PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH AND OUR ENVIRONMENT.
As a member of the European Parliament Environment Committee, I am working hard to ensure the successful implementation of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). The REACH report, which received its first reading on 10 November, is one of the most important and complicated dossiers the European Parliament has ever had to consider, aiming to protect citizens and the environment from harmful chemicals. What is more, the legislation puts the onus on industry to prove a chemical is safe before it can be used.
It is believed that a third of occupational illnesses annually are attributed to exposure to dangerous chemicals. Women's health and specifically reproductive health are particularly jeopardised by toxic chemicals. I had my blood tested by WWF who found a cocktail of chemicals including DDT, which has been banned for decades. REACH will go some way towards preventing such hazards.
FIGHTING FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS.
The highly successful Daphne Programme, which combats violence against women and children, is under threat in the European Parliament. The programme, largely aimed at women and children, has provided voluntary organisations with valuable resources for many years. I intend to do all I can to fight for its survival.
OBSERVING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS AZERBAIJAN.
I was part of the delegation monitoring the Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan in November. Although one of the European Parliament’s lesser-known activities, MEPs regularly carry out this important work.
WORKING TO IMPROVE BROADCASTING ACROSS EUROPE.
I am currently working on the revision of the 1989 Television without Frontiers Directive. Aiming to promote the development of a European broadcasting market, the new Directive would require broadcasters to reserve a majority of programming time for European works and 10% transmission time for independent productions.
I recently chaired a group discussion on the protection of minors at a conference on Television without Frontiers organised by the UK as the current EU Presidency. Attended by Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, it proved a valuable exercise in taking the new Directive forward.
PROMOTING TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP.
The agreement to start talks on Turkey joining the European Union is very welcome. As a member of the European Parliament/Turkish Parliament Joint Committee I am a critical friend of Turkey’s application. I am keen to see Turkey joining the European Union but on many issues such as women's rights there is considerable work to be done.
