The Albion Alliance presents

This Order specifies certain matters for the purpose of Part IVA of the Road Traffic Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. That Part, which is inserted by Article 12 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, provides that constables or vehicle examiners may impose a financial penalty deposit requirement on a person if the constable or vehicle examiner has reason to believe that the person is committing or has on that occasion committed an offence relating to a motor vehicle and the person, offence and circumstances in which the offence is committed are of a description specified in an order made by the Department of the Environment (“the Department”) (new Article 91B).
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admin @ February 3, 2012

European Leaders Set Their Sights on Job Creation

Posted in: Economic and Social Committee | Comments Off

This week’s European summit was able to take the opportunity to discuss the often postponed “other side” of the euro crisis – growth and the lack thereof. While there has been an intense focus on debt and the problems it is causing – and rightly so – there has been precious little chance to discuss the impact of the crisis on society.

There are many strands of that impact, but perhaps the most obvious is unemployment and particularly unemployment amongst young people.
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admin @ February 3, 2012

Agenda – The Week Ahead 6-12 February 2012

Posted in: EU Parliament | Comments Off

Week of committee and political group meetings – Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2012 – EP

admin @ February 3, 2012

Article – Environment Committee backs "roadmap" to low carbon economy

Posted in: EU Parliament | Comments Off

As reserves of fossil fuels decline and the world tries to tackle the problems of greenhouse gases, the EU wants to shift to a low carbon economy. On Tuesday MEPs on the Environment Committee called for improvements to the emissions trading system (ETS) to help meet EU targets for a minimum reduction of 80% in CO2 emissions by 2050.

Source : © European Union, 2012 – EP

admin @ February 3, 2012

Huhne pays the ‘Pryce’

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Huhne pays the ‘Pryce’So Huhne and Pryce have been charged by the CPS, something which has set the twittersphere ablaze with comment and condemnation. It has to be made clear at the outset that both must be considered innocent until proven guilty as it also has to be made clear that the CPS must be fairly sure of their ground when considering the amount of time that has been spent on the case.

Leaving the question of guilt or innocence to one side, the Huhne/Price matter magnifies what is a most serious problem within the system of democracy we presently have – and it is one illustrated in a tweet from Paul Waugh who states that the letter from Clegg to Huhne “hopes he can ‘rapidly’ clear his name and ‘return to play a key role in govt as soon as possible”.

Whether Huhne is found guilty or innocent, the initial charge will ‘stick’ and were Huhne to escape conviction on a technicality the initial charge will ‘stick’ even more. Too many examples exist of politicians who have committed ‘crimes’ – whether proven or not, think expenses – and yet remain as MPs, subsequently being re-instated in ministerial positions or positions of importance within government or their party.

These individuals are those who impose their laws – very often laws that dictate how we must act and the punishments should we break those laws – yet are then welcomed back by their own at a later date (witness David Laws?). It is not illogical to demand that those who profess to be able to govern must perforce be as ‘white as the driven snow’ – their probity must be beyond question,

Peter Hitchens, in his latest blogpost, writes about the disgraceful state of our political parties and politicians, ending: “How are we to obtain reform of the parties, and to get parties that actually care about what the people care about?”. The answer must surely be that a change from representative democracy is urgently needed because, as I have repeatedly maintained, it is but a system of democratised dictatorship. The change required is one to a form of direct democracy including a dose of ‘referism and on Sunday next two articles will appear on talkconstitution.net on the limitation of government and how a system of direct democracy could be enacted. It is also hoped that at the same time, or shortly thereafter, a new draft constitution will also appear.

How much longer will the public’s patience hold while example after example appears demonstrating their lack of honour and principle, disregard for the public purse, disregard for the law (alleged) and disdain shown to those who pay their wages and expenses? The time has surely come whereby this corrupt system of democracy and government must be axed and a fair, transparent system put into place.

Afterthought: While pure speculation, a thought occurs and that is what is Huhne’s position if he maintains his innocence and Price opts to plead guilty? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned – and all that?

Afterthought (2): Presumably Huhne and Pryce will appear in the dock together? One has to wonder how that thought appeals to each of them?

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/huhne-pays-pryce.html

admin @ February 3, 2012

Growth and Stability EU style

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Growth and Stability EU style

The Hungarian national airline Malev has folded after the European Commission ordered Malev to repay various forms of state aid received from 2007 to 2010.

"Despite its best interests the owner can no longer provide financial resources for the operation of the airline in the wake of the condemning decision of the European Commission," an airline statement said.

The sums involved amounted to 38 billion forints (130m euros; $171m; £108m), a sum equal to its entire 2010 revenue. The carrier employs 2,600 people and is responsible for close to half of all air traffic at Budapest Liszt Ferenc airport.

Part of the Oneworld airline alliance, which also includes American Airlines and British Airways, Malev has a leased fleet of 22 passenger aircraft.

Story News of the World

Can we leave now?

http://parker-joseph.com/pjcjournal/2012/02/03/growth-and-stability-eu-style/

admin @ February 3, 2012

Reasoned opinion of EFSA: Modification of the existing MRLs for oxadixyl in parsley, celery and leek

Posted in: EFSA | Comments Off

Published on:

3 February 2012

Reasoned opinion of EFSA: Modification of the existing MRLs for oxadixyl in parsley, celery and leek

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admin @ February 3, 2012

Volume of retail trade down by 0.4% in euro area

Posted in: EU Commission | Comments Off

In December 2011, compared with November 2011, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.4% in the euro area (EA17), while it rose by 0.3% in the EU27. In November retail trade decreased by 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.
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admin @ February 3, 2012

11th China-EU Round Table

Posted in: Economic and Social Committee | Comments Off

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admin @ February 3, 2012

03/02 – Updated organisation chart of the Directorate-General for Energy

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admin @ February 3, 2012

I do love a good fairy tale

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

I do love a good fairy tale

and that is just what this piece in the Spectator by Daniel Korski is.

Once upon a time when David Cameron wielded his veto that was not a veto against a treaty that wasn’t a treaty, many gullible people thought this was the beginning of a process of repatriation of powers from the EU.

They even thought that this would be the highlight, the high water mark of this government’s Euro-scepticism unfortunately, just like the water mark on the Costa Concordia it still lays well below water.

Someone had a word in David’s shell-like and now he thinks he may have to wait because they, the EU, are too busy, despite the fact that he keeps putting his hand up and calling teacher, teacher isn’t listening and he isn’t reading the bits of paper he keeps sending.

Another boy in the class Bill Cash is going to try to upset David and cause as much noise as possible especially when David has to read his essay about the Coatia Accession Bill, but David is going to be a bastard and not listen, having learned a lot from the teachers.

That might cause Bill and his mates to get David in the corner of the playground and make him promise that he will make the teacher listen, or they will make life tough for him, take his dinner money and then go and ask the grown-ups what they think in a referendum. They think David will be really frightened and might wet himself because there are so many of them and will have to do what they say, or else.

Meanwhile on Tracy Island the supramarionation puppets continue with the next thrilling episode….

Listen people, Cameron knows, the Tory party knows and most of the voters know that once powers are ceded to the EU they never, ever come back. The EU has never, ever returned anything to any country, and they certainly won’t be returning anything to Cameron or anyone else in the UK.

It really is a fairy tale to think otherwise. A totally vacuous storyline to get re-elected.

So stop voting for them and their stupid fairy tales. All of them.

http://parker-joseph.com/pjcjournal/2012/02/03/i-do-love-a-good-fairy-tale/

admin @ February 3, 2012

British Lords call for cuts in farm payments (News)

Posted in: EU 2020 | Comments Off

A British House of Lords panel is urging the European Commission to reconsider some of its key agricultural proposals, calling for more robust spending on research and cuts in direct payments to farmers.

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admin @ February 3, 2012

Danes seek compromise on GM crops (News)

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Biotech companies should agree not to market genetically modified (GM) crops in member states wishing to ban their cultivation before seeking EU approval for their products, a draft Danish proposal shows.

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admin @ February 3, 2012

Daily Press Summary

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Daily Press SummaryGermany rejects Greek calls for official sector to take part in restructuring plan; China mulls contributions to eurozone bailout fundshttp://www.openeurope.org.uk/Article/Page/en/LIVE?id=8434

admin @ February 3, 2012

Germany rejects Greek calls for official sector to take part in restructuring plan; China mulls contributions to eurozone bailout funds

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Germany rejects Greek calls for official sector to take part in restructuring plan; China mulls contributions to eurozone bailout fundsGreek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos will hold a meeting with the leaders of the three largest Greek political parties today or tomorrow, in an attempt to garner support for a new programme of austerity measures laid out by EU/IMF under the planned second Greek bailout.http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/summary.aspx?id=3622

admin @ February 3, 2012

Live Tweets

Posted in: Economic and Social Committee | Comments Off

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admin @ February 2, 2012

Live Tweets

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admin @ February 2, 2012

5 ideas for a younger Europe – Barcelona

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5 ideas for a younger Europe – Barcelona
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admin @ February 2, 2012

Ageing Population & New Opportunities Associated for Businesses in Europe and Japan

Posted in: Economic and Social Committee | Comments Off

In the context of the 2012 – European Year of Active Aging and Intergenerational Solidarity, and the fact that Japan is a couple of decades ahead of Europe in terms of fiscal, social and economic ‘experience’; it would be useful to exchange best practices with Japan to determine the challenges of an ageing population and the opportunities this presents for businesses.

To allow and exchange of best practices and share past experiences, the Employers’ Group of the EESC – European Economic and Social Committee, is organizing an event on ageing population issues entitled “Active Aging – Opportunities for European and Japanese Business”. European stakeholders and enterprises will be invited to present their points of view, including speakers from Japanese companies and research institutions, namely the EU Institute in Japan, Kansai and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation.

The event will take place on 15 March 2012 09:00 – 14:00 at the EESC, room VM3 (on Rue van Maerlant 2, Brussels).
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admin @ February 2, 2012

Participants

Posted in: Economic and Social Committee | Comments Off

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admin @ February 2, 2012

Conclusions

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admin @ February 2, 2012

Where are the dads?

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Where are the dads?In the Daily Telegraph today, Henry Wallop, in the section Television and radio writes that this is the year of the small-screen baby and that it’s about time fathers got a look in.

This article appears to me to be part of the ‘consensus’ that believes fathers should be present at the birth of their child. While admittedly I have never fathered a child (well at least not to my knowledge) and that had I, I may well have a different opinion, I am well aware that the process is painful to women, that it is a tad ‘bloody’ – and I would not wish to be there (and if forced to be, I would most definitely be at the ‘head end’) as regardless of which end I was positioned I would more than likely ‘hit the floor’ in very short order.

Generalising, I believe it logical to assume that most women for reasons related to their genes have a desire to conceive, a wish they may not be able to logically explain – and knowing the pain element involved – still wish to undergo the process of childbirth. But why does that mean the husband has to be present? Why is it necessary that he should be ‘forced by present thinking’ to witness what amounts to the physical humiliation of the woman he loves? Why should she be forced to have her husband/partner witness that ‘humiliation’? If a man is required to undergo circumcision in later life, is his wife/partner forced to witness the act? If a man has testicular cancer, is his wife duty bound to witness the operation? Should a husband be forced to watch his wife deal with her periodic problem? Every member of the human race has certain acts they have to perform – and childbirth is one of them. Should not each person be accorded the privacy of that act from their ‘other half if they so wish’?

It is appreciated that some readers may find my view/thoughts outdated/unacceptable/chauvanistic – to which I can only apologise, while saying that is me, that is how I feel – coupled with the fact that it is easy for me to hold such views as I am at an age where my chances of being part of the reproduction of another human being equate with my chances of winning the lottery.

Just who are these people who wish to have all men/women confirm to their way of thinking? Is childbirth not one of the last individual decisions that should be left to the two people concerned – the one who ‘began’ the process and the one who has to ‘end’ it?

When will ‘those who know better’ just butt out of people’s lives and leave them to make their own decisions?

Just saying……….

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/where-are-dads.html

admin @ February 2, 2012

Another sporting ‘red herring’ resurfaces

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Another sporting ‘red herring’ resurfacesThe BBC trumpets that: “Euro MEPs back call for sports shirts to feature EU flag” with MEPs also endorsing a plan for the EU flag to be flown at major international sporting events in Europe, but neither of the measures would be compulsory.

Bearing in mind that the Lisbon Treaty gave the European Union competence in sport the statement from their spokesperson, in this article, that: “But the commission has no authority to impose such a decision and nor would it wish to.” ring a tad hollow.

Of course one would have thought by now that the BBC, with all their resources, would have done their research – but one again we see yet another failure from them. Only last July Richard North, EU Referendum, succinctly summarised the position in this post. It is worth repeating his closing sentences:

“So what was approved by Thatcher in 1985 comes back to haunt the heir to Heath in 2011, 26 years later – in a treaty he could have stopped, by chose not to. Like as not, the EU won’t get its badges this time, but the idea won’t go away. It will keep pushing and probing until it gets what it wants, waiting another 26 years if need be, unless we (or events) destroy it first.“

They say that what goes round, comes round – we can but hope that the next time a story comes round, the BBC will have eventually got their news service staffed with those who understand the word ‘research’.

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-sporting-red-herring-resurfaces.html

admin @ February 2, 2012

Another sporting ‘red herring’ resurfaces

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Another sporting ‘red herring’ resurfacesThe BBC trumpets that: “Euro MEPs back call for sports shirts to feature EU flag” with MEPs also endorsing a plan for the EU flag to be flown at major international sporting events in Europe, but neither of the measures would be compulsory.

Bearing in mind that the Lisbon Treaty gave the European Union competence in sport the statement from their spokesperson, in this article, that: “But the commission has no authority to impose such a decision and nor would it wish to.” ring a tad hollow.

Of course one would have thought by now that the BBC, with all their resources, would have done their research – but one again we see yet another failure from them. Only last July Richard North, EU Referendum, succinctly summarised the position in this post. It is worth repeating his closing sentences:

“So what was approved by Thatcher in 1985 comes back to haunt the heir to Heath in 2011, 26 years later – in a treaty he could have stopped, by chose not to. Like as not, the EU won’t get its badges this time, but the idea won’t go away. It will keep pushing and probing until it gets what it wants, waiting another 26 years if need be, unless we (or events) destroy it first.“

They say that what goes round, comes round – we can but hope that the next time a story comes round, the BBC will have eventually got their news service staffed with those who understand the word ‘research’.

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-sporting-red-herring-resurfaces_02.html

admin @ February 2, 2012

02/02 – The High-level Stakeholder Conference on the Energy Roadmap 2050 will take place on 7 February and broadcast live

Posted in: EU Commission | Comments Off

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admin @ February 2, 2012

02/02 – Public consultation "Renewable Energy Strategy": a stakeholder conference will take place on 24 February. Save the date.

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admin @ February 2, 2012

Article – EU urged to do more to eradicate violence against women and the young

Posted in: EU Parliament | Comments Off

The EP is calling on the Commission and member states to do more to tackle violence against women and young people. Up to a quarter of women and young people in Europe are estimated to have experienced physical violence. Today the EP voted in favour of a report arguing for more action and for more support for the Daphne programme, the only EU programme seeking to combat violence against children, young people and women.

admin @ February 2, 2012

Well, we all know that politicians tend to ‘fanny’ about…….

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

Well, we all know that politicians tend to ‘fanny’ about…….……but do we really have to pay for this?

Just asking……………….

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/well-we-all-know-that-politicians-tend.html

admin @ February 2, 2012

The VAT rates applicable in the EU Member States as at 1 January 2012 are to be found on our website

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admin @ February 2, 2012

The juvenile antics of politicians

Posted in: EU General | Comments Off

The juvenile antics of politiciansWe learn today that Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston since May 2010, has used the House of Commons to complain about a guest beer that is available in The Stranger’s Bar – despite her reportedly never having set foot there. The actual exchange between Kate Green and Sir George Young is recorded as:

“Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House arrange a debate on dignity at work in Parliament? Last night I was disturbed to learn that the guest beer in the Strangers Bar is called Top Totty, and that there is a picture of a nearly naked woman on the tap. As well as arranging a debate, will the Leader of the House join me in asking for that beer to be withdrawn from the bar immediately?

Sir George Young: I was not aware of that particular picture in the bar. I will raise the matter with the appropriate Officer of the House through the House of Commons Commission, and I am sure that appropriate action will be taken. I should very much regret it if any offensive pictures were on display in any part of the House.“

Beside querying the manner in which the question was raised (publicly), would not a quiet word with the Leader of the House not have been more acceptable? One can only assume that Kate Green exhibits that trait of all politicians, namely that of ‘attention-seeking’. Perhaps her next public utterance will be to call for the famous scantily-clad Flying Lady on Virgin planes to be removed – or does one have to be a virgin to so complain? The reply from Sir George Young also begs one or two questions; namely, are we to infer that he has never, ever been in The Stranger’s Bar – and if that is incorrect, has he had his eyesight tested lately? That his first response is to regret if any offensive pictures were on display speaks volumes.

Kate Green is not alone though in exhibiting juvenile behaviour when one considers the spectacle of Prime Minister’s questions yesterday. Both Conservative and Labour backbenchers indulged in chanting the responses to their leader’s rhetorical questions and in so doing indulged in antics that one would expect from children in primary school – although acknowledging the poor standard of our education system, perhaps primary school should be amended to read secondary modern.

Depending on who you believe – Keith Vaz or Jack Straw – MPs are either so busy they have little time for important matters of state, or they are bored out of their tiny little minds. Where Kate Green is concerned we must therefore assume it is a case of the latter and that she does, indeed, have a tiny little mind.

It is regrettable that such behaviour is presented for public consumption by those to whom we mere mortals are supposed to ‘look-up-to’ and revere. And MPs wonder why the public is ‘switched-off’ by politics?

http://witteringwitney.blogspot.com/2012/02/juvenile-antics-of-politicians.html

admin @ February 2, 2012

02/02 – Internal market : Update of the notifications of opinions and decisions for TSO certifications

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admin @ February 2, 2012

02/02/2012 – Public hearing on the situation of the EU road haulage market

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admin @ February 2, 2012

Sustainable Consumer Electronics

Posted in: EU Commission | Comments Off

This event will focus on challenges within the ICT domain that relate to the segment of consumer electronics. In particular, the aim is to stimulate discussions on the issues of energy labeling, e-waste, the
potential of telework and the diffusion of broadband which all comprise contradictory aspects
relevant for policy-making. The event aims to foster networking and knowledge exchange
between policy-makers and experienced researchers in the field.
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admin @ February 2, 2012

3rd European Summit on the Future Internet

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This event will focus on some of the most relevant topics to boost international collaboration. What is the future of Internet and its many applications? How to combine the interests of platform developers, application and service providers and future customers? Which applications will generate new business opportunities? How can Internet be used to tackle challenges such as environmental change, healthcare & ageing and transport?
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admin @ February 2, 2012

The M5 and M6 Motorways (M5 Junction 2 to M6 Junction 9) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

The A30 Trunk Road (Upottery to Monkton, Near Honiton) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

The M5 Motorway (Junctions 24-26) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

The A38 Trunk Road (Pridhamsleigh to Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, Devon) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

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The M5 and M6 Motorways (M5 Junction 2 to M6 Junction 9) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

The A30 Trunk Road (Upottery to Monkton, Near Honiton) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012

The M5 Motorway (Junctions 24-26) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2012