EuroParlRadio

EU-wide VAT harmonisation plans wouldn’t suit Ireland – Hayes

The Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says European Parliament moves to try to harmonise VAT rates across the EU would hinder Ireland’s flexibility in raising tax revenues 

MEPs this week discussed a definite VAT system for the taxation of trade between EU member states.

However, Brian Hayes is not in favour of VAT harmonisation even if it might make it easier for businesses to trade in goods and services across the EU.

Out words: for Ireland

Dur: 00:37

Welfare of transported animals “must be protected” – McGuinness

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says the humane transportation of live animals around Europe must be upheld.

MEPs this week called on EU states to ensure better care of transported animals. They stressed the need for a strong enforcement of existing EU laws on protecting animals when they’re being moved within and outside Europe.

The European Parliament called for a number of proposals including the suspension or withdrawal of a transporter’s license for repeat offenders. Here’s Mairead McGuinness.

Out words: possible level

Dur:  00:18

MEPs call for better transport conditions of animals – McGuinness

The European Parliament today called for ways to improve the welfare of animals when they’re being transported around Europe.

MEPs are calling on EU countries to better enforce existing EU rules protecting transported animals. And they want to see tough penalties being applied for offenders who abuse the rules.

Today’s vote follows graphic reports about the ill treatment of transported animals. The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says it’s a very important issue to address.

Out words: are ensured

Dur:00:33 

New EU-Singapore trade deal “chilling effect” – Harkin

The Independent MEP Marian Harkin is condemning the inclusion of an investment protection mechanism in the new EU-Singapore trade deal.

The European Parliament this week gave the green light to the free trade agreement which will remove virtually all tariffs between the EU and Singapore within five years. Marian Harkin says the deal could leave Ireland open to being sued by international investors.

Out words: to court

Dur: 00:38

UK will be at “back of the line” of future trade deals – Hayes

The UK will find itself at the back of the queue when it comes to striking future trade deals post-Brexit. 

That’s the verdict of the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes. The European Parliament this week gave the green light to a new EU-Singapore trade deal. However, Britain will have to renegotiate its own deal with Singapore once it leaves the EU. 

Brian Hayes says the UK will not be able to compete with the trading bloc when it comes to brokering such deals in the future.

Out words: and vice-versa

Dur: 00:35

Singapore trade deal leaves Ireland vulnerable to being sued – Harkin

A new trade and investment protection deal between Singapore and the EU could leave Ireland open to being sued by large international investors. 

That’s the verdict of the Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

The free trade agreement, which was approved by MEPs yesterday, will remove virtually all tariffs between the EU and Singapore within five years.  Supporters of the agreement say it will be a stepping stone to trade deals with other countries in the region.  

However Marian Harkin is objecting to the inclusion of  an investment protection mechanism in the deal. That provides a court system with independent judges to settle disputes between investors and state.

Out words: a door

Dur: 00:19

“Undemocratic nature” of Backstop must be addressed for support – Dodds

The DUP MEP Diane Dodds says it’s not good enough for the EU to insist it won’t make any changes to the Brexit Withdrawal agreement.

The Northern Ireland MEP was speaking in Strasbourg where this week British cabinet ministers met senior MEPs to discuss Theresa May’s Brexit deal.  

Last night the EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that the EU27 were still waiting for concrete proposals from the UK.

Diane Dodds says the backstop must be changed for DUP support.  

Out words: Withdrawal Agreement

Dur: 00:18

Backstop changes have to be in Withdrawal Agreement – Dodds

The DUP MEP Diane Dodds is insisting that any changes to the backstop deal can only be made in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and not in the political declaration.

The Northern Ireland MEP says her party will not support Theresa May’s deal unless, what she calls the “deeply undemocratic nature of the backstop”, is addressed within the agreement itself.

Out words: Withdrawal Agreement

Dur: 00:30

Extension of Article 50 beyond EU elections “very unsatisfactory” – McGuinness

MEPs in the European Parliament may be running out of patience with the UK as it dithers over Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement.

According to the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness, there’s a desire in the Parliament “to get Brexit done”.

The Midlands North-West MEP says the prospect of Britain prolonging its exit beyond next May’s EU elections would not be good.

Out words:  than pleasure

Dur:  00:25

European Parliament wants “ to get Brexit done” – McGuinness

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says it looks increasingly likely that Theresa May is winding down the clock to force MPs in Westminster into backing her Brexit withdrawal agreement before the March 29^th deadline.

Senior British cabinet ministers met MEPs yesterday in Strasbourg. But so far the EU is saying it will not reopen the Withdrawal agreement and that it won’t change the backstop.

Mairead McGuinness says the prospect of Mrs May leaving another vote on her deal to the last minute will not be good.

Out words: withdrawal agreement

Dur: 00:30