EU lawmakers last night reached a deal that will continue to see international flights exempted from the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme until 2023.

Julie Girling, MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, was the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on the agreement and has welcomed the deal that will still see internal flights within the EU coming under the ETS and contributing more to emissions reductions on an annual basis.

She successfully proposed introducing a time limit for the exemption that will see it lapse on 31st December 2023. With the International Civil Aviation Authority due to introduce a global carbon offsetting scheme for the sector in 2021, the time limit will enable lawmakers to assess whether the global scheme makes an effective contribution to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and amend the provisions of the ETS accordingly.

Increases in air traffic will mean that CO2 emissions in 2050 are likely to be seven to ten times higher than in 1990, therefore it is crucial that action is taken to reduce their impact on climate change.

Mrs Girling said: “Maintaining the status quo on international flights was the sensible thing to do as we wait for more clarity on how the global scheme will address emissions from the aviation sector. Putting a time limit on the exemption will provide an opportunity to assess how effective the global scheme is at bringing the airline industry in line with the other heavier emitters falling under the EU’s emission trading scheme.”

Ends

Dear Constituents

I wanted to put forward my explanation for my recent vote on the non-binding resolution on the progress of the Brexit Negotiations. The headlines that you have seen do not reflect the whole resolution, much of the media coverage has reduced the vote to a zero-sum game – not something I recognise. I did not vote to prevent trade talks, in fact in my speech to the Parliament I clearly call on the Council to open up parallel negotiations on trade. I did however vote to acknowledge that not enough progress has been made between the two parties. An opinion which is shared by many on both sides of the Brexit debate.

The caricature of two embittered enemies – the UK and the EU – is as facile as it is unsustainable. For the future prosperity and peace of the continent good relations must be preserved, and I feel the European Parliament is uniquely placed to help facilitate this. Many conservatives, myself included, wish to follow the Prime Ministers Florence call for action and assist in moving the negotiations forward. It is patently obvious that the negotiations have not made sufficient progress and I sought to make that clear in my vote.

The European Parliament is particularly experienced in negotiation, consensus and compromise. What is more, the overwhelming majority of MEPs have a very calm and rational view of Brexit, recognising the need for cooperation and not hostility. I sincerely hope that the vote focuses the minds of negotiators, and that the European Parliament will be in a position to help drive more effective negotiations. This is how I will continue to represent the South-West, and this is the only way I can foresee a collegiate conclusion.

I want to stress that while I have always respected the democratic position of the British people, I have never agreed to silently acquiesce as our country heads towards a cliff edge, with no deal and a complete withdrawal – what Kenneth Clarke accurately called a calamitous act of national self-harm. The constituents of the South-West elected me to represent their best interests, not to preside over wanton economic self-harm.

I know many constituents do not agree with me but we still live in a democracy with the right to free speech. I cannot change my mind on an issue of such magnitude based on a party whip. I have always put my constituents and country first and will continue to do so. This does not make me undemocratic, indeed I believe I am doing my duty in protecting the interests of the 48%.

With regards

Julie

September 13 2017

Europe-wide changes that threaten the viability of some popular dieting products will go ahead after Conservative attempts to have the proposals scrapped were narrowly defeated today.

Although a majority of MEPs backed an objection lodged by the party’s Food Safety Spokesman Julie Girling, the total was 31 votes short of the 376 absolute majority required.

Mrs Girling, MEP for the South West and Gibraltar said: “I am very disappointed at the partisan attitude to this vote. It’s a practical not a political issue. The changes will lead to adverse impacts on the taste and palatability of products, shorten their shelf life and increase prices for consumers, which defies all logic.”

Acting on advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission is increasing the minimum level of Essential Fatty Acids and protein in so-call total diet replacement (TDR) products. However, the EFSA admits scientific evidence for the rise in fatty acid content is incomplete and the new recommended protein levels exceed the organisation’s recommended minimum intake.

TDRs are available as meals, drinks and snacks. When the changes are implemented it is feared that people may opt for self-led diets, which may not meet basic nutritional standards and rarely prove successful, or buy similar products online from outside the EU that often do not meet the same high safety standards.

Mrs Girling added: “At a time when we are seeing obesity levels rise and pressure on public health services spiralling, something the Commission acknowledges, I cannot understand why products which help consumers lose weight and consequently lowers their chances of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes should be subjected to even stricter guidelines.

“Members should understand the potential negative ramifications of this new legislation on both citizens and their respective national health services, but this was obviously not something that was taken into consideration and that is deeply disappointing.

“Dieting is hard enough to begin with. We should be promoting products that can help reverse the trend.”

Manufacturers will have five years to introduce the new regulations.

Ends

September 13 2017

Commercial flights in and out of Europe will continue to be exempt from the EU’s carbon emission controls, heading off a potential confrontation with the airline industry.

MEPs today approved a report by Julie Girling MEP which extends the exemption until 2021, when the International Civil Aviation Authority is due to introduce a global carbon offsetting scheme for the sector, capping emissions at 2020 levels.

In the meantime the EU’s aviation Emissions Trading Scheme will continue to cover only internal EU flights.

Mrs Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, is environment co-ordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament. She said: “It is sensible to maintain the status quo until there is further clarity on the ICAO scheme. At that point we will be able to judge whether it can deliver its objectives.

“The EU is already leading the way on tackling this issue and we must not let the pace slacken.”

Direct CO2 emissions from aviation account for three per cent of the EU total and this will increase significantly unless effective action is taken. If global aviation was a country it would rank among the world’s top ten carbon emitters.

When the EU attempted to impose its Emissions Trading Scheme on all flights in and out of the bloc in 2012, the US prepared laws making it illegal to pay the tariff and China threatened to withhold aircraft orders from Airbus.

The EU subsequently backed down and granted an exemption which is now up for renewal.

Ends

Conservative MEP Julie Girling is sending the people of Gibraltar a message of congratulation and support for National Day this weekend.

The celebrations on September 10 will commemorate Gibraltar’s first referendum of 1967 in which Gibraltarians were asked whether they wished to either pass under Spanish sovereignty or remain under British sovereignty.

Mrs Girling, who represents the South West and Gibraltar in the European Parliament, said: “I want to wish Gibraltar and her people a proud and joyous National Day. It will be a celebration of the people’s spirit.

“Fifty years have now passed since that momentous and historic decision. It was a powerful act of national self-determination and it is the unshakeable foundation on which Gibraltar has built its modern identity.

“If anything the will of Gibraltarians to keep British sovereignty has only become stronger. Of course there are problems ahead, not least from Britain’s departure from the European Union, but I firmly believe the spirit and will of Gibraltar’s people will win through.”

ends

International commercial flights should be granted a further exemption from the EU’s carbon emissions controls, but only until 2021, MEPs agreed today.

A report by Conservative Environment Spokesman Julie Girling MEP proposes that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) be allowed more time to establish a global carbon offsetting scheme, which would freeze emissions at 2020 levels. The current exemption expires in March 2018.

She also calls for much greater transparency and information sharing from the ICAO to enable the EU to decide how its existing aviation emissions trading scheme (ETS), which covers flights within the European Economic Area, will link into the proposed new global initiative.

Mrs Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, said: ” It is sensible that we extend the exemption for international flights to and from the EU until there is greater clarity on the ICAO scheme. However, unlike the European Commission, I believe this exemption must be time limited so that we can be sure that the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation will deliver its objectives.

“Aviation contributes 1.3per cent of global CO2 emissions and that will increase significantly over the coming decades unless effective action is taken. The EU is already leading the way on tackling this issue and we must not let the pace slacken.

“As the rapporteur for EU ETS phase 4, I am well aware of the need for the aviation sector to do its fair share for emissions reduction.”

Her recommendations were approved today by members of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee and are expected to be considered by all MEPs in September.

ENDS

MEP Julie Girling is backing new labelling rules to help customers choose low-energy “white goods” such as cookers and fridges.

The new rules making energy-labelling much more simple and clear were voted through by the European Parliament in Strasbourg today (Tuesday).

The existing system includes the rankings A+, A++ and A+++ – so a product with an A rating may be one of the most inefficient and expensive to run. The new labels will give ratings from A to G.

The legislation also introduces a publicly-available product database to help people make choices based on more than just purchase cost. It is anticipated that these new calculations can be factored into price-comparison websites and apps.

Mrs Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, said: “The current system is pretty opaque. It confuses shoppers, while manufacturers who take care to produce efficient devices don’t get the clear recognition they deserve.

“The new regime will make it far easier for consumers to make cleaner, greener, cheaper choices. At present it is easy to think you are doing well by buying a cheap fridge, but then to find the saving quickly disappears in extra energy costs.”

Ends

Julie Girling MEP has welcomed news that the European Parliament will next week debate climate change and President Trump’s decision to ditch the landmark Paris agreement

As the Parliament’s rapporteur on phase IV of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the aviation ETS proposal, she insisted that the EU must step up to challenge the United States if the new president sought to dodge its responsibilities.

Mrs Girling, who is Environment Co-ordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the Parliament, said: “When other so-called world leaders quit the stage, it is time for EU countries to maintain and enhance our leadership role.

“Climate change is a truly global issue and I am disappointed the USA has decided to abdicate its duty to the rest of the world.

“However with the EU setting the pace and working with partners around the world such as China, who stay at the table willingly and remain ready to lead, we can still achieve a great deal.

“On a personal level, I am happy that as ETS rapporteur I shall now be at the centre of the debate here in the EU over the key instrument delivering carbon reductions.

“Since I took the role last week I have met the key players in the EU institutions and we remain determined to establish an ambitious timetable.

“We will hold a trilogue on the 27th June where we will discuss the key political issues. I look forward to taking forward this ambitious EU initiative on climate policy.”

Ends

Campaigning MEP Julie Girling is backing moves to cut VAT on e-books.

She will support a vote in the European Parliament tomorrow (Thurs) calling for the discrepancy to be ended which obliges governments to slap hefty VAT charges on e-books and other digital publishing while the tax is waived for printed books and newspapers.

In Britain, for example, newspapers and printed books are VAT-free, but EU rules mean that readers choosing e-books are obliged to pay and extra 20 per cent in VAT.

The vote, which is expected to be passed with a hefty majority, is officially non-binding but will have to be considered by the European Commission as it makes amendments to its regulations on VAT for digital services.

Mrs Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, said: “What we have now is plainly unfair and must be holding back the digital sector. There is no logical reason whatsoever why the tax system should favour one form of reading over another.

“It is high time e-books and digital publishing were allowed to compete fairly with print on a level playing field. That will be good for readers and good for publishing.”