International Day Against Homophobia
To mark the campaign launch of the International Day Against Homophobia, Jean spoke at the UK event at the Amnesty International building. Jean drew attention to recent situation in EU countries such as Poland and Latvia, where homophobic behaviour has been encouraged. She called for the need to ensure that Europe doesn't see homophobic acts as acceptable, and for continued protection for those in danger. IDAHO will be marked every year on 17 May - the day the World Health organisation finally removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Thames Gateway Bridge
Jean gave a public speech opposing the Thames Gateway Bridge at a dedicated public meeting organised by Greenwich Green Party in Thamesmead, near to where the bridge is planned. The event proved to be a good opportunity for campaigners to further strengthen their case against the Bridge. Jean focused on the problems of increased traffic, poor air quality and its health impacts, and questioned the proposer's 'regeneration' claims. Jean has also submitted an objection to the Public Inquiry on the bridge, which continues through April. Her submission can be read HERE
Green Party Local Election launch
Jean chaired the Green Party's Local Election launch event in central London. The election is on Thursday 4 May.
Third Age Foundation
Jean spoke at the annual event of the Third Age Foundation in Hammersmith, where certificates were awarded to older people gaining new skills. Third Age Foundation, which receives EU funding, works to combat ageism and help older people update their skills to find a new direction at work. Jean is the Vice President of the Parliament's Intergroup on Ageing and a member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.
Barkingside 21
Jean spoke at the annual meeting of Barkingside 21, a local environment group in Redbridge. She told the meeting about her work in the European Parliament and the role of the EU in environment policy.
Network for Peace public meeting
Jean was the guest speaker at the Network for Peace public meeting 'Security, Civil Liberties and Peace' at Conway Hall in central London. Jean focused on the need to defend civil liberties and promote peace in the current climate.
Yom Hashoah Commemoration
Jean attended the Yom Hashoah ceremony in Bloomsbury, to commemorate the Jewish holocaust and the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.
Real Nappy Week
Jean gave her support to Real Nappy Week at the end of April. Parents, organisations and over 150 parliamentarians celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the event organised by the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN). With eight million nappies being thrown away everyday and 90% of these ending up in landfill Jean was pleased to see that more and more parents are choosing to use renewable nappies.
Chernobyl
20 years on from the world's worst nuclear accident in Chernobyl Jean remembered those that lost their lives. She warned that a nuclear future for the UK is simply too dangerous and cannot be justified.
Constituents' concerns
Issues of concern have included the suspension of EU funds from the Palestinian Authority, and the impact of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive on the production of (lead) organ pipes. Jean continues to support individual cases, mostly in relation to asylum and planning issues.
Strasbourg
In Strasbourg Jean gave two speeches to the Plenary, the first on European Parliament Delegation visits to asylum camps and the second regarding the transitional arrangements some member states have in place that restrict worker mobility. The speech can be viewed below.
ECRE
Jean co-hosted a Parliamentary reception with the European Council on Refugees and Exiles. The event marked the launch of their new report 'The way Forward - an agenda for change' a document designed to positively influence debate on refugee policy via a series of constructive recommendations.
Questions to the Commission
Following work with the Asian Human Rights Commission, Jean submitted a Priority Written Question on human rights abuses and flawed judicial procedures in Thailand.
Written Declarations
Jean authored a Written Declaration calling on the Council to propose to the UN that 10th August be set aside each year as an international day to commemorate all those who have suffered from use of chemical weapons. Jean also co-authored a Written Declaration on the punitive treatment of political and human rights activists in parts of India.
Letters to the Commission
In response to constituent concerns, Jean wrote to Commissioner Waldner concerning the former Palestinian Parliamentarian, Hussam Khader, who was arrested over three years ago and sentenced by an Israeli Military Court in November 2005 following an unfair trail. Jean also requested clarification from Commissioner Dimas as to how the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive will affect the production of organ pipes
Elaine leaves
We were very sorry to say goodbye to Elaine Mahon who has been working in the Brussels office for the past six months. During that time, Elaine volunteered to monitor the election in Belarus and wrote an account of her experience.
Jean as part of the European SAARC Delegation, spent over a week in India meeting with communities, NGOs, business and media representatives. Jean was particularly pleased to meet with the Chief Minister of Dheli which is twinned with London.
Jean's speech to the Plenary, 4 April 2006 - Worker Mobility
Equality of treatment is a key principle for European citizens, which should apply to employment conditions and access to services within our Member States across the Union. However, in a debate where we are talking about third-country nationals, it is crucial that we are also very clear – as the rapporteur has been – that we are not talking about rolling back the hard-won rights of those individuals, but extending the rights to which our new Member States are entitled.
We have heard a number of arguments over the past few months in favour of maintaining transitional periods. Many of us here do not find them convincing. We believe that what we are seeing is – as has already been mentioned – evidence of irregular employment and false claims about self-employment. I am willing to bet that in all our countries we have a number of Member States’ citizens in unclear situations.
When the UK introduced its worker registration scheme for nationals of the A8 countries, it found that 40% of the Polish people who registered were already in the UK. I believe that is evidence that people want to work legally. We need to encourage them to do that. We need better information in advance, more effort on inspection and supporting whistle-blowers, and greater clarity about people’s rights, so we do not see the exploitation that Mr Cottigny has referred to, which threatens to undercut working conditions and exploits individuals. It is much easier to demand equality of treatment when you have clear rights.
The UK – as has been said – has opened access, with certain shifts on social security. We have had a range of workers, of all skill levels. We found no discernible statistical evidence of an increase in social benefit claims. The economic impact is seen to be modest, and the numbers started slowing towards the end of last year.
For more information on mobility and transitional measures click HERE
4 May, London local elections
8-12 May, European Parliament CIA Investigation Delegation visit to Washington
9th May, Europe Day
17 May, International Day Against Homophobia
20 May, Liberty AGM , London
13th May, World Fair Trade Day
20th May, Cultural Diversity Day
24th May, 30th June - Nationwide Knives Amnesty
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