham Vs West Ham match on the 26th December

Letter printed in the Metro

2012-01-11T11:44:00.000Z

Printed 11th January 2011

PRESS RELEASE: NIKKI SINCLAIRE SLAMS GOVERNMENT HS2 DECISION

2012-01-10T11:38:00.000Z

NIKKI SINCLAIRE CONTINUES TO FIGHT AS DETRIMENTAL HS2 PROJECT GIVEN GREEN LIGHT BY GOVERNMENT

Issue Date: 10^th January 2011

Independent West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire is promising to stand tall with local residents’ backing objections to HS2 against the government’s decision to approve the HS2 project.

Nikki’s call for the continued campaign against this project comes as Transport Secretary Justine Greening gives the green light to the scheme of which the final costs will run into tens of billions of pounds. As well as economic impact, HS2 threatens miles of green belt line and will see disruption for those living along the proposed route.

Nikki will be pushing for the government and the Midlands MPs to look at and the alternative options for improving capacity and journey times between Birmingham and London as the next phase of investment in upgrading the National Rail Network.

The £32 billion Project including the £17 billion+ Birmingham to London High Speed 2 Rail Link is simply not financially viable and proposed would simply increase the costs of travel and fail to live up to the lofty promises espoused by the proponents of the scheme. Nikki points to the failings of HS1 in Kent and the downgrading of local services there to support her argument that this project is a waste of money

Nikki said ‘’The Government must stop wasting taxpayers’ money on a vanity project as the new route destroys homes and villages. It would cut a motorway wide swathe through our countryside to Birmingham International where a huge new car park would be required’’.

“Upgrading the existing Euston to Birmingham International Rail Line would reduce travel times to 50 minutes and allow alternate stopping and flexible local services to be integrated into a faster service that also meets the commuting needs of the intermediate communities while still catering for rail freight.‘’

What isn’t mentioned much is the real concern that HS2 would lead to economic decline in intervening towns and cities including Coventry and Northampton. So in fact the project would almost certainly end up as a vacuum, sucking investment away from the West Midlands.

“There is a real danger of Birmingham becoming a subsidiary of London if the HS2 project goes ahead. The money would be better spent on further regeneration within the Midlands”.

Nikki refutes the argument that the project would bring sustainable jobs to the Midlands. The job creation would be temporary and transitory putting extra strain on other public resources such as health, education and housing. “Real funding needs to be put into skill training for long term job creation”

ENDS

As featured on the BBC website:

and on the Birmingham Post website:
http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-transport-news/2012/01/10/mixed-reaction-to-approval-of-hs2-high-speed-rail-link-65233-30092812/

The Iron Lady - My review

2012-01-08T22:39:00.000Z

Meeting my political heroine Lady T in 2008

West Midlands MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE grew up on a Council Estate. It was Margaret Thatcher who persuaded her that a hard-working woman of principle could attain anything. Thatcher told her in person, “Never give up, Nikki.” She therefore rushed to see The Iron Lady on its release. She left saddened.

I feel faintly ashamed to be writing this. I am party to a gross invasion of privacy.

We have all had relatives who in age become mere wraiths of their former selves. Frail, incontinent, drooling, intermittently cogent, nature has flayed them of dignity. This is not how we would wish them to be seen or remembered. It is unjust that they should have this pathetic image superimposed upon an otherwise active, creative life.

Lady Thatcher is no longer in public life. Her private life in decline is no-one’s business.

But Hollywood loves aberrant minds and bodies. Rainman, Forrest Gump, Leaving Las Vegas, Shine... The modern Oscar figurine might as well be an automaton, programmed to lurch, drool and twitch. And Meryl Streep is here going for the Oscar, rather more intently and obviously than Usain Bolt for gold.

Like Usain Bolt, she deserves the prize. This is a magnificent performance. The character which she portrays is totally coherent. We can relate the doddering , stricken old woman pottering about her flat, conferring with to her long dead husband, to the youthful, bullish (some would say ‘muleish’) crusader who took on the Unions, the Argentineans’ and the Masonic, all male establishment - and generally won.

It is much harder to relate this character to our Maggie.

Miss Roberts of Grantham appears to have been transformed into the greatest Prime Minister of modern times by an unseen Fairy Godmother. Certainly here we are give no other insights beyond a few platitudinous quotes from her father. Oxford is mentioned in passing. The long struggle for a Parliamentary seat is erased.

Keith Joseph is also wiped from history. The famous ‘U turn’ speech is absent, facts distorted with Thatcher is yards away from the exploding car carrying Airey Neave, though in fact she was nowhere near. The battles with the then overweaning Unions earn perhaps five minutes, the Falklands war maybe ten. No time was even given to why or how she was named the Iron Lady.

This being a Hollywood film, Maggie’s principal struggle is that of a woman against men, though she correctly treated gender as an irrelevance throughout her career.

This is a film about dementia. As such, it is well observed and poignant. Streep is far too fine an actress ever to allow it to sink into caricature. The story of Margaret Thatcher is just tacked on as a convenient vehicle.

Love her or hate her, none but an idiot blinded by political rhetoric can deny that Margaret Thatcher devoted her entire working life to the service of her people. She acted throughout with a consistency and resolve which testify to total conviction. She derived no perceptible personal advantage from her ceaseless work. She was the last truly enabling politician of the past half century. She transformed the lives of millions – myself included.

She was, in short, one of history’s great women who should be a heroine even for a pacifist lefty.

It is not pacifist lefties who have let her down in this film. It is Hollywood producers eager for a saleable story and a statuette. They have deserved the latter. By confusing their intentions, they have failed to attain the former.

New Gypsy sites infringe human rights

2012-01-03T22:28:00.001Z

LOCAL EURO MEP Nikki Sinclaire has slammed Solihull Councils plans for more Gypsy sites as a waste of taxpayers money and an infringement of the human rights of the settled community. She said that she supported Gypsy and Traveller housing needs but that the process used by Solihull Council was causing misery and housing blight and is a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut'

Nikki focused on suggested Solihull locations at Hockley Heath, Balsall Common and Eaves Green Lane) as being hugely inappropriate attempts to force development in the Green Belt using 'Europe inspired political correctness' over traveller provision and said 'If Europe wants to dictate to us about the rights of Travellers they should also remember the rights of the settled community under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights where

1. Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

2. There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

She added 'Solihull Council is a willing accomplis on the contravention of these rights and is using a 'sledge hammer to crack a nut'. They should use a strategy of evolutionary growth at tolerated sites in the Borough and (b) put in place checks and safeguards to ensure that Gypsy and traveller NEED is distinguished from the activities of Gypsy and travellers developers who are simply using the cloak of human rights and ethnic minority status to try to force residential and commercial development in the greenbelt for profit - as has been seen at the Eaves Green Lane site in Meriden - which has so incensed local residents'

WEST MIDLANDS MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE PRESENTS MOST UNDEMOCRATIC COUNCIL AWARD TO WALSALL

2011-12-22T22:15:00.001Z

Walsall council thought they’d heard the last of one West Midlands MEP, but she has come back after months of being ignored by Walsall council to present them with the award of “Most undemocratic council in the West Midlands”.

Walsall council confirmed their decision to prevent an MEP from meeting her constituents in a meeting which was held back in September.

Independent MEP Nikki Sinclaire was denied permission for her Mobile Surgery to visit the town centre in Walsall back in July when the application was first made. The original planning committee meeting, which was held on July 20^th, referred the issue to a Full Council meeting which was held last night (September 12^th) in which the recommendation to deny Ms Sinclaire’s request to bring her vehicle into the town centre was upheld. Walsall have become the one and only council in the whole of the West Midlands to deny Ms Sinclaire a spot within the town centre to meet the people who voted to put her in her role.

Under council rules which were outlined in a letter from Chief Executive Paul Sheehan in July, the criteria for being allowed on the highway in Walsall is as follows, “Exhibitions and displays will only be permitted on the highway in the Borough where the organisation requesting the display is a charity, a local community group based in Walsall or a public service organisation”.

Prior to this communication, a member of Ms Sinclaire’s team in August 2010 emailed Walsall Council to find out where the Mobile Surgery could be parked to meet people in the town. Hazel Powell, Senior Licensing Officer, replied to the staff member stating “Unfortunately political parties are not permitted to the use the designated sites therefore we are unable to meet your request”.

Following a meeting of the licensing and safety committee on the 20^th July, Ms Sinclaire was informed that her request, under the Highways Act 1980 Section 115 (E) Promotional Site Activity, had been denied as the mobile surgery did not meet the criteria determined by the council.

Following this meeting, Ms Sinclaire and her team were promised a letter with a list of places which Nikki could use to meet the people of Walsall. This letter has never been received despite numerous requests both on the phone and social media.

The West Midlands MEP is one of 7 MEP’s who covers the region which has 5.2 million constituents. In the past year, Nikki Sinclaire’s mobile surgery has virtually covered every town and city within the West Midlands region. Nikki is now planning to have a meeting with Chief Executive of the council, Paul Sheehan, to discuss this important matter further.

Nikki said of the decision, “In these times where people feel disconnected from their politicians, Walsall council’s decision not to allow my surgery into Walsall is an affront to democracy. It is also unfair that some of Walsall councillors use council property to run their surgeries.

The people of Walsall have a right to be able to meet me. I’m the only MEP with a mobile surgery, and Walsall Council is the only council who are opposed to my presence.

Usually councils enjoy getting awards, but this will probably be an unwanted accolade. I hope in 2012 I can finally meet the people of Walsall to discuss vital issues which affect them.”

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

2011-12-15T11:05:00.008Z

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

2011-12-15T11:05:00.005Z

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

2011-12-15T11:05:00.002Z

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

2011-12-15T11:04:00.002Z

Speech in Strasbourg: December 14th

2011-12-14T16:29:00.002Z

A link to the report discussed in the video is here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2011-0426&language=EN

Speech in Strasbourg, 13th December 2011

2011-12-14T10:13:00.002Z

Nikki speaks in Strasbourg, 13th December 2011

2011-12-13T16:00:00.002Z

Speech in Strasbourg, 13th December: Xenophobia towards Britain in the Chamber is an absolute disgrace!

2011-12-13T14:21:00.002Z

Speech in Strasbourg 13th December: Nikki tells the EU now is the time for Referendum

2011-12-13T10:02:00.002Z

Mr Cameron stated in Westminster yesterday that only two options confronted him at last week's summit.
A new treaty without the negotiated safeguards Britain required or no treaty at all.
He rightly chose no treaty.
But with this failure he left his, and the Conservative parties EU policy in tatters. He mistakenly and naively promised the British people that he could repatriate powers from the EU and that he could safeguard British interests.
But such negotiations are not possible with the European Union, -
a Union that blatantly and negligently disregards sensible economic rules,
You even broke your own rules in the Maastricht criteria. Just so your beloved political project of European federalisation could move one step further.
In your negligent actions you cause financial hardship for people across Europe, people you constantly ignore in referendums or deny them even the opportunity to have their say.
Mr President, my country was right not to go along with your economic negligence to protect our interests
The British Prime Minister having had his electoral pledge on renegotiating Britain's relationship with the EU undermined and discredited, has finally faced up to the inevitable by refusing to have any part of this latest doomed rescue plan
Mr Cameron´s EU policy of negotiation is now in tatters and only a referendum on Britain's future membership of the EU is a viable solution.
Democratic integrity demands nothing less.

The British people demand nothing less.

Nikki Sinclaire asks Cathy Ashton, "How do you feel about unelected people running governments?"

2011-12-12T11:02:00.001Z

Protest Action Outside Solihull Council Offices at 1pm today

2011-12-06T04:41:00.003Z

Protest Action Outside Solihull Council Offices at 1pm today

Despite the the strongest level of Refusal by the Secretary of State following the Appeal by Travellers over the illegal Gypsy Site at Eaves Green Lane in Meriden Solihull Council have taken NO ACTION to ENFORCE this decision and the resident Travellers are taking a line similar to that at Dale Farm to STAY PUT while Council Officials sit on their hands.
Residents are calling for our Council to take action and are making a formal protest outside Solihull Council Offices Today at 1.00pm Calling for "Action Now"
Any members or supporters Free to do so can support this legitimate protest action simply by turning up and calling for our Council to carry out its legal duties to take action under the planning enforcement powers it has following the extended Public Inquiry that has now dealt with all the outstanding issues and given the Travellers every opportunity to present their case within the law.
We are not calling for these Travellers who have been ensconced for 20 months already to be evicted immediately but that action is set in train for them to be moved off in a reasonable time frame early in the New Year.
Failure to act promptly will lead to costly and extended litigation and confrontation that will bring no credit to our local authority and the costs will be picked up by Solihull's long suffering Council Taxpayers.
Tuesday is also the Full Council Meeting held in public and Starting at 5.30pm in the Council Chamber at the Civic Suite.

For further details see the Meriden RAID site at

PRESS RELEASE: Nikki slams creation of 7th MEP for West Midlands Region

2011-12-02T10:01:00.002Z

As seen in the Birmingham Post: http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2011/12/02/new-mep-row-over-waste-of-money-65233-29884936/

PRESS RELEASE

WEST MIDLANDS MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE SLAMS THE CREATION OF 7^TH WEST MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 2^nd December 2011

Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, the UK is entitled to another MEP. It has been decided that they will be placed in the West Midlands. Not surprisingly, the Government has chosen the Conservative candidate which most narrowly missed out in the last election; Anthea McIntyre.

This new MEP will cost £2.1 million per year. Nikki is strongly opposed to this MEP, because other than cost, this MEP was not voted in, ““The last thing we need at a time when front line services are being cut is another politician.

“Worse still, this person will be completely unelected.

“The election posters for the 2009 poll said the West Midlands was electing six MEPs, not seven. This should either be delayed until the next European elections or, if we really have to have another politician, it should be put to a vote at a convenient time, like the local elections in May when it won’t cost too much.

“This extra politician will cost £2.1m a year because of salary, travel, expenses and the need for offices in the West Midlands, Brussels and Strasbourg.”

Anthea McIntyre will take up her position in the EU from next week onwards.

ENDS

In Support of World Aids Day

2011-12-01T10:54:00.000Z

In memory of all those, including friends who have died through this terrible disease. Today is also highlighting the need to be aware - that the messages of the eighties ´Don't Die of Ignorance` is still valid. I proudly wear my red ribbon today for those two reasons.

Supporting Football in the West Midlands at Burton Albion

2011-11-28T11:10:00.001Z

Here I am with my sponsored player Danny Blanchett. It was a fantastic match which ended Burton Albion 3 - AFC Wimbledon 2

This story was also covered on Burton Albions website http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10950~2530630,00.html

Visit to Afghanistan covered by the Solihull Observer

2011-11-24T10:01:00.000Z

The article is on page 23 of the paper. To read this online, go to http://www.solihullobserver.co.uk/paper/

Nikki talks on BBC Hereford and Worcester about her recent visit to Afghanistan

2011-11-24T09:24:00.000Z

Nikki talks in FEMM meeting about her trip to Afghanistan

2011-11-22T15:55:00.000Z

Nikki in Afghanistan

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire has just returned from a fact-finding visit to British Forces at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

As part of her role in the RAF Parliamentary Scheme, Nikki was briefed on Britain's role within The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by senior officers General Bucknell and Brigadier Patrick Sanders. She also took the opportunity to discuss conditions and operations with soldiers from across the West Midlands.

Discussions included ISAF's role in reducing the capability and will of the insurgency, its support role in the growth in capacity and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and its long-term objective of facilitating improvements in governance and socio-economic development in order to provide a secure environment for sustainable stability and growth.

Nikki observed training exercises including the location and deactivation of mines and was shown a wide range of military hardware. The quality of our soldiers’ ‘kit’ has improved considerably in recent years with British soldiers now amongst the best equipped. Nikki also met with local Afghans who work in the Camp.

Despite casualties in recent days there has been a marked overall improvement, with insurgent attacks reduced by 24% in the past year. The greatest difference lies in the social changes. Healthcare access for the local population has increased from 8% under the Taliban to 60% today. Infant mortality has been reduced by 20%. Access to education has substantially increased and, of course, now includes girls to whom the Taliban denied instruction. There are 13,000 more schools, 170,000 more teachers and 7.3 million more students.

Nikki said "These social changes have helped the Afghans to reject the Taliban who are still responsible for as many as 90% of civilian casualties. British forces within ISAF are creating trust, thus persuading locals that there is an alternative to the Taliban"

The 9,500 British forces in Afghanistan are soon to be reduced by 500 with a view to the bulk of forces leaving by the end of 2014. Officers and soldiers alike are concerned that the Afghan infrastructure needs to be consolidated and that 'a rush for the exit' may undo a decade of hard work. Further creation and fostering of local governance are a priority. Investment is needed so that troop withdrawal will not be followed by recession.

Nikki said "Our servicemen and women are rightly proud of their achievements, but I understand their anxiety that those achievements, paid for 'in blood and treasure', should be wasted rather than consolidated. There is a widespread feeling that, despite public support for the Armed forces, their role and their quiet but hugely significant contributions are not being fully understood by the British public."

Servicemen and women took the opportunity to voice their frustration at the lack of co-operation they and their families receive from public authorities and public services. Schooling for their children, dental and doctor registration are also problems. It was also pointed out that local authorities make no provision in respect of Council Tax when service personnel are on active duty. A tour of duty lasts approximately six months. Quality of housing for their families is also an issue. Nikki will be taking up these cases with local councils to make sure the ‘Military Covenant’ is implemented without delay.

Reflecting on her visit Nikki said "I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity. My visit has given me a precious firsthand insight into the situation. Nothing prepares you for flying into Afghanistan on a C17 loaded with cargo, in pitch black wearing body armour - it dawns on you how perilous the situation can be and the debt that we owe to our brave men and women."

Looking to the future, Nikki commented "We all want our forces home quickly, but we must appreciate their role, their achievements and their professional pride. They are making a difference. They want it to be a lasting difference.”

(ENDS)

Quoted on the BBC RE: European Heritage Label

2011-11-17T12:09:00.001Z

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15755426

Strasbourg speech 15th November: Nikki Sinclaire and Marta Andreasen team up to blast the EU on their lack of accountability

2011-11-17T12:08:00.000Z

Speech in Strasbourg - November 16th: Before you talk about promoting democracy in the European neighbourhood you should allow it to be reinstated in member states

2011-11-16T16:06:00.000Z

The EU purports to be a player in world affairs and this statement wants greater co-operation with the United States on many different levels.
I wonder what our American friends make of Cathy Ashton who has never received a single vote in her life?
Now the EU is dismantling troublesome democratically elected governments and replacing them with unelected technocrats like senor Monti in Italy and the disgraceful actions of un-elected Council President Von Rumpoy who poured scorn on calls for a referendum and fresh elections in Greece - because We the people means something completely different to the United States than it does to the European Union.
When Americans refer to the ´people´ they mean the masses yet in the EU the only people who really count are the technocrats
Before you talk about promoting democracy in the European neighbourhood you should allow it to be reinstated in member states

Speech in Strasbourg November 16th: Nikki says no to the Single European Railway Report

2011-11-16T14:29:00.002Z

Unbundling of infrastructure management and operation of transport services is good, but we already have that in the UK.
Calling for additional financing in member states for TEN-T is problematic at the time of an economic crisis. In fact, in my country the cost of a new high speed rail ...link, HS2, is causing such an outcry, that the government is trying to portray the project as a domestic necessity rather than as part of an EU wide project.
Even the UK state broadcaster, the BBC seem to have fallen for this deception
The 1st railway package of 2001 was such a failure that the Commission has had to take 13 member states to the Court of Justice for failure to implement it properly. The truth is, they probably could not afford to implement it properly.
Since 2001, the percentage of freight being moved by rail has actually fallen - the exact opposite of what the package set out to achieve.

Speech in Strasbourg, November 16th: Be proud of you heritages if you can, I am proud of mine

2011-11-16T14:28:00.002Z

I supported the amendment to reject this proposal on a European Heritage Label. As I believe this is an artificial attempt to create a European identity . Only in your twisted imagination...s does this identity exist. An identity that my constituents want no part of, nor the expense of paying for. We have no joint heritage, most of you have lived under totalitarianism either communism or fascism whilst we in the UK have fought against many of your countries for Freedom. Are you so insecure that you have to develop such a scheme? Be proud of your national heritages, if you can, I am proud of mine

Speech in Strasbourg, 16th November 2011: Just say you're wrong and dismantle this project

2011-11-16T11:26:00.000Z

Mr President I notice the word competent is missing from the title of this debate.

For competence and financial probity are strangers to this project.
...
The very foundations of the euro were dug up when the commission allowed member states to ignore the convergence criteria of Maastricht.

For we all know that this is a political project not an economic one and political expediency will always prevail over sound economic rules.

What do you care about the ordinary person on the street, the EU has shown its utter contempt and arrogance on the detrimental effect your deluded economic policies have on their lives.

Maastricht had only four criteria that you negligently brushed aside and now your proposing a `six-pack` This exercise will fail and expose the soft underbelly of Europe

What confidence do you all project - Absolutely none,

Your answers to economic problems are more political solutions, more political and financial integration and more blatant disregard of democratic values.

Stop now my constituents say; it takes a wise person to accept they are wrong

Just for once, just once say you're wrong and dismantle this project.

Speech in Strasbourg: 15th November - Remember the last time they tried to force European Countries together

2011-11-16T11:00:00.000Z

Speech in Strasbourg, The EU´s Accounts are not signed off... AGAIN!

2011-11-15T19:40:00.003Z

This is the text of a speech I just gave in the European Parliament concerning the accounts of the EU.

Mr President, what I find deplorable is the smug acquiescence of the EU in its continued failure to manage acceptable accounting procedures.

The people of the UK who are after all the second largest contributors to this project - are sick and tired of the EU and all of the corruption that goes on. Especially as people are witnessing severe cutbacks of public services.

What I find most alarming is the notion by the unelected Commission is the fact that because this happens year after year -17 in fact - that it is in someway acceptable.

It is clear that the EU has shown its inability to guarantee that it has legitimately spent taxpayers money.

This just underlines just how outrageous it is that the European Commission is seeking another increase in it's budget when there are question marks of billions of euros of expenditure

Speech in Strasbourg, Comission Work Programme.

2011-11-15T14:07:00.001Z

President Barroso will be presenting his proposals for the above programme. This will be the text of my speech.

The Lisbon strategy's aim in 2000 was to make the EU "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion", As we know it failed.

And now looking at this proposal for a work programme the EU will continue to be a failure

According to Eurostat, industrial output in the EU fell by 19% during the economic crisis. In comparison to 17% in the US, Downturn in industrial output in the Eurozone has been worse than in the EU 27 as a whole, suggesting that the Euro is a burden to recovery

Even the EU´s own figures show that more job growth is created outside the eurozone than in.

And yet Unelected President Barroso says that the UK is obliged to join the euro.

No thank you very much - the UK needs to divorce ourselves away from this covern of failure and despair - to instigate a free trade agreement with Europe and the world. Let us be gone and plague you no more

For the sake of my country, be gone with your damaging regulations, be gone with your harmful harmonisation, be gone with your destructive laws, be gone with your affronts our democracy and be gone with your begging bowls

Plague us no more

Speech in Strasbourg, 14th November 2011: Is this the future of Europe - unelected government by technocrats?

2011-11-15T10:05:00.000Z

As this year draws to a close we can look back at a year that started off with democracy blooming across North Africa. However, the EU seems to be going in the opposite direction. First of all we had a Greek Prime Minister promising his people a referendum on the severe economic measures imposed on his country. He trusted the judgement of his electorate But he was banished for being too democratic and threatened by a German leader - De Ja vu Now we have the grotesque sight of an un-elected person, a former EU Commissioner Mario Monti, who has not been elected to any thing in his life; given a life-time seat and appointed Italian Prime Minister. Is this the future of Europe - unelected government by technocrats? You no longer trust the people of Europe for you know they do not trust you and have seen through this scam The Arab spring has given way to a nasty, bitter EU Winter

Text of speech in EU Parliament this evening: The Arab Spring has given way to a nasty bitter EU winter

2011-11-14T18:07:00.000Z

HERE IS THE TEXT OF A SPEECH I AM GIVING IN THE PARLIAMENT TONIGHT

As this year draws to a close we can look back at a year that started off with democracy blooming across North Africa.

However, the EU seems to be going into the opposite direction.

First of all we had a Greek Prime Minister promising his people a referendum on the severe economic measures imposed on his country. He trusted the judgement of his electorate

But he was banished for being too democratic and threatened by a German leader - De Ja vu

Now we have the grotesque sight of an un-elected person, a former EU Commissioner Mario Monti, who has not been elected to any thing in his life; given a life-time seat and appointed Italian Prime Minister.

Is this the future of Europe - unelected government by technocrats?

You no longer trust the people of Europe for you know they do not trust you and have seen through this scam

The Arab spring has given way to a nasty bitter EU Winter

Remembrance Sunday in Solihull

2011-11-13T22:47:00.000Z

Nikki gets Campaign for a Referendum Letter Printed in the Solihull News

2011-11-11T11:12:00.000Z

A letter to promote the new online e-petition, as well as a letter from a supporter.

Are Human Rights For Sale?

2011-11-10T21:56:00.001Z

Eu Parliament attended the EU Sub committee on Human Rights today to talk about Human Rights. He also commented how important the equality of women is to him.So I challenged him to endorse a women as his successor. I also pressed him on the EU seemingly selling out on human rights to China in their attempts to get funds to bailout the struggling eurozone.

Campaign for a Referendum goes to Nuneaton

2011-11-04T15:45:00.000Z

My staff took the battlebus to Nuneaton today. As usual they got a warm response, and filled plenty of the new petition forms which you can find at http://www.haveyoursay.eu/

Campaign for a Referendum - CAMERON’S HALLOWEEN EU NIGHTMARE RECURS – THIS TIME WITH TEETH

2011-10-31T12:30:00.001Z

They exorcised it with three-line whips last week. They drove a derisive stake through its heart, murmured the ancient incantation, ‘Calm down, dears’ and thought that they could carry on carousing undisturbed in their Westminster mansion.
But this Halloween, the many-headed monster known as ‘the people’ comes back to haunt Cameron, Clegg and their hangers-on. It is bigger and fiercer than ever.
The Campaign for a Referendum led by Independent MEP Nikki Sinclaire, gathered 120,000 signatures demanding a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU and so triggered the debate and a major Tory rebellion, will reappear tomorrow on College Green with a brand new peoples petition, and this time she is making use of a little-noticed clause in the coalition agreement to force the issue through.

“Many of us did not believe that politicians appointed by the public would treat the public like dirt,” says Nikki, “so we did not invoke this clause. It seems that we were naive. David Cameron and Nick Clegg owe their positions to some 30,000 voters apiece. They plainly think those were all discerning, intelligent voters who should be obeyed. We have four times as many. They just sneer.

“So we’re coming back with a different Campaign for a Referendum petition, and this time we’re invoking a firm pledge. We’ll see if it’s any firmer than Cameron’s cast-iron promise to hold a referendum which turned out to be made of Belgian chocolate and melted in the heat of high office. The original petitioners are very angry at the way they were treated and will sign again, and there will be many, many more who want to remind these people that we are sovereign and that we have never been given a chance to decide whether we want our laws made by unelected, unknown bureaucrats in Brussels. All that we are saying, as ever, is ‘Let the People Decide.’”

Nikki with national campaign manager, Josh O'Nyons

The thoughts of an independently minded MEP

The Have Your Say Bus in Worcester

Visit to South Birmingham College

Nikki Sinclaire MEP makes a point of order

Womens Car Insurance

PRESS RELEASE: WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE PATRONISED BY QUOTAS

WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE PATRONISED BY BUSINESS BOARD QUOTAS SAYS WEST MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 6th March

Supporting an amendment in European Parliament

Birmingham City vs Chelsea FA Cup Replay

PRESS RELEASE: EUROPEAN COMMISSION UNABLE TO PAY ITS BILLS

Press Release: FIRST LEAVE THE EU ADVICE CENTRE OPENS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Abu Qatada, The Metro and the European Court of Human Rights

Ireland says YES to a Referendum

Flouridation

Statement from Nikki Sinclaire MEP

WEST MIDLANDS MEP CALLS FOR TRAVELLER APPEAL TO BE REJECTED

WEST MIDLANDS MEP CALLS FOR TRAVELLER APPEAL TO BE REJECTED

Issue Date: 21st February 2012

Campaign for a Referendum in the Sunday press

Meeting at Solihull Council

Discussing human rights violations in Cyprus

Voicing my disgust at the discussion of the 2013 EU budget - Stop wasting tax payers money

Nikki supporting the right for greater access to Brail Texts

Flag matters

Continuing my role in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

The Strasbourg Circus

Greek Riots 13/02/2012

WEST MIDLANDS MEP HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EUROPE-WIDE CRIME REGISTER

WEST MIDLANDS MEP HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EUROPE-WIDE CRIME REGISTER

Issue Date: 10th February

A West Midlands MEP has taken steps to alert people to a potential loophole which puts her constituents at risk.

Nikki Sinclaire has written to both Ken Clarke and the European Commission to ask why loopholes exist that allows serious offenders to roam unknown in our society.

“I will continue to highlight issues such as these which endanger the safety of the very people I represent. “

Debate at Hereford College part 2

Continuing to highlight unfair car insurance caused by the EU

Supporting Animal Welfare - 8 hour limit for journeys to slaughter

What can I do to help?

The FSB Annual Dinner 2012

Debating at Hereford Sixth form College- 9th February

On Daybreak 3rd February 2012

Leaving the European Union - a new video

Meriden RAID response

OUTRAGE OF MEP AS SOLIHULL COUNCIL ATTEMPTS TO EVICT MERIDEN PROTESTORS

Issue Date: 2nd February 2012

Nikki Sinclaire signs off accounts - again

WEST MIDLANDS MEP SIGNS OFF ACCOUNTS - ONCE AGAIN!

Issue Date: 1st February 2012

Blogging for Total Politics

Supporting the British Egg Industry Council

European Union directives on Buy To Let Mortgages

PRESS RELEASE: HAT TRICK OF SPONSORSHIPS FOR MIDLANDS MEP

HAT TRICK OF SPONSORSHIPS FOR MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 30th January 2012

Constituent email: ACTA

Friday archive: My first ever speech in Parliament

Speaking at the Employment committee

Leaflets, Kenilworth and HS2

Joining the Employment Committee

Press Release: West Midlands MEP joins the Employment Committee

Nikki says no to EU legislation on Motorcycles

Sponsoring Worcester City FC

Nikki's response to the programme of the Danish presidency of the council of the European Union 2012

Speech in Strasbourg chamber: 18th January 2011

European Parliament to welcome in new President; Martin Schulz

First publication of 2012

Campaign for a Referendum advert in football programme

Letter printed in the Metro

PRESS RELEASE: NIKKI SINCLAIRE SLAMS GOVERNMENT HS2 DECISION

NIKKI SINCLAIRE CONTINUES TO FIGHT AS DETRIMENTAL HS2 PROJECT GIVEN GREEN LIGHT BY GOVERNMENT

Issue Date: 10th January 2011

The Iron Lady - My review

New Gypsy sites infringe human rights

WEST MIDLANDS MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE PRESENTS MOST UNDEMOCRATIC COUNCIL AWARD TO WALSALL

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

Speech in Strasbourg, December 14th

Speech in Strasbourg: December 14th

Speech in Strasbourg, 13th December 2011

Issue Date: 6^th March

Issue Date: 10^th February

Issue Date: 1^st February 2012

Issue Date: 30^th January 2012

Issue Date: 10^th January 2011

WEST MIDLANDS MEP NIKKI SINCLAIRE SLAMS THE CREATION OF 7^TH WEST MIDLANDS MEP

Issue Date: 2^nd December 2011