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		News New regulations for tyre labelling - Monday, 10th August 2010 Like many readers I am concerned about the transfer of more powers to Europe. However, one thing that the European Union should do is reassure citizens that they are buying products which meet certain standards. Good labelling can help consumers, wherever they travel in Europe. Bus services are not airlines - Thursday, 15th July 2010 The European Parliament recently voted for local and regional bus services to apply the same passenger compensation rules as major airlines. Labour supporters of the plans fail to recognise that airlines are different from local bus services, and so do not need regulation from Europe. Road haulage industry - Thursday, 1st July 2010 Self employed lorry drivers will now face more restrictions thanks to a vote in the European Parliament to further limit their ability to work a few extra hours to help support their family at home. EU Democracy - Tuesday, 29th June 2010 The Lisbon Constitutional Treaty was supposed to make the European Union more democratic by giving more say to elected Members of the European Parliament. Two recent votes suggest that MEPs are not making best use of these new powers. European Consumer Centre for Services - Friday, 18th June 2010 As the world becomes more interconnected, more and more of us are buying goods and services from abroad. It is easy to find yourself unsure about the organisation you are buying from, so it is of the utmost importance that consumers receive as much information as possible before making purchasing decisions. London MEP calls for Brussels to "back off" British football clubs - Tuesday, 8th June 2010 London MEP Syed Kamall has called on Brussels to "back off" from regulating the ownership of football clubs. His call comes in response to the news that the European Commission is drawing up plans to forbid football clubs from having a deficit of over 45 Million Euros. Those with deficits less than this number would be encouraged to submit plans to break even over a limited number of years. If clubs do not fulfill this requirement they could be left out of European competitions all together. Protectionist proposals for hedge funds directive - Tuesday, 18th May 2010 An alliance of the Communist, Green, Socialist and EPP groups in the parliament supported amendments to create a heavily protectionist Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) directive, which will make it extremely difficult for EU investors to invest in non-EU funds, Syed Kamall MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group shadow on the directive, warned today. Conservatives hold back the tide of Brussels regulations - Wednesday, 2nd May 2010 Last month in Brussels Tory MEPs voted to defeat a Spanish plan to re-impose the EU's ban on wonky fruit and veg. This is an example of how the Conservatives are achieving some successes in holding back the tide of ever more regulations from Brussels. Hedge funds postponement in Council of Ministers welcomed - Tuesday, 16th March 2010 Commenting on the decision to postpone the consideration of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers directive at the Council of Ministers today, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London who is Shadow rapporteur on the directive in the parliament said: Commenting on the decision to postpone the consideration of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers directive at the Council of Ministers today, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London who is Shadow rapporteur on the directive in the parliament said: Return of the bendy banana rules - Thursday, 4th March 2010 Spanish Members of the European Parliament are trying to get wonky fruit and veg banned again. This could spell misery for farmers whose produce may not fare well at a beauty pageant, but whose quality and flavour are enjoyed and savoured by millions. Michel Barnier: the most dangerous man in Europe? - Sunday, 28th February 2010 The newly-appointed European Commissioner responsible for cleaning up Europe's financial services sector took up his job just three weeks ago. When Michel Barnier's appointment was announced, he faced criticism, the main beef appearing to be that the former French minister was more likely to side with President Nicolas Sarkozy than he was with the leaders of London's under-pressure finance sector. The Frenchman was a threat. There must be a partnership of trust between the public and police - Monday, 8th February 2010 In seeking to use Section 44 of the Terrorism Act to search innocent citizens in public ("Unlawful anti-terror powers planned for use at 2012 Games", Feb 8), the government forgets that often vigilance by the public is a useful tool in stopping future attacks. After all, it was vigilance that stopped Umar Abdulmutallab from blowing up an aeroplane on Christmas day last year. EU Wills and Succession proposals - Monday, 8th February 2010 The EU is currently proposing a law which enables others to annul our lifetime decisions after we are gone. Under the Wills and Succession proposals, if you make a gift during your lifetime, this gift could be clawed back into your estate after your death, and then doled out as inheritance to someone else. The European Progress Microfinance Facility - Thursday, 7th January 2010 The European Parliament recently voted to make it easier for people to obtain small loans so they can start up their own businesses or make existing ones grow. Bankers' bonus tax hits first hurdle - Wednesday, 6th January 2010 Franco-British plans to introduce a one-off supertax on bankers' bonuses hit a snag when the asset management sector won exemption from a draft UK law after threatening to leave the country. A related European law could face similar difficulties. “Goldman exodus talk a wake-up call over bonus tax” - Boris Johnson - Tuesday, 5th January 2010 Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, has suggested that he is deeply troubled that Goldman Sachs is considering moving parts of its business out of Britain following the Government's 50pc tax on bonuses. European City Guide scam - Monday, 14th December 2009 I wish to warn readers to be careful if receiving a letter from an outfit called the European City Guide (ECG), which appears to offer small businesses a free or cheap "listing" if they fill out a form. The company then demands thousands of pounds from whoever signs up and threatens them with court action if they refuse to pay. Because ECG targets Europe's major cities, Londoners are especially at risk. European regulators could threaten London's competitiveness - Tuesday, 8th December 2009 Whatever our views on Europe, no-one disputes that we have seen more powers gradually handed over from our elected Parliament at Westminster to unelected EU institutions in Brussels. For Londoners, last week marked a watershed in the way we are governed. The paper shredder - a practical Christmas present - Tuesday, 1st December 2009 Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare, costing victims an average of £500 plus a huge administrative headache. It tends to happen to people living in large cities like London but it can be so easily stopped. Dustbins and bin bags full of old bank statements, mobile phone invoices and appliance bills are a gold mine for the identity thief. Nearly half of all identity thefts last year were accounted for last year by stolen wallets and documents. DNA database out of proportion to its aim - Wednesday, 18th November 2009 Londoners who have been wrongly arrested can take no comfort from the Labour Government's decision to ignore a European Court of Human Rights ruling and to keep DNA records of innocent people for up to 6 years and sometimes indefinitely. Keep Brussels' propaganda out of our schools - Tuesday, 20th October 2009 The latest scheme being pushed through the European Parliament is a requirement for every secondary school in Europe to run EU studies classes in schools. Leaders of the EPP grouping in the European Parliament say there should be compulsory classes for 14-year-olds in all member states. This is apparently needed to counter so-called "lies" that people hear about Brussels. Trade is between people and businesses, not countries - Tuesday, 29th September 2009 I read with interest the article "Business, not bureaucrats will get trade moving" (September 27). One of the greatest myths about international trade is that countries trade with each other, when in fact it is people and businesses in one country who trade with people and businesses in another. MEPs must think again about the AIFMD - Saturday, 19th September 2009 One can't help but think the so-called Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) is firmly targeted at London where 80% of the EU's hedge funds and 60% of its private equity funds are located. Investors will be the losers - Tuesday, 15th September 2009 Spanish finance minister Elena Salgado (Interview, 11 September) appears not to understand who the losers will be from Europe's proposed new rules on hedge funds. The people who really profit are not so much the fund managers, as those who invest. Many pension funds, unions and charities invest, fully aware of the risk. We should be doing everything in our power to make sure hedge funds can continue to operate for benefit of all here in Europe. Labour has given away more of our money to the EU - Tuesday, 15th September 2009 Recent news that the UK's EU contribution will rise by 60 percent shows the importance of having a British government that will fight our corner in Brussels. EU directives don't help the markets - Monday, 14th September 2009 News reaches me in Strasbourg that the biggest climber of the day on the stock market last Friday was hedge fund manager Man Group, which shot up 9% after announcing plans to open a fund which will be exempt from new European Union directives. I have been trying to get both the European Commission and the European Parliament to understand that the more they meddle, the more investors are going to vote with their feet. The evidence mounts. Wanted: real-life, good news hedge fund stories - Thursday, 10th September 2009 ONE consequence of Britain's membership of the EU is that Brussels gets to govern the way business is done in London. Hedge funds, private equity and venture capital are the main targets of the European Commission?s proposals for an Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). Fruit and Veg Regulations - Monday, 31st August 2009 Readers may be relieved to hear of a partial victory in our battle to get the European Union to lift its ban on wonky fruit and veg. Marketing standards for 26 types of fruit and vegetable, which governed the size and shape of many products and prevented healthy food being marketed, will be scrapped entirely. This is great news, and it should mean that less fresh fruit and veg is thrown away unnecessarily and possibly lead to cheaper prices. E-borders plans should be dropped - Saturday, 22nd August 2009 The government is planning to collect the records of everyone who enters and leaves the UK under the so-called 'E-borders' scheme. Computerised records of all 250 million journeys made by individuals in and out of the UK each year will be kept for up to 10 years. This is impractical, intrusive and could lead to chaos at our ports and international rail stations. A sad indictment of Gordon Brown's stewardship of the economy - Wednesday, 24th June 2009 Labour has been boasting for years how our economy has been the envy of the rest of Europe and the world, yet your article (Europe warns Britain of dangers of rising debt, June 24) serves to highlight how our European neighbours are seeing our economy in its true colours - in the red in every sense. "Lumens" - Confusing new units of brightness - Thursday, 28th May 2009 I have just spent four years in Brussels winning a long fight to allow shops and traders to continue selling goods in traditional measures such as pounds, ounces and pints where customers prefer these. Yet, at our moment of triumph, Brussels has opened up a new front in its war against British common sense. G20 should set an example by dropping trade barriers - Wednesday, 1st April 2009 Calls for the G20 to create a 35 billion fund for trade epitomise the current consensus that dealing with a problem equates to throwing taxpayers money at it (World facing trade 'emergency', report, 1st April). The right to privacy and a private life are fundamental human rights. - Friday, 27th March 2009 We should all heave a sigh of relief that 'Clause 152', the Government proposal to allow huge amounts of personal data to be shared between public bodies has been dropped (Jack Straw U-turn over private inquests, Guardian, 17th March 2009). While of course government must operate efficiently, it's vital that it does not create an information 'free for all' in which our privacy is disregarded. Public sector database culture - Friday, 27th March 2009 Last week it was announced that the British Government – which has the largest DNA database in the world – is now monitoring the credit cards of people entering and leaving the country. Social networking - Wednesday, 4th March 2009 Social networking websites are one of the unpraised advances that we have made as a society in the 21st century.  Those of us who use them feel more connected; they enable us to stay in touch with friends and develop new friendships; and even some politicians are using them to communicate more effectively with constituents.   European Commission will Review Air Passenger Duty - Tuesday, 3rd March 2009 Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, has learned that the European Commission plans to review Alistair Darlings new rules on Air Passenger Duty. Under the terms of the scheme locations over 2000 miles away from the UK are charged at a higher rate of tax, which Dr Kamall believes breaches European rules on Free Movement. UK Government has largest DNA database in the world - Friday, 13th February 2009 It was right of the House of Lords to warn that our civil liberties have been seriously eroded in recent years. Londoners are now faced with a government that has the largest DNA database in the world, and one in a European Union that are sharing more personal data across borders than ever before. Prum treaty - Tuesday, 10th February 2009 Lord Woolf and his colleagues were right to point out that the recent erosions of civil liberties are "one of the most significant changes in the life of the nation since the end of the second world war" (Report, 6 February). We already have the largest DNA database in the world and, under the terms of the Prum treaty, more and more personal data can be shared with other EU member states. New Pay-As-You-Go Regulations Will Damage Consumers and Retailers - Thursday, 5th February 2009 Syed Kamall, Member of the European Parliament for London, has warned that government plans to force retailers to see identification before selling pay as you go phones could add further woes to the mobile telecoms sector. The warning comes following an announcement by Vodafone that sales in handsets have dropped 18% compared with a similar period last year. Common Fisheries Policy to regulate recreational anglers - Wednesday, 4th February 2009 I am writing with a warning to all recreational anglers. The European Commission wants to regulate you - as part of the Common Fisheries Policy! European Health Card - Wednesday, 22nd January 2009 A new European Health Card has been introduced for travellers to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) . The card, which replaces the old E111 form, entitles holidaymakers to cheap or free healthcare when travelling in Europe. A new European Health Card has been introduced for travellers to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) . The card, which replaces the old E111 form, entitles holidaymakers to cheap or free healthcare when travelling in Europe. Short-term actions of an electorally desperate Prime Minister - Monday, 19th January 2009 Roger Bootle argues that the recession "is thoroughly manmade. And what man has done he can undo." (There's no escaping Logic ?., 19 January 2009).  This is akin to arguing that a man with a sledgehammer can put back together the object he has just smashed to pieces. Pesticides directive - Sunday, 18th January 2009 This week the European Parliament voted to restrict the use of pesticides in the EU. If the legislation is enacted, this could raise food prices and damage the farming sector in Europe but will also create uncertainty for farmers in poorer countries who export their produce to European countries. Incandescent light bulbs - Wednesday, 14th January 2009 Whilst most of us support any moves that improves energy efficiency in London, I am extremely concerned about complete phasing out of traditional lightbulbs. For most people, energy saving bulbs will cut costs and help save the environment. But for some Londoners - namely those who have eye conditions relating to light sensitivity - these new bulbs present a serious problem. Mobile roaming data and SMS price caps: there are alternatives - Thursday, 8th January 2009 Price capping is not the best way to cut prices and provide transparency for all consumers who send texts or download data abroad, Conservative MEP Syed Kamall, said today as the European Parliament held a hearing on the 'roaming II' proposals. MEP Calls for Ban on Police Hacking - Thursday, 8th January 2009 Syed Kamall, MEP for London, has called for a ban on police hacking computers without a court order. The call comes following a report from the European Commission encouraging police to hack computers: British Police used these powers on 194 occasions last year. Import limits are bad news for Londoners - Tuesday, 9th December 2008 In 2005, the European Parliament voted to remove the guidelines on the amount of goods subject to duty that shoppers could bring back from other EU countries. We all raised a cheer because it meant the return of day trips to Calais and loading the car up on the way home with cheap goods. Misshaped Fruit - Monday, 1st December 2008 I have written to this paper on a number of occasions to warn readers about the shift in power from ordinary Londoners to bureaucrats in Brussels. Every so often I also have the opportunity to praise the EU for doing someone positive, and the announcement that the ban on misshaped fruit is to be repealed is a very positive thing. European Parliament's Hypocrisy Over Environmental Targets - Tuesday, 11th November 2008 Syed Kamall, MEP for London, has branded the latest attempts by the European Parliament to save carbon as hypocritical given the continued insistence on travelling between two separate buildings in two cities: Brussels and Strasbourg and maintaining a third building in Luxembourg. Travelling to and from Strasbourg costs about £180m a year and produces about 20,268 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Registration of pay-as-you-go phones is a waste of time - Monday, 10th November 2008 This Christmas many Londoners will be buying new mobile phones but this may become more difficult in future since the government now wants all new pay-as-you-go customers to present photo ID and to register their handsets with the state. Do satellite photograpy websites show too much detail? - Monday, 3rd November 2008 Some voices in the media have been critical of the launch of websites such as www.seety.co.uk and the planned improvements to google maps, which show 360 degree photos of almost every street in London. I think better information is a good thing but I am always mindful of our need for privacy. The websites do not show any 'real time' footage and faces of anyone in the photo have been covered. Nonetheless the website does show detailed pictures of private property, particularly houses. New President must make case for free trade - Sunday, 2nd November 2008 The current French presidency of the EU preaches protectionism, so it is vital that whoever wins the American presidency this week must make the case for open markets and free trade. European Parliament is anti-democratic - Thursday, 29th October 2008 The European Constitution adopted at Lisbon allowed, for the first time, for the official use of symbols of the EU such as a flag and an anthem. So when the Irish rejected the Treaty, you would have thought that would put a stop to the idea. The secret world of Lord Freebie - Sunday, 19th October 2008 Every New Year's Eve, a small flotilla of billionaires and movie stars gathers at the idyllic Caribbean island of St Barthélemy, popularly known as St Bart's. On balmy evenings aboard superyachts the rich and famous party and network away from the public gaze. Conservatives Pledge to Hold European Constitution Referendum - Tuesday, 7th October 2008 Syed Kamall, MEP for London has welcomed David Cameron's commitment to hold a referendum on the European Constitution. The Labour Party pledged the referendum in 2005, but when the Constitution was repackaged as the Lisbon Treaty they reneged on their promise. Flat Screens Cost More Due to Europe - Thursday, 25th September 2008 Syed Kamall, MEP for London, has called for an end to European Union trade tariffs that make flat screen computer monitors more expensive for consumers in London. The call comes after the United States, Japan and Taiwan took the EU to court for breaking an earlier agreement by charging tariffs on computer related products, worth $70bn a year. MEP Demands NO Return to Strasbourg Following Asbestos Discovery - Tuesday, 23rd September 2008 Syed Kamall, MEP for London, has called for the European Parliament to stop using its Strasbourg building after authorities admitted its ventilation ducts contained asbestos. This is the latest problem to hit the building, which is kept alive for one week a month: at a cost of £140m a year. Building Collapse Would Have Killed London MEP - Friday, 19th September 2008 London MEP Syed Kamall would have been killed had Parliament been sitting on the day that the building's roof fell in. The official investigation has found that 77 of the 785 MEPs would have been struck by heavy falling debris if they had been in their seats at the time.  EU rewards protectionism with British taxpayers' money - Thursday, 18th September 2008 British taxpayers will ask why the European Commission has agreed to send 28 million pounds of taxpayers' money to Italian textiles workers, many of who have suffered in the global fashion market as a result of their government and the EU's own backward trade policies, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative international trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. Entrepreneurs can help poorer countries - Thursday, 4th September 2008 George Monbiot and Glenys Kinnock (Letters, August 30) are right to point out the need to avoid one-size-fits-all trade agreements and the opposition to resistance to liberalisation by some governments of poorer nations (Look again at EU trade agreements, August 30). However, there is another voice: that of the entrepreneurs who can help create wealth in these countries. Microfinance, Big Impact - Monday, 7th July 2008 The leaders of the world's richest nations are in Toyako, Japan, this week to discuss how to stabilize their economies. While climate change and human rights may also make the agenda, there will be none of the grandstanding initiatives on debt relief or aid for Africa that we have seen from G-8 leaders in recent years. Localist Planning - Thursday, 3rd July 2008 After this May's local elections results, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown again promised to listen and lead. However, his insistence on pushing on with ratification of the European Constitution dressed up as the Lisbon Treaty - despite the Irish "No" vote and the views of the British people - demonstrates that for the Labour Government warm words count for more than real action. Buying property in Spain - Thursday, 12th June 2008 I have been contacted by a number of Londoners facing problems with property bought in Spain. They have told me about how land has been taken away from owners and handed to developers or how some owners face unexpected and unfair bills from municipalities, lawyers or developers. I am working alongside MEPs in the European Parliament to put pressure on the Spanish authorities to clean up their act. Obsolete laws - Wednesday, 26th March 2008 The government has announced plans to axe 328 obsolete laws that have not been used for hundreds of years, including those on domestic servants, disorderly houses, poor relief, county gaols, turnpikes and the East India Company. Community group awards - Monday, 10th March 2008 The Centre for Social Justice holds an annual awards ceremony, where cash prizes are given out to grass roots charities, voluntary groups or projects tackling poverty (both its causes and symptoms) in their local communities. EU Constitution: 77% can't be wrong - Monday, 3rd March 2008 The 77% of local voters who say they want a referendum on the European Constitution must not be ignored by the government, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. EU wants to end fixed-cost heating - Monday, 25th February 2008 Many Londoners have opted for fixed-cost energy tariffs as a way to stave off recent inflation-busting increases in our fuel bills. But if the European Parliament gets its way, these tariffs will be scrapped. Metric Martyrs - Monday, 18th February 2008 Janet Devers, a 63-year-old East End market trader, is facing trial for not selling her produce by the Kilogram. Last September, the EU ruled that British traders could continue to use imperial measurements as long as they are displayed alongside their metric equivalents. Brussels to name and shame rip-off companies - Monday, 4th February 2008 The European Commission has vowed to expose industries and companies that rip off consumers by charging them far more in one country than in another. A report launched today will highlight how consumers in Britain are having to pay twice the amount for electricity as in Belgium or Greece. European Commission as a watchdog - Friday, 1st February 2008 The European Commission is planning to step up its role as a consumer watchdog, by producing EU-wide price comparisons for a basket of household goods ranging from cameras to a pint of milk. London Metric Martyr's court case is 'petty and vindictive' - Tuesday, 15th January 2008 A 63 year old London market-stall trader appearing in court this Friday for using Imperial scales, has been backed by London Conservative Euro-MP, Syed Kamall. Olympics: Hard numbers needed, not more ifs and buts - Tuesday, 15th January 2008 Despite having had the last two and a half years to prepare, the Government is still tying itself in knots over funding the 2012 Olympic games, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. Dinosaur EU must stop trampling on modern life - Friday, 11th January 2008 The European Union is breaking the spirit, if not the letter, of an agreement designed to make IT products cheaper for London consumers, Syed Kamall, London MEP and Conservative international trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. Buy a shredder - Wednesday, 2nd January 2008 At New Year, many of us make resolutions that we then struggle to deliver. This year, why not make a simple resolution: to buy a shredder. Cheaper clothes from January 1st following EU switchover - Monday, 31st December 2007 Cheaper clothes will be on the way from tomorrow, when the EU ends import quotas on Chinese textiles, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative international trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. Banning air freighted food would hurt Africa - Thursday, 20th December 2007 Let's spare a thought this Christmas for the farmers who have worked hard to bring the food to our table. I have recently returned from Uganda where local farmers explained how they were trying to sell more of their produce to Britain, which would help lift their communities out of poverty. Consumer Rights - Monday, 10th December 2007 As Christmas and the winter sales approach, you sometimes need to know your consumer rights under both British and European law. Thames' leakage rate improvements welcome - Monday, 26th November 2007 Pressure from consumers and politicians is having a positive effect on Thames' leakage figures but the company is still losing 275 Olympic swimming pools of water per day, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and long-time campaigner against Thames Water's wastage, said today. Livingstone should let Londoners decide for themselves how to travel - Friday, 23rd November 2007 London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has suggested he will seek to revoke permits for flights operating from London to both Brussels and Paris, now that the High Speed Rail Link from St Pancras has opened. Defra must not cut more cash from London's canals - Wednesday, 21st November 2007 A Conservative Euro-MP has today vowed to fight further cuts to London's canal network after it was revealed Ministers are considering slashing Defra's budget by up to £270 million. Satellite Technologies should be driven by consumer demand - Thursday, 15th November 2007 For those of us who love having the latest gadgets, sat-nav systems have stopped many of us getting lost. Based on America's GPS satellites, the system is reliable and upgrades in the future will make even more services available. What's more, the Americans let us use their satellites for free. French digital switchover must not interfere with Londoners' viewing - Wednesday, 14th November 2007 Conservative Euro-MP for London, Syed Kamall, has today written to the European Commission raising concerns that France's digital switchover in November 2011 could interfere with analogue and some digital television signals in southern England. Auditors to reject EU accounts for thirteenth year in a row - Monday, 12th November 2007 For the thirteenth year running, the EU's Court of Auditors will this evening refuse to give a 'positive statement of assurance'  to the bloc's accounts - an annual event that London Conservative Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, has said makes the EU look like a 'banana republic'. About time we change our clocks, MEP says - Monday, 22nd October 2007 London Euro-MP Syed Kamall has written to the British Prime Minister calling on the government not to put the clocks back at the end of this month, and to keep our clocks ahead of the usual time by an hour, for a three-year experimental period. Brown's constitution sell-out begins today - Friday, 19th October 2007 The Prime Minister – who will join his European counterparts in Portugal this afternoon to thrash out the small print of the revived European constitution – will irreparably destroy any trust people had in him, unless he honours Labour's commitment to a referendum. MEP produces pocket guide to the European Constitution - Thursday, 11th October 2007 Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said he wanted to let people know the facts as clearly as possible so they can judge for themselves the need for a referendum in Britain before the treaty is ratified. Finally OFWAT flexes its muscle - Friday, 28th September 2007 London Conservative MEP and long-time campaigner for better service from Thames Water, Syed Kamall, has welcomed OFWAT's decision to finally flex its muscles and take action against Thames for providing customers with poor customer service. National community service - Tuesday, 25th September 2007 With violent crime and anti-social behaviour at unacceptable levels, many people feel that we are suffering from a broken society, but how can we fix it? Great recall of China must not be an excuse for protectionism - Wednesday, 12th September 2007 The European Parliament and Commission must put the latest Chinese toy recalls into context and not use a few examples as an excuse for widespread protectionism, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. EU threat to pints and miles officially lifted - Tuesday, 11th September 2007 The European Commission is formally announcing today that pounds, ounces, pints and miles are all here to stay, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said. Dangers of ID cards and the DNA database - Friday, 7th September 2007 While Lord Justice Sedley calls for a nationwide compulsory DNA database out of a noble desire to protect law-abiding citizens (report, September 6), it would result in a massive extension of the surveillance society. Europe pushing up 'Back to school' cost - Monday, 3rd September 2007 As London families prepare for the usual 'back to school' layouts on new uniforms, gym kit and stationery, a London MEP has today published a poll showing Britons want to buy low cost clothes, regardless of where they are imported from in the world. Kit Aid - Monday, 3rd September 2007 As we look forward to the start of the Rugby world cup, let us spare a thought for children in poorer countries who may be prevented from playing rugby by a lack of kit. I am working with the SOS Kit Aid charity that collects old unwanted kit to send to children in poorer countries. EU renews hypocritical lightbulb tax - Wednesday, 29th August 2007 The European Union's taxes on energy-efficient lightbulbs from China will be renewed for up to a year, a Commission spokesman has said today. Stop the leaks - Monday, 13th August 2007 People across London are far more aware than they used to be about the need to conserve water. Our efforts, combined with higher than expected rainfall, have helped to prevent another hosepipe ban this summer. London Olympics: Small businesses are being frozen out - Friday, 10th August 2007 Small businesses in London are not being given a fair chance to access 2012 Olympics contracts, Syed Kamall, Conservative Euro-MP for London said today. Do EU bureaucrats know better than sushi chefs? - Tuesday, 6th August 2007 London is a global city famous for the quality and range of international food including many Japanese restaurants. However, Japanese chefs say that new EU rules requiring raw fish to be frozen at minus 20 degrees Celsius will damage the quality of Sushi and Sashimi. Londoners want more affordable housing, EU survey says - Thursday, 26th July 2007 Only 11 percent of Londoners believe housing in the capital is available at "a reasonable price", a European Union survey has shown today. The Eurobarometer public opinion survey has shown that London features towards the bottom of the table when residents are asked how strongly they agree or disagree with the statement: "It is easy to find good housing at a reasonable price." Don't let eurocrats meddle with London sports clubs - Friday, 13th July 2007 Shortly after sports policy was brought back into the proposals for a European Constitution, the European Commission has unveiled its long-awaited policy paper on sport, which will enable Eurocrats and politicians to meddle with London sports clubs. Give us a referendum - Monday, 24th June 2007 Since the French and Dutch voters rejected the European constitution in 2005, EU leaders have been looking for ways of avoiding further referenda on their European plans. Our outgoing Prime Minister returned from the latest EU summit declaring that, regardless of the forty new powers transferred to Brussels, the treaty does not change the balance of power significantly enough to warrant a referendum. Free trade benefits poorer countries - Thursday, 14th June 2007 Meetings of the world's richest countries such as the recent G8 meeting in Germany remind us all of the plight of the world's poorest. It is frustrating to see how slowly politicians' pledges are turned into concrete action. We may feel powerless but there are things we can do to help. Barometers battle lost - Tuesday, 5th June 2007 The battle for the traditional barometer was declared lost today by London MEP Syed Kamall after EU governments (including the UK) and a majority of MEPs in the Parliament's environment committee voted against a Conservative amendment to exempt the instrument from legislation on mercury. Keep the veto on counter-terrorism - Tuesday, 5th June 2007 The House of Commons home affairs committee is right to have urged the government not to give up the veto over counter-terrorism issues, but Labour has been far too reticent in using it in recent years, Syed Kamall, a Conservative MEP who sits on the European Parliament's justice and home affairs committee, said today. Roaming charges - Wednesday, 23rd May 2007 The European Union's decision to cap the cost of mobile phone roaming costs seems positive on the face of it, but I fear MEPs have voted to cut their own bills at the expense of the majority of our constituents. Brown's Olympics ministry would drive up the cost further - Tuesday, 15th May 2007 Reports that Gordon Brown is planning to create a new Ministry of the Olympics to handle the 2012 Games have been described as the worst possible way of keeping costs down by London Conservative MEP, Syed Kamall. Water company slips through the regulator's net - Friday, 11th May 2007 London Euro-MP Syed Kamall today backs calls for the water watchdog to be given more teeth to stop leaks from burst pipes and prevent wastage by the water companies. No more metric martyrs after Conservative lobbying pays off - Wednesday, 9th May 2007 The threat to miles, yards and pints is off the agenda after Conservative MEPs received confirmation from EU Industry Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that "dual marking" of goods in imperial and metric will 'continue indefinitely', Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. British loaf sizes knead-n't be changed, thanks to Tory MEPs - Monday, 7th May 2007 Conservative MEPs have successfully altered a European directive that would have made the traditional loaf of bread toast, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. London's EU funds withheld for three months - Wednesday, 2nd May 2007 The European Union is withholding regional funds from London, and four other English regions, because the Commission does not feel there are sufficient controls in place to prevent the money being wasted or defrauded, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, warned today. Strasbourg jaunt is not just a waste of time and money - Monday, 23rd April 2007 The European Parliament's monthly jaunt to Strasbourg is not just wasteful to Londoners' pockets, it also wastes immense amounts of energy and creates vast unnecessary emissions of CO2, London Euro-MP Syed Kamall, said today before making his monthly trip in a Honda hybrid car to try to reduce his footprint. Trade Justice marchers should listen to people from poorer nations - Thursday, 19th April 2007 Conservative trade spokesman in Brussels, Syed Kamall MEP, today joined protesters' calls to make poverty history and said that consumers and entrepreneurs in poorer countries stand to benefit enormously from new free trade deals with Europe. He criticised those members of the Trade Justice Movement who believed that poorer nations could become rich from government aid packages and tariff barriers on imports. Governments do not trade with each other - people do - Wednesday, 18th April 2007 Friends of the Earth's opposition to liberalising trade in the developing world is undoubtedly well-intentioned (Letters, April 16), but without a multilateral or bilateral trade deal with Europe, African and Caribbean nations will never be able to break their dependency on western aid handouts. Breaking down trade barriers must work both ways - Wednesday, 18th April 2007 Commissioner Mandelson's attempt to overcome trade barriers for European companies wanting to do business in other countries is laudable, but he must also offer assistance to developing nations being held back by Europe's own technical barriers to trade, Syed Kamall, Conservative trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. EU police to rummage through our trolleys? - Monday, 9th April 2007 Proposals to provide Europol with a stronger legal basis include dangerous clauses giving the European police force access to practically any data it deems fit - including commercial data and our loyalty cards, Syed Kamall, Conservative member of the European Parliament's civil liberties committee, warned today. Keep EUr hands off sport! - Tuesday, 3rd April 2007 Recently my colleagues in the European Parliament published a report calling for more political interference in professional sport. They want to see EU-wide regulations covering everything from training to stadium security; from employment practices to selling TV rights. Big Brother Ken's "eye in the sky" - Tuesday, 27th March 2007 Ken Livingstone is using the prospect of better mobile communication as a sop to expand his surveillance net over London motorists, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and member of the Parliament's civil liberties committee, said today. Now the EU wants our fingerprints too - Friday, 16th March 2007 Proposals have been snuck out by the European Commission to create a central EU-wide database of our fingerprints, London Conservative MEP, Syed Kamall , warned today. The proposal, which was buried in a lengthy document setting out the Commission?s annual policy strategy, would create a computerized collection of personal details drawn from all 27 member states. Cigarette lighters: MEP welcomes new child-proofing requirement - Wednesday, 14th March 2007 As of today, all cigarette lighters placed on the market must be child-resistant, and cannot resemble objects that are attractive to young children (so-called 'novelty lighters'), Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said. EU plan to ban the bulb - Wednesday, 14th March 2007 There is a campaign in the corridors of Brussels to ban the sale of traditional incandescent light bulbs in the EU within two years. As lighting is said to account for around 19 percent of all electricity production, it is thought this move could cut carbon emissions by up to 20 million tonnes per year. Stop the EU legislating over our sport - Friday, 9th March 2007 Sports clubs throughout the Capital have an opportunity to tell the European Commission to keep its grubby mitts off sporting affairs, by taking part in an online consultation on the Commission's website, London Euro-MP Syed Kamall, said today. Appeal for teachers and lecturers - Tuesday, 28th February 2007 The film 'The Last King of Scotland' has reminded us all of the huge adversity countries like Uganda have had to overcome and the massive challenges that still lie ahead. Successful Olympics are under threat from Brown's stealth tactics - Monday, 26th February 2007 If the government is serious about hosting a successful Olympics in 2012, it should stop trying to spin the mounting costs of the games, and be frank about where the money will come, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. Britain needs secure borders, not DNA data sharing and hot pursuit - Wednesday, 14th February 2007 European interior Ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday are to draw up a 'totally unnecessary' plan to incorporate the controversial Prum treaty into EU law, Syed Kamall, Conservative Member of the European Parliament's justice and home affairs committee, warned today. MEPs and Ministers face showdown over product placement - Tuesday, 13th February 2007 MEPs wanting to allow product placement are on a collision course with EU Ministers who said late last night it "should continue to be prohibited", Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, warned today. Brussels to seize criminal power from the Commons - Thursday, 8th February 2007 The European Commission is planning to tell national governments what criminal penalties they must impose on people committing "green crimes". Criminal law must not be set by the European Commission - Wednesday, 7th February 2007 For only the second time in history, the European Commission is planning to tell national governments what criminal penalties they must impose on people committing "green crimes", Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, warned today. EU survey highlights Labour's lacklustre criminal record - Monday, 5th February 2007 An EU-wide survey published today has highlighted how Labour has categorically failed to bring petty crime under control in Britain, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and member of the European Parliament's justice and home affairs committee, said today. Olympic games threatened by Labour's incompetence - Friday, 2nd February 2007 A Conservative Euro-MP for London has hit out at the government's incompetence, after the National Audit Office warned the failure to set a final budget for the Olympic games was posing a 'major risk' to their success. EU telecoms plans should stress cooperation - Monday, 29th January 2006 An ill-thought plan for a new EU super regulator to oversee telecoms liberalisation is likely to be dropped in deference to a formalised network of independent national regulators working together, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP and former telecoms consultant, said today EU threat to London's online businesses and Ebay - Thursday, 25th January 2007 The EU is proposing new laws that could seriously harm London's online businesses by forcing them to comply with the consumer laws of all 27 EU countries, London Conservative MEP Syed Kamall, warned today. Mandelson urged to get on with his day job - Thursday, 18th January 2007 A Conservative MEP has today told EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson to get on with his day job and stop meddling with the internal leadership squabbles of the Labour Party. London MEP welcomes Thames? hosepipe ban announcement - Thursday, 18th January 2007 Thames Water?s announcement that it is to lift the hosepipe and sprinkler ban at 8am on Thursday 18 January is welcome, but Thames must continue to reduce leakage, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. End to hosepipe ban could be in the pipeline - Saturday, 13th January 2007 News that Thames water could soon lift its ten month hosepipe ban has been welcomed by London Conservative MEP, Syed Kamall, who said customers were dumbfounded that there was still a ban when we?ve had so much rain. Roaming charges are like Robin Hood, MEP says - Thursday, 11th January 2007 The roaming charges debate is focusing too heavily on the interests of the few consumers who roam, while neglecting the lower-paid mobile phone users who rarely roam and enjoy cheaper calls and subsidised handsets thanks to roaming charges, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and former telecommunications consultant, said today. British taxpayers fund Ethiopian war - Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Ethiopia is at war in Somalia and it is preparing for war with Eritrea. British aid to Ethiopia in 2007/8 will hit £130m yet it has done nothing to stop the repression of political opposition and the ?resettlement? of some two million people from their homes. Cut your waste to stave off council tax rises - Tuesday, 9th January 2007 Cutting down on the amount of waste we send to landfill will help prevent council tax rises caused by EU fines, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. His comments come after the Local Government Association launched its War on Waste, which calls for a radical overhaul of the way rubbish is thrown away and a reduction in the amount of rubbish being produced in the first place. EU-US meeting is ?last chance? for global trade deal - Sunday, 7th January 2007 President Barroso?s meeting with President Bush on Monday represents the last chance for a global trade deal before the US becomes enthralled in the Presidential elections, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative member of the European Parliament?s trade committee, warned today Reform CAP - Saturday, 6th January 2007 David Miliband?s stated goal of abolishing farming subsidies by 2020 is laudable (report, Jan 4). For too long, farmers in the developing world have been held back by rich countries cutting off their markets to them. Conservative MEP backs subsidy abolition calls - Wednesday, 3rd January 2007 A Conservative MEP has today backed the Environment Secretary?s calls for an abolition of farming subsidies by 2020 and says the goal could be achieved even sooner if world leaders were serious about tackling poverty in underdeveloped countries. London?s bangers to be scrapped for free - Sunday, 31st December 2006 London?s old cars can be scrapped without charge from January 1st, when an EU directive becomes law in the UK, Conservative MEP for London, Syed Kamall, said today. EU plans a new driving licence - Thursday, 21st December 2006 Plans for a new EU driving licence, which would require the renewal of the licence every ten years, are being driven through by Brussels. O2 Community fund - Thursday, 21st December 2006 MOBILE phone operator 02 told me the company has launched a new community fund which will make awards of up to £1,000 available to support environmental, urban renewal and conservation projects. London community groups or even community-minded individuals could make use of this funding to improve their area. Television Without Frontiers passes European Parliament - Wednesday, 13th December 2006 Product placement has been given the nod by the European Parliament today after MEPs voted on the first reading of the Television Without Frontiers directive. The position the parliament took this lunchtime was a great deal less burdensome than that adopted by the Parliament?s lead culture committee, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said. Buy a loved one a shredder this Christmas - Tuesday, 12th December 2006 Christmas shoppers stuck for present ideas should buy a shredder to help prevent a loved one?s identity from being stolen, Conservative MEP for London, Syed Kamall, said today. Crunch time for European television - Tuesday, 12th December 2006 Quality European television programmes must not be regulated out of existence tomorrow when the European Parliament votes on the Audiovisual Media Services directive, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and a 'shadow rapporteur' on the directive warned today. Liberalise trade - Monday, 11th December 2006 If the leaders of the EU wanted to stop navel-gazing and focus on issues that matter to the voters, one area where they have an immense opportunity to do good is in liberalising trade with the developing world. Tory MEP goes back to school - Friday, 8th December 2006 On Monday 5th December, Colfe's School welcomed Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London. Syed addressed year 11 students on the subject of the European Union. He answered questions from students on a wide range of issues including EU decision-making, Britain's place in the EU and his job as a Member of the European Parliament. Europe must ditch trade protectionism - Monday, 4th December 2006 Europe's export defence policy is costing jobs, pushing up prices for consumers and failing to grasp the opportunities created through globalisation, Conservative member of the trade committee in the European Parliament, Syed Kamall, said today ahead of the launch of the EU's green paper on trade defence instruments (TDIs) on Wednesday. Handy guide to EU workings - Friday, 1st December 2006 A recent London-wide poll that I commissioned shows nine in 10 people want more information about how the European Union works. I have recently launched a "Pocket Guide to the EU" which explains the workings of the EU. Get clEUd up, MEP to say on Monday - Monday, 27th November 2006 Londoners are being urged to 'Get clEUd up' by leading local Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, who will launch a campaign on Monday to give people more information about the European Union by handing out Pocket Guides to the EU outside the busiest London Underground stations. Olympics: regeneration argument being used to deflect legitimate concerns - Wednesday, 22nd November 2006 Following yesterday's announcement that the London Olympics bill has already risen by £900m - prompting fears it will rise well above the £5bn mark - Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive, David Higgins, is set to give a speech urging critics not to forget the benefits the Olympics will bring to regeneration efforts in the area. Letter on death row Briton - Tuesday, 21st November 2006 I am writing to thank everyone who joined the campaign to prevent Mirza Tahir Hussain from being executed, for a crime of which many people believed he was innocent. This campaign succeeded thanks to the efforts of numerous people around Britain including many Londoners. Pressure eases on the traditional barometer - Wednesday, 15th November 2006 Euro-MPs have voted down proposals to ban the production of mercury barometers, but the traditional practice is still far from safe because of opposition from national governments ? including the UK, warned Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London today. MEPs vote for Television WITH lots of Frontiers! - Tuesday, 14th November 2006 Strasbourg, 14th November 2006 -- Late last night, the European Parliament's culture committee voted to over regulate the EU's existing media industry, and stifle the development of European alternatives to user-generated online sites such as youtube.com, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and a leading member of the efforts to liberalise the media sector, said today. Letter on community funding - Wednesday, 8th November 2006 I recently met with O2 - the mobile phone operator - who told me the company has launched a new community fund which will make awards of up to £1,000 available to support local environmental, urban renewal and conservation projects. British Barometer under pressure from the European Commission - Tuesday, 7th November 2006 The traditional British barometer has once again come under threat from the European Commission after it ignored the wishes of the European Parliament and published legislative proposals to outlaw the use of mercury in the ancient weather instrument. Don't betray British workers and businesses - Monday, 6th November 2006 The British government must not surrender the UK's opt-out of the 48-hour week at a meeting of EU employment ministers tomorrow, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said. Mandelson urged to seek small business opt-out on WTO rules - Wednesday, 25th October 2006 The European Union needs to join the US, Japan, South Korea, and Canada in seeking an opt-out of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which are shutting small businesses and entrepreneurs out of the lucrative government procurement market, Syed Kamall, London Conservative MEP and the Forum of Private Business said today. Wise up to identity fraud, London MEP urges - Tuesday, 24th October 2006 Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, has today urged people not to hand their identity to fraudsters on a plate. The call comes after a number of initiatives were launched during National Fraud Prevention Week, which aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of identity fraud. Liberal Democrats attempt to raise the dead - Tuesday, 17th October 2006 European politicians and leaders should stop ?tinkering around the edges? of the European constitution in a desperate attempt to revive the doomed document, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. Don't put the clocks back at the end of the month - Thursday, 12th October 2006 A London Conservative MEP has written to the Prime Minister and Conservative leader, David Cameron, urging them to support a move that would give the UK brighter evenings. Syed Kamall says the move would cut crime, improve road safety and attract tourism. He is calling for an experimental three year alignment of our clocks to continental European time. High street shoe prices will rise because of EU trade decision - Thursday, 5th October 2006 European governments have voted to push up the cost of leather shoes on London's high streets, in an attempt to protect Mediterranean shoe manufacturers from cheaper imports from China and Vietnam, local MEP Syed Kamall, warned today. Chinese shoes: consumers will foot the bill - Wednesday, 4th October 2006 EU governments have voted in favour of punitive shoe duties on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoes for the next two years. Conservative MEP for London, Syed Kamall, who has been opposing the plans, has said the vote will do nothing to protect European shoe manufacturers in the long run. MEPs ignore the will of Londoners and purchase the Strasbourg parliament - Wednesday, 27th September 2006 MEPs have today signed off a £100 million appropriation of the European Parliament buildings in Strasbourg, less than a week after oneseat.eu - the online petition calling for the European Parliament to be based in just on place - received its millionth signature. VAT on car seats - Wednesday, 20th September 2006 While some parents are aware of new European laws governing the use of child car seats, many are not sure how the new laws will affect them. Any child under twelve must now have some form of car seat, unless they are taller than 135cm (4ft 5in). Don't go wobbly over shoe duties, Darling - Monday, 18th September 2006 EU import taxes on leather shoes from China and Vietnam - which many expected would be blocked by national governments - could be back on the cards if the UK gives in to a backroom compromise deal being put forward on Tuesday, Syed Kamall, Conservative member of the European Parliament's trade committee, warned today. "Kick in the Teeth" from the ECJ - Friday, 8th September 2006 Many Londoners will have returned from summer holidays with credit card bills to pay off. As we look forward to Christmas and make efforts to save up for that too, the last thing we need is the EU telling us how hard we are allowed to work EU Court ruling on working time will cost jobs - Thursday, 7th September 2006 The European Court of Justice has told British workers that they can no longer work extra hours to earn extra cash for their family. The ECJ told the British government that employers must force workers to take any rest periods to which they are entitled as set out in the Working Time Directive. The Commission will listen to any Parliament that agrees with it - Tuesday, 5th September 2006 The European Commission has announced it will begin to ask national parliaments their opinion on proposed EU laws at an early stage - but any parliament that disagrees with the Brussels bureaucrats has already been warned their objection will be filed in the bin, Syed Kamall, Conservative Euro-MP for London, said today. London MEP welcomes Thames' drought order withdrawal - Friday, 1st September 2006 London Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, has welcomed Thames' decision to withdraw its application for a drought order covering London, after reservoir levels reached 78 percent of capacity. He said water consumers have done a fantastic job at saving water and now Thames must uphold its end of the agreement and bring down leak repair times. Shoe tariffs would penalise London families and damage the European shoe industry - Thursday, 31st August 2006 The European Commission is pressing ahead with plans to introduce tariffs on leather shoes from China and Vietnam - which would hit Londoners in the pocket - Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and member of the European Parliament's trade committee, warned today. What a lot of rot! Compost will go to landfill, rather than on the roses - Monday, 28th August 2006 Pre(com)posterous changes to rules governing green waste could mean tonnes of compost will now have to go to landfill, rather than being spread on gardens and allotments - leaving London local authorities with the prospect of a multi-million pound fine from the EU for failing to meet recycling targets, London Conservative MEP, Syed Kamall, has warned. An EU child fingerprint database is the thin end of the wedge - Friday, 25th August 2006 The European Commission will have a fight on its hands if it continues to draw up proposals ? behind closed doors - for fingerprinting children, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, has warned. Television licences - Wednesday, 16th August 2006 As of this month, television licences can no longer be obtained from your local post office. Instead, the licences will be available from Paypoint outlets in newsagents, petrol stations and supermarkets or by phoning 0870 240 3352. Hidden flight charges can be misleading, MEP says - Tuesday, 18th July 2006 Hidden charges or tariffs that are added to a flight at the last stage of booking can significantly increase the cost of some last-minute vacations, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today following a European Commission proposal for a regulation to ensure full ticket prices are displayed on adverts and websites. London Mayor given carte blanche to build wherever he wants - Thursday, 13th July 2006 News that the Mayor of London is to be given extra powers over housing, adult skills, planning and environmental issues will be lamented by local communities, London Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, said today. The market will bring mobile roaming fees to an end - Wednesday, 12th July 2006 New technologies - such as Voice over IP (VoIP) - which are being built-in to the next generation of mobile phones, will completely revolutionise international calling, and will act as the market solution to excessive roaming charges, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative member of the European Parliament internal market committee, said today. Beware the risks of mini-motos, MEP urges - Tuesday, 11th July 2006 Mini-motos - tiny motorbikes capable of speeds of up to 40 MPH - are posing a danger to many young people who treat them as toys, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP London and member of the European Parliament's consumer protection committee, warned today. Identity Theft - Wednesday, 5th July 2006 Identity theft is a problem that affects around one in four people in London and costs the UK economy £1.7 billion every year. A report has recently been launched in the European Parliament in Strasbourg highlighting the inadequate level of awareness of the risk. Digital TV should not exclude blind people - Wednesday, 5th July 2006 Current Satellite and cable television technology is not sufficiently blind-friendly and needs to be adapted by the industry well ahead of the digital changeover in 2012, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. Londoners will benefit from Ofwat's decision on Thames water - Tuesday, July 4th 2006 Ofwat's decision to force Thames to spend an extra £150 million on improvements to the water network has been welcomed by London Conservative Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, who has been engaged in a campaign to drive down leak repair times. But Mr Kamall said he would be keeping a close eye on Thames to ensure it is spending the money effectively and not letting it literally go down the drain. Reding's telecoms proposals are a mixed bag - Thursday, 29th June 2006 National telecoms regulators understand the individual characteristics of their local markets far better than a proposed EU super-regulator would, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said today following the opening of a consultation period for updating the EU's 2002 telecom rules. EU announces justice power grab but Londoners do not want it - Wednesday, 28th June 2006 Giving up more powers to Brussels to tackle terrorism and organised crime is opposed by a majority of British citizens, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said today ahead of an expected power grab announcement from the European Commission. London MEP turns up the pressure on Thames water - Wednesday, 21st June 2006 Reports that Thames water has once again failed to meet its leak target - whilst still making bumper profits - will further increase customer's frustration with London's water supplier, London Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, said today. Mr Kamall took up the unsatisfactory level of water leakage with Thames earlier this year, and was given an assurance that they would do all they could to drive down leak repair times. London Euro-MP backs safer stations campaign - Tuesday, June 20th 2006 London Conservative Euro-MP, Syed Kamall, has thrown his weight behind a campaign to improve safety in Greater London's railway stations by posting security guards until the last train has left. Share ideas to cut London's knife crime - Friday, 9th June 2006 Knife crime is a growing problem across European cities - not just London - and we should be learning from the experiences of other countries to help reduce knife crime, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said today. Wine: the EU rewards failure with London taxpayers' money - Wednesday, 7th June 2006 The EU has today announced it will be using taxpayers' money to pay France and Italy to turn 560 million litres (147 million gallons) of surplus wine into fuel or disinfectant. TFL should listen to the majority over tram scheme - Tuesday, May 30th 2006 Transport for London must not be allowed to overrule the democratic will of west-Londoners who vehemently oppose the controversial West London Tram Scheme, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said today. Heathrow could be hit by European Court ruling - Tuesday, May 30th 2006 A European Court of Justice ruling made today could have a detrimental effect on British airlines and Londoners travelling to the USA through London's airports, Syed Kamall, Conservative Euro-MP for London said today. Two weeks left to stop the execution of a Briton in Pakistan - Wednesday, 17th May 2006 A British citizen will be put to death in two weeks for a murder he was acquitted of - unless Londoners put pressure on the Pakistani government to release him, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said today. Letter to London newspapers - Wednesday, 17th May 2006 An innocent Briton is to be executed in Pakistan in a few days time - unless Londoners join me in writing to the Pakistani High Commissioner to demand his release. More EU power? - Friday, 12th May 2006 The European Commission?s plans for ?more Europe? (report, May 9) fly in the face of public opinion, which is crying out for Europe to do less and focus on things that matter like creating jobs and completing the single market. Use rugby as a tool for good, MEPs told by the RFU - Thursday, 11th May 2006 Senior members of the Rugby Football Union met with MEPs in Brussels today to discuss ways of using the game as a force for good in local communities. Local MEP asks Londoners to help end his monthly Strasbourg trek - Wednesday, 10th May 2006 London Euro-MP Syed Kamall has signed an online petition calling on the European Union to end the monthly profligate relocation of the European Parliament to Strasbourg - and he is calling on members of the public to sign the petition too. Londoners love Europe but reject growing EU power - Tuesday, 9th May 2006 An independent survey commissioned by London Conservative MEP, Syed Kamall, has shown that over four in five Londoners like to eat food from other European countries and enjoy going to the continent on holiday ? confirming they are more in step than ever with continental lifestyles. Commission plan to update 'SPF' labels welcomed - Wednesday, 4th May 2006 Current sunscreen labelling is far too simplistic and could lead to sunbathers being lulled into a false sense of security - leading to premature ageing and possible cancer, Syed Kamall, Euro-MP for London, said today. Former US policy advisor joins Tory global poverty group - Wednesday, 26th April 2006 A senior figure from Bill Clinton's White House era was unveiled today as a member of a Tory-led group charged by David Cameron with developing policies on global poverty Water company must mend its ways as well as its pipes - Thursday, 20th April 2006 After taking up the concerns of thousands of Londoners about the hosepipe ban which came into effect on 3rd April, Syed Kamall has secured a commitment from Thames Water that it will improve its performance on repairing leaks. Kamall takes up concerns with Thames over hosepipe ban - Friday, 7th April 2006 Conservative MEP for London Syed Kamall has written to Thames Water demanding an explanation for the hosepipe ban that came into force on Monday. EU to slap anti-dumping fines on shoes - Monday, 27th March 2006 European Union trade chief Peter Mandelson last Thursday said that from April, anti-dumping tariffs would be slapped on leather shoes from China and Vietnam over a period of five months. ?The commissioner?s proposals represented a middle ground and there was no majority against his balanced approach,? A load of cobblers - Friday, 24th March 2006 Britons will soon have to pay 20 per cent more on shoes imported from China and Vietnam. The increase, which will put up to £8 on a leather pair costing £40, was announced in Brussels yesterday. Duties on shoes to hit European shoppers - Thursday, 16th March 2006 Anti-dumping measures on Chinese and Vietnamese shoes would be harmful to consumers and do nothing to save the ailing European shoe manufacturing industry, Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London and member of the European Parliament's trade committee, said today. Tory MEP goes to college - Monday, 6th March 2006 On Thursday, the City of Westminster College in Maida Vale hosted a talk by Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London. Syed addressed economics students on the subject of the European Union and how more trade can help developing countries. EU's £340m aid package for globalisation victims - Friday, 3rd March 2006 THE European Commission was accused of trying to take over the role of national governments in providing social security after it presented a £340 million plan to give benefits to workers who face redundancy because of globalisation. Tory MEP goes back to school - Friday, 3rd March 2006 Earlier this week, The Latymer School Edmonton welcomed back old boy Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London. Syed addressed the student Politics Society on the subject of Britain?s place in the European Union and options for the future. We need action to get energy bill down - Wednesday, 22nd February 2006 The bills Londoners pay for electricity and gas are being rigged by continental energy companies, according to the European Commission. Now there has to be action to get bills down. One of the reasons we joined the common market was to make sure fair competition gave us the best possible prices for electricity, oil and gas. Doha round - Wednesday, 25th January 2006 Europe may be united in wanting the Doha round to succeed (European and US still split over next Doha move - 24 January), but any initiative in its negotiating stance is often barred by having a single EU negotiator. Policy challenges ahead for Cameron's Tories - Wednesday, 11th January 2006 The Home Secretary is planning to upgrade the criminal classification on the basis of fresh evidence on the link to psychosis (report, Jan 5; letters, Jan 9). Down on the Farm - Tuesday, 13th December 2005 Five years after the European Union held a summit in Lisbon and promised to develop a competitive, high knowledge market economy, the continent is falling behind. First, while capital flows in increasing quantities into countries such as China, India and the US, it flows out of the Eurozone at an alarming rate. Injustice of the "Trade Justice" movement - Monday, 21st November 2005 Today, there is a rally at the European Parliament in Brussels by members of the "Trade Justice" movement. Theirs is a manifestly unjust approach to trade: by holding back the industries of less developed countries from becoming globally competitive and by denying the right of people of less developed countries to import quality goods at low prices. 'Citizens inquiry' begins into Queens Market - Wednesday, 26th October 2005 THE future of Queens Market will be discussed at tbe Telco 'citizens' enquiry' at West Ham football club this Wednesday. The enquiry's commissioners will hear evidence- and consider whether people have been consulted to generate a particular view. London MEP opens office in Docklands - Friday, 7th October 2005 Syed Kamall, MEP for London, this week moved into an office at the Docklands Business Centre in Tiller Road. While half of his time is spent in Brussels, the other half is spent in London - keeping in touch with people's views and assessing Europe's impact on our lives. Londoners will be forced to pay for lack of action on recycling - Friday, 30th September 2005 London MEP Syed Kamall today warns that London council tax payers will have to pay more tax, due to government red tape and politicians falling down on the job of making London more recycling-friendly. London MEP welcomes vote to give kids safer medicines - Thursday, 22nd September 2005 New children's medicines will be created following a decision by the European Parliament to back a new EU regulation aimed at ending the medical guesswork that often sees doctors estimating appropriate drug dosages for children. Britain's politicians must limit powers of the European Court - Wednesday, 14th September 2005 The recent decision by judges in the European Court of Justice (Report, 14 September 2005) removes the need for unanimity among European Council Members on criminal matters, effectively knocking over the third 'pillar' for the creation of European law conceded to John Major at Maastricht. MEP stands up for Brickies and Bar Maids - Wednesday, 7th September 2005 Syed Kamall, MEP for London has launched a scathing attack on the EU's proposals to make employers responsible for employees' sunburn, forcing builders to wear shirts and barmaids to cover their cleavage. Government alone will not keep us safe - Tuesday, 30th August 2005 We knew that the police and security forces have done a brilliant job in stopping them before. We knew they would try to bomb London again. We knew too that our public transport system was vulnerable. What we did not know was when the attack would happen. EU trade and expansion - Thursday, 28th July 2005 The £500 million pile of Chinese jumpers building up on ships and aircraft outside the European Union following an EU ban on further imports (Business, July 23) illustrates the construction of fortress Europe. Trade liberalisation is better than no choice - Monday, 18th July 2005 Robert Hunter Wade (Letters, July 11) offers an interesting counter-argument to the emerging consensus that developing countries need to liberalise trade. But while his analysis rests on the costs to governments of reducing trade barriers, it ignores the benefits to industry and consumers. After all, it is not politicians or countries that trade with each other, but companies and consumers. In reality, international trade only occurs when it is mutually beneficial. We cannot look to Government to keep us safe - Friday, 15th July 2005 There was little remarkable about the manner of the act of terrorism carried out on Thursday. We have long known that London was a target, and we knew too that our public transport system was vulnerable. The professional and resilient manner in which the emergency services responded under such stressful conditions does them due credit. Europe’s Nanny State - Friday, 15th July 2005 The European Court of Justice has recently upheld an ill-conceived EU directive that could see a number of vitamin supplements disappearing from the shelves of the UK's health food stores within the next few weeks. Comment on Tony Blair's speech to the European Parliament - Friday, 24th June 2005 Mr Blair should be judged on his actions, not his words. He gave the impression that he favours a reduced Budget, but in Britain, his Government's Budget keeps on going up and it is borrowing more money than ever. Londoners lose out under CAP - Friday, 24th June 2005 One of the great things about living in London is that you can get virtually any type of food you want, prepared in any world style you can imagine. Shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants all compete on fair terms to provide customers with what they are looking for ? and they make the customer their top priority. No to the constitution, yes to competition - Thursday, 2nd June 2005 The referendum results in France and the Netherlands were a message to European politicians to listen. The French and the Dutch voted against the constitution to take a swipe at national and European politicians for imposing alien ideas on them. Syed Kamall joins Conservative MEPs - Monday, 30th May 2005 Conservative MEPs have welcomed a new colleague to the European Parliament today. Syed Kamall takes over as MEP for the London region following the departure of Theresa Villiers, who has assumed her seat in the House of Commons.