In The News
08/09/2010 - Promoting Wales in Strasbourg
Kay and her staff were proud to promote the Ryder Cup and Wales at an event held in the European Parliament at Strasbourg. Those present were given a talk by a spokesperson for the Ryder Cup and were shown a video of Wales which emphasised the economic benefits to Newport and its surrounding areas. Kay said, "World class events such as this prove to the world that Wales can host the most impressive sporting events. The financial boost this will provide for local people is to be particularly welcomed."
14/09/2010 - Job Advertisement
Role: Communication Strategy Officer
Working for: Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales.
Salary: Negotiable and dependant on experience and qualifications.
Details: The successful candidate will be responsible for communication strategy in Wales and will be based in the constituency office in Cardiff, though extensive travel throughout Wales is to be expected.
Job Description:
- Raising the profile of the Welsh Conservatives in the European Parliament in the constituency;
- Developing and maintaining local contacts;
- Arranging visits in the constituency;
- Liaising with AMs, MPs, the local community and the Welsh media;
- Writing press releases and monitoring coverage in the media.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Excellent written and oral communication;
- Good political judgement;
- An ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- A flexible and adaptable approach to work and working hours;
- A full clean driving licence and access to own vehicle for work use;
- Political experience would be an advantage.
Closes: 30th September 2010
Contact: If you have the skills required to succeed in this role, please send a letter of application along with your CV to jacquelinekay.swinburne-office@europarl.europa.eu.
19/10/2010 - Welsh business is crumbling under Labour-Plaid
The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly has challenged the Labour-Plaid government to take responsibility for dramatically failing the business sector in Wales.
http://www.welshconservatives.com/
22/11/2010 - Welsh Conservatives to reveal alternative to NHS cuts
Welsh Conservatives have announced a commitment to eliminating waste in the Assembly Government's Draft Budget and making the delivery of services in Wales more efficient.
Addressing the Conservative Policy Forum in Cardiff, Nick Bourne AM, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly, confirmed his group's intention to publish its proposed budget before Christmas.
17/11/2010 - MEPs should understand why EU governments unwilling to make long-term commitments on EU budget
Following the breakdown of talks over the 2011 EU budget, Welsh Conservative MEP, Dr Kay Swinburne, has called on MEPs from all political groups to understand why national governments are unwilling to make long-term commitments on financing at a time when they are facing extremely tough decisions regarding their national deficits, and dealing with the whole Eurozone crisis.
18/11/2010 - Commission "hedging their bets on CAP reform"
Dr Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, has accused the European Commission of "hedging their bets" as Commissioner Dacian Ciolos finally unveiled the long awaited "Communication on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)".
06/12/2010 - Friends of the Museum Wales Visit the European Parliament
Kay was recently delighted to host an event in the European Parliament for Friends of the Museum Wales. Kay spoke about her role as the Conservative MEP for Wales in the European Parliament and congratulated the Friends for their continued hard work and dedication in promoting Welsh culture and heritage, both in Wales and beyond. Also present was Emma McClarkin MEP, the UK Conservative Spokesperson for Culture and Education who spoke about the importance of culture and heritage in the European Parliament and across the EU Member States. The main aim of the event was to create awareness of the work that the Friends do on behalf of the Museum of Wales to promote Welsh culture and heritage.
Kay is proud that the Friends of the Museum Wales give scholarships to research students and have the best impressionist collection in Europe, next to Paris. The Friends were in Brussels as part of their tour of museums in Belgium.
20/12/2010 - Swinburne stands up for Welsh farmers
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Commenting on a European Parliament resolution, which states any attempt to evade the EU ban on battery cages for laying hens - due to take effect in January 2012 - must be resisted, Kay Swinburne MEP said:
“As far as I am aware, all Welsh egg producers will be compliant with this legislation by the deadline, which is an excellent achievement...
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07/01/2011 - Llantwit Major : Heritage Lottery grant provides funding boost for Galilee Chapel project
South Wales Central AM, Andrew RT Davies, has today spoken of his delight at the announcement of a grant of £298,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to fund a local project at the Galilee Chapel. Andrew visited the project in Llantwit Major yesterday alongside Kay Swinburne MEP .
They met with Reverend Huw Butler and some of the local organising committee who have worked tirelessly to secure the grant of nearly £300,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Speaking after the visit, Andrew said: “These are exciting proposals, seeking to develop the exhibition space in the Galilee Chapel, and will be of huge benefit to the area in terms of education and heritage as well as leisure and tourism.”
20/01/2011 - Competition Policy in the European Union
I would like to congratulate Derkjan Eppink on his comprehensive and well negotiated report - covering so many topics.
Fundamentally Competition policy should be at the heart of the European single market and solid principles of competition should be built into all EU legislation.
Competition should create a stronger market place for EU citizens and allow the EU to be more competitive on a global level.
In the latest swathe of financial services legislation there is a danger that this principle is being lost - we must use every opportunity to create more competition in markets dominated by large market participants and create a more vibrant market place.
In the derivatives legislation currently being negotiated, we can ensure that we do not create or reinforce monopolies by supporting open access to CCPs, and ensuring the availability of data streams to all players.
In the upcoming review of MiFID we must remember its original purpose of opening up Europe's equity markets to competition and to ensure that it is expanded to include all asset classes so as to extend the competitive principles that have significantly driven down trading fees for investors.
When we consider reforms for auditors' credit rating agencies and other financial service providers we can consider where the barriers to market entry lie and work to break them down.
I believe that standing up for competition in key industries is the way that we will generate the true growth potential of the EU and reinvigorate our economies in an ever changing world.
18/01/2011 - New EU law on Patients' Rights in cross-border healthcare
This Directive has taken concrete steps to consolidate patients' rights in accessing healthcare services across the EU.
I have taken an interest in this Directive as the implementation will have a particular impact on my constituency - Wales - where despite the UK Government negotiation with the EU on health matters, the subsequent management and delivery of healthcare is a devolved competence delivered through the Welsh Assembly Government.
14/02/2011 - Welsh Conservatives call for end to travelling circus
Welsh Conservative MEP, Dr Kay Swinburne, was pleased to learn that 70% of MEPs would like to stop having to travel to Strasbourg, as revealed in a report released by the European Parliament this week, "A Tale of Two Cities".
While there is a requirement for MEPs to meet in Strasbourg at least 12 times a year, which is the Parliament's official seat as laid out in the treaty, Welsh Conservatives have long been arguing that the cost to European taxpayers of £150 million cannot be justified...
18/02/2011 - MEP's meeting with Diamond turns to Rhayader closure
Welsh Conservative MEP, Dr Kay Swinburne, has questioned the head of Barclays on a bank closure in Rhayader.
Meeting with Bob Diamond in her capacity as co-ordinator for the ECR Group on Economic Affairs, Kay directly tackled the issue of a lifeblood branch being closed in Rhayader.
Dr Swinburne said: "I am delighted that the chief executive for Barclays listened to the need for a branch to continue in Rhayader and showed willingness to investigate this decision.
"Local branches are the backbone of banking across Wales, helping and enabling all sectors of the community, from local businesses to young savers.
"With more and more local branches closing across Wales, it makes it increasingly difficult for businesses to function on a daily basis, which has a detrimental impact on the wider economy".
Kay hopes that Barclays reassess its decision and that business continues as normal in Rhayader.
05/03/2011 - Kay addresses Welsh Conservative Party Conference
Kay was pleased to address the Welsh Conservative Party Conference during the Spring Forum in Cardiff. Please see the link below.
http://www.kayswinburne.co.uk/videos
22/03/2011 - MEP seeks views on CAP reform
Welsh Conservative MEP Kay Swinburne has invited farming communities across Wales to give their views on CAP reform.
In order to collect opinions and promote debate, free public meetings have been organised across the country, throughout April.
Representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and the farming unions will all be present.
Kay said: “This year will be crucial for consulting with the farming community on the forthcoming CAP reform in Europe.
“The changes need to ensure that our farmers receive a fair deal and obtaining as many views as possible is crucial in getting that right.
“It is my hope that many of those with opinions and viewpoints on the subject can try and make time to attend one of these four public meetings.
“As well as collecting viewpoints, there will also be an opportunity for feedback and debate.”
April 1st, Glyndwr University, St Asaph, 6pm-9pm
April 8th, Royal Showground, Builth Wells, 6pm-9pm
April 27th, Haverfordwest Showground, 6pm-9pm
April 28th, Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth, 6pm-9pm
13/05/2011 - SWINBURNE: Helping small business in Wales
Welsh Conservative MEP, Kay Swinburne, has welcomed the European Commission’s review of the Small Business Act (SBA); to reduce the administrative burdens for SMEs, facilitate better access to finance, and open new markets.
Kay called for ideas from the SBA to be used to provide practical support for Welsh creative industries in particular, in order to support their growth.
The sector currently employs 5 million people across the EU and accounts for 2.6% of its GDP.
Kay said: "I fully support and endorse the ambitious targets for reducing the administrative burden on SMEs.
"We have so much creativity in Wales. It is a hub of activity for new businesses in the hugely profitable global gaming world, as well a centre for cultural excellence with regards to film and programme production. I want to do all we can to nurture these industries.
"We must do more by turning our words into direct actions.
"Big projects like the European Patent and the Digital Agenda need to focus on delivering for small businesses, so they can be used as tools to develop the huge amounts of creative energy around us into true wealth creating businesses - providing jobs and a future for people in Wales, and in the whole of the EU."
18/05/2011 - Wrexham Supporters Trust
Kay Swinburne MEP is backing Wrexham Supporters Trust and their bid to secure a future for the club. “I support and back the Trust’s plans to give majority ownership of the club and its assets back to the community. Wrexham football club has a long and rich history as one of the oldest surviving football clubs in the UK and as the oldest professional club in Wales it is vital to secure it for the local community.”
02/06/2011 - Local residents urged to beware when buying property in Spain
As Spain's development minister Jose Blanco launches a campaign to encourage British people to invest in Spanish property,local Welsh Conservative MEP Kay Swinburne, has warned people to beware some of its planning laws which have seen thousands of homeowners robbed of their houses and nest eggs.
The development ministry launched its Europe-wide campaign in the UK. It is aimed at promoting the 'transparency' of Spain's housing market and the 'soundness' of its property legislation. However, the Ministry is unlikely to highlight the thousands of British families that have invested in homes in Spain, only to have those properties seized by the state because of retrospectively applied planning laws, often resulting in the owners being forced to pay substantial sums for demolition or to rent the land that they have already bought.
The European Parliament's petitions committee has heard from dozens of victims, and in 2009 the parliament passed a report calling on the Spanish authorities to rethink their laws. To date, the Spanish authorities have ignored the call.
Kay said:
"Over the past 2 years I have heard heart-breaking stories from Welsh residents who invested their savings into a holiday or retirement home in Spain, only to face losing everything.
"The Spanish Minister coming here to promote Spanish real estate whilst thousands of British people have lost their homes is not appropriate. Minister Blanco is trying to whitewash his country's abysmal record. I would suggest that the minister sits down with some of the victims and see what they think of his claim about the transparency and soundness of Spanish property legislation. Some of the stories that I have heard are absolutely heart-breaking and demonstrate that the Spanish courts can be futile when it comes to actually helping people pursue justice in this area.
"Conservative MEPs will continue to campaign for Spain to bring its planning laws into the 21st century."
16/05/2011 - Kay Swinburne appointed Conservative Spokesman for Economic and Monetary affairs
Welsh Conservative MEP Kay Swinburne has been appointed as the Economic and Monetary affairs spokesman for the Conservative Party in the European Parliament.
Dr Swinburne already speaks for the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the Parliament.
After her appointment she said that her main priority is to ensure that financial institutions are sufficiently regulated to ensure taxpayers' money is never again used to prop up the banking sector. However, she also pledged to fight overregulation which would see financial institutions, jobs, innovation and venture capital funding relocate away from the UK.
She said:
"We need strong legislation at a national, European and global level to ensure our financial services operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. Our financial markets are the most efficient in the world and we need to ensure they remain competitive whilst able to fund the real economy. Ensuring a strong financial sector in the UK, which is responsible for funding our entrepreneurs and for providing so many jobs in Wales. This will mean working with the coalition government to get the balance right."
01/07/2011 - Internship
Working for: Dr Kay Swinburne, MEP (Wales)
Salary: €1000 per month
Details: Based in the European Parliament in Brussels for a 6 month period. Starting: 5th September 2011
Skills required:
- Interest in ongoing financial services reforms and economic & monetary affairs
- Preferably, a recent graduate in Finance, Economics or "PPE"
- Excellent Literacy and Numeracy skills
- Information Technology Skills (including the use of e-mail and Internet)
- Strong research skills
- Ability to work flexible hours in a very busy office and to work as part of a team
Closes: 15th July 2011
Unfortunately only successful applicants will be contacted.
01/08/2011 - MEP condemns EU blanket speed limits
Welsh Conservative MEP Kay Swinburne has condemned moves by Brussels to create a blanket speed limit below 20mph across all residential areas.
Kay said the proposal was another example of European bureaucrats trying to dictate to Wales on issues that should be decided locally.
The plan for blanket 30 kilometre per hour limits, already approved by the European Parliament's transport committee, would also slap the dead-slow restrictions on most town and city roads - unless they have a separate cycle lane.
The scheme was put forward in a package of measures which the committee has proclaimed will halve road casualties by 2020. Other proposals include regular eye tests for drivers and uniform highway codes and road signs across Europe.
Conservative critics say the plan is a piece of European Union meddling and raises the "plain silly" prospect of road signs saying: Speed limit - 18.64mph.
Kay said: "Of course speed limits as low as 20mph or so can be right in some very specific areas, especially near schools or nurseries, but every location is different and these decisions need to be made case by case. Not by a Europe-wide edict.
"A blanket limit set so low and affecting huge areas of our town centres and suburbs will simply cause resentment among motorists and create more problems than it solves."
14/09/2011 - Kay Swinburne MEP - ECON Speech, Strasbourg
The economic crisis in Europe and the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis is not happening in a bubble.
It is occurring at a time of unprecedented turmoil in all major economics around the world. Collectively, Europe needs to raise trillions of euros to fund the 27 economies - therefore they need investors to purchase their sovereign bond issuances. What the market thinks is therefore very important. For as long as we need money from the markets, whether sovereign or for the EFSF bonds, we need to listen to what they say.
Currently their message is clear. Italian bonds issued this week saw very low demand at very high rates - this despite the purchasing of billions of Italian and Spanish bonds by the ECB in the secondary market. This week the interest rate for Italian bonds have again reached 5 ¾% - hardly sustainable for the 3rd largest sovereign bond market globally.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a Greek default.
Are all the experts in global asset management wrong? If they do not want to take the investment risk who is left to buy eurozone sovereign bonds?
We cannot have the public purse and the taxpayer saving a nation.
Bold moves not a sticking plaster are urgently needed.
12/10/2011 - CAP proposals are a backward step
Welsh Conservatives have concerns over the proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy which was unveiled by the EU Commission this morning.
The reform proposal includes four separate regulations and covers all aspects of agriculture. It will form the basis of the CAP post-2013.
The key aspect is the proposal to withhold 30% of the single farm payment which will only be given to farmers who comply with ‘greening’ measures, which will include farmers having to leave 7% of their land fallow.
Payments to large farms will be capped and the criteria to qualify for as a Less Favoured Area (LFA) will be reclassified. In addition, there will be a separate fund of €3.5bn to allow the EU to respond to crises quickly.
Kay Swinburne MEP for Wales said:
"I am very concerned with the impact this proposal will have on Welsh farmers. Previous reforms have focused on making agriculture more market orientated whereas this reform takes a step backwards. Disappointingly, the proposals will not help to encourage competitiveness as they put more obstacles in the way of farming.
"The greening measures will put an excessive burden on Welsh farmers and will make it exceedingly harder for them to produce food. Direct payments are already subject to strict cross-compliance rules and the existing agri-environment schemes in the second pillar are effective in Wales and should only be further developed.
"At a time of rising food prices and fears regarding food security, it is incredible that the Commission wants to pay farmers to keep land fallow.
"Ultimately, all this proposal will achieve is a greater reliance on imports of food of a lower quality from outside the EU."
Antoinette Sandbach AM, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs commented:
“As I feared the Welsh Government have jumped the gun with Glastir, exposing more farmers to unnecessary red tape. With greening elements now built in to first tier of the CAP, Glastir will become unworkable.
"This is a huge reform, but proposals regarding capping payments for large farms and reclassification of less favoured areas (LFAs) are also unwelcome and will do nothing to reduce bureaucracy and help farmers to meet the goal of feeding a growing Welsh and world population.
"The CAP needs to find a balance whereby it can assist farmers to provide good quality food at affordable prices whilst also delivering environmental benefits. These proposals get the balance completely wrong.
02/12/2011 - Monmouthshire CAP Forum
Many thanks to all those of you who attended the forum on the proposed changes the the Common Agricultural Policy in Usk on 2nd December. It was good for me to hear and try to abate some of your concerns regarding how the changes will affect you. I will be in touch with more details as things develop.
25/01/2012 - MEP serves up a taste of Wales
Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, is delighted to be hosting a 'farmhouse' breakfast this week - right in the heart of Brussels.
The promotional event in the European Parliament on Wednesday is backed by the Farmers' Union of Wales and aims to promote Welsh produce across Europe.
It is linked to a series of events throughout the UK drawing attention to the importance of eating breakfast - but this is the only one to take the key message abroad.
Welsh sausages, bacon, cheese and yogurt will be on the menu, all shipped to Brussels from local producers in Wales.
"Welsh farm produce is of an extremely high quality and something we should be very proud of," said Kay.
"Continentals care very much about sourcing the best produce and we aim to show them they can't beat what we offer
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so what better way to start than with a hearty Welsh farmhouse breakfast?
"I am sure my colleagues will enjoy a meal to savour. And for afters - while we’ve got them, we'll give them a better understanding of Welsh farmers' needs in the upcoming review of the Common Agricultural Policy".
23/01/2012 - EU Commissioner's City of London speech fails to understand global nature of finance, Brussels, 23.01.12
Speaking at a City of London event at the Guildhall today, EU internal market commissioner Michel Barnier called on the City to play 'the European game' in a wide-ranging speech on the commission's agenda for financial services.
European Conservatives and Reformists economics spokesman Kay Swinburne MEP warned that the commissioner's presumption that financial services is a European - rather than a global - game summarises perfectly the problem that the City faces...
15/02/2012 - A boost for Welsh dairy farmers
Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, welcomed the new measures voted on in the European Parliament which will give dairy farmers greater bargaining power and control over the price they receive for milk.
The legislation was drawn up in response to widespread concerns that the negotiating power of major food companies was driving prices down to levels that threatened the survival of some dairy farms.
Importantly, dairy farmer Producer Organisations will now be recognised under the EU legislation, which will allow them to collectively negotiate a price for their milk up to limits of 33 % of national production or 3.5 % of the total EU production. As a result, farmers will have a strong position on the dairy supply chain enabling them to negotiate a better price per litre for their milk.
Finally, the issue of a lack of a written contract will be addressed with national governments having the option of introducing compulsory contracts.
Kay said:
"Welsh dairy farmers have been getting a raw deal on the price of their milk for too long and the uncertain economic situation has only exacerbated this. It is grossly unfair that Welsh dairy farmers receive on average 3p per litre less than the EU average and it is about time this issue is addressed.
“I am pleased to see that the EU is in touch with what dairy farmers are experiencing across Europe with Welsh farmers getting a worse deal than their counterparts across the EU. Whilst it doesn’t solve all of problems that dairy farmers face, this piece of legislation is a good starting point in redressing the balance of power when negotiating the price of milk.
“All EU countries now have the option of introducing contracts, which I would urge the Welsh Government to seriously consider implementing, particularly given that the number of Welsh dairy farmers has halved within the past decade. This move will provide farmers with the much needed stability that they have long been asking for.
“This is a substantial step in the right direction, which I am sure will be welcomed by dairy farmers across Wales."
29/02/2012 - Dr Kay Swinburne MEP and David Davies MP fighting for Boxing Clubs in Wales
Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, along with David Davies MP for Monmouth who is the President of the Welsh Amateur boxing Association will visit Brecon Amateur Boxing Club on Friday to meet with head coach and former Welsh heavyweight champion, Andy Griffiths and his coaching team.
Participation in sport by all age groups brings both health and social benefits, and as part of her work on the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee, Kay is visiting young boxers in clubs around Wales.
"We are very grateful that Kay has taken an interest in the sport and has been able to assist the club with some much needed equipment - raising funds can be very difficult and every little helps," said Andy Griffiths who runs the small club in Brecon. The club was started in 2006 by Andy and along with three coaches, provides boxing coaching to all the youth in Brecon.
David Davies MP, who has fought in several charity boxing matches as ‘The Tory Tornado’, is backing Kay's effort to enable young people who want to take part in the sport to have the opportunity to do so.
“Most people think boxing is just about jumping into a ring and exchanging punches with an opponent,” he said. “In fact that is only a tiny part of the sport, mostly it is about a very intensive system of training. Many people who train at boxing clubs never step into the ring and they are just as welcome.
"As an active boxer myself, I know the benefits of regular training for young people and it's great to see Kay engage with young people in this way.”
Kay is working with clubs across Wales to help provide some basic equipment to assist young people as they progress in the sport. "There is a great coaching team in Brecon and I am pleased we can support the great work they are doing in the local community. Currently, there are 113 affiliated clubs throughout Wales with approximately 4,600 members, including many 10 to 24 year olds. Wales has a history of nurturing world class boxing athletes and I am hugely supportive of our youth taking part in the sport.
"I look forward to following their progress as they compete in tournaments across Wales."
01/03/2012 - Kay Swinburne MEP celebrates St. David’s Day
As people across Wales today celebrate St. David’s Day, Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, brought a small slice of Wales to Brussels this morning (1st March). The event was hosted to raise the Welsh profile in the European Parliament for MEPs from across Europe and Welsh citizens working in the city, so they could enjoy Bara Brith, Welsh cakes and tea!
Speaking at the event, Kay said:
“I am very proud of my Welsh heritage and am keen to show how rich our history and culture is to my colleagues from across Europe.
“We can all learn a lot from one of St. David’s most famous proverbs, 'gwnewch y pethau bychain', meaning that one should do the small things in life. I think it is particularly relevant to MEPs as they strive to make a difference for the people they represent across Europe.
“Happy St. David’s Day! Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus i bawb!”
07/03/2012 - New EU rules to create safer cross-border securities transactions
The European Parliament's rapporteur (lead member) on plans to regulate the infrastructure that enables 900 trillion Euros of securities transactions to be settled every year has said that the Commission proposals announced today are a welcome start.
Dr Kay Swinburne MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group economics spokesman, has said that the regulation should look after the needs of both securities issuers and investors, particularly when trading across the EU single market. However, she also wants to ensure that legislation is proportionate and recognises the global nature of securities transactions.
The proposals on so-called Central Securities Depositories (which enable the settlement of virtually all securities transactions) will see common standards introduced to increase the safety of cross-border transactions, to increase the efficiency of settlements by creating a competitive internal market for CSD operations, and to apply a regulatory framework including higher prudential requirements to CSDs.
The proposals will complement proposals already in the pipeline to improve financial market infrastructure including the regulation of trading and clearing (tackled by MiFID and EMIR respectively), and to fulfil the EU's G20 commitments in this regard.
Dr Swinburne said:
"The Commission has provided us with a good starting point for our work. European CSDs facilitate over 900 trillion Euros of transactions annually so it is important that we put in place a regulatory framework that will improve safety and efficiency for both issuers and investors.
"Enhancing the infrastructure to enable easier cross-border access to settlement processes within the EU single market is a positive move; we must always be mindful of the global role that CSDs play. I welcome these moves to improve standards of operation."
"We need to recognise that CSDs are Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIS) whose failure would be catastrophic for the entire financial system. Therefore, if special measures need to be taken, such as banking licences for certain parts of their businesses, this needs to be undertaken carefully so as not to disrupt a model that has worked well throughout the financial turbulence of the past few years."
"The cost of settlement for European investors is off the scale in comparison to the low costs experienced in the US. We need to level the playing field and knock down all barriers for investors so that EU financial markets can be competitive on a global level and serve the needs of the entire economy."
08/03/2012 - World Kidney Day 2012
and further information can be found in the 'Article' section of this website.
15/03/2012 - Science must lead the fight against new farm virus
Conservatives today called on the EU to ensure scientists respond vigorously and urgently to the threat of the new livestock virus Schmallenberg.
Welsh Conservative MEP, Kay Swinburne, speaking after a debate in the Parliament in Strasbourg today, said science would be vital in learning more about the disease and finding ways to control its spread.
Schmallenberg virus emerged this year and causes alarming birth defects in cattle and sheep. There have now been more than 2,000 cases in Europe, including several hundred in England, the virus having crossed the Channel from Holland and Belgium.
Kay said: "Little is so far known about the virus and there is no cure or preventive vaccine at present.
"It is not a notifiable disease but we would strongly urge farmers to report cases so that the right precautions can be taken and more can be learnt about the disease.
"There is no evidence of any implication for human health, but the commercial damage for farmers whose stock is hit by the virus is potentially terrible.
"We would encourage the European Commission to make sure scientists tackle vigorously the question of whether an early cure can be found for this disease and whether vaccination could be effective..
"Its progress across Europe has so far been gradual, but worrying. However, it is believed to be carried by midges and mosquitoes - so the coming spring and summer months could be vital to its containment or otherwise.
The debate in the European Parliament was called by for by Northern Ireland MEP James Nicholson, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group agriculture spokesman.
"Although Welsh farmers have not experienced a case of this new virus to date, we need to be on our guard and report any suspected cases promptly.
"It is vital that we learn the lessons of bluetongue - another insect-borne virus affecting sheep and cattle that crossed over from Europe a few years ago. Viruses like this do not respect international boundaries. Europe needs a joined-up response to Schmallenberg which ensures veterinary firepower is available promptly wherever it is needed."
19/03/2012 - Congratulations to the Welsh Rugby Team!
My congratulations to the Welsh Rugby Team who have made Wales so proud after their outstanding performances in this year’s Six Nations Championship. Their success in achieving the Grand Slam has brought the attention of the world onto Wales and has showcased the very best of Wales’ talent. Llongyfarchiadau!
20/03/2012 - Dr Kay Swinburne MEP and David Davies MP fighting for Boxing Clubs in Wales
Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, along with David Davies MP for Monmouth who is the President of the Welsh Amateur boxing Association will visit Chepstow Amateur Boxing Club on Thursday to meet with head coach and Terry Dymock and his team.
Participation in sport by all age groups brings both health and social benefits, and as part of her work on the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee, through her unique social action project, Kay is visiting young boxers in clubs around Wales.
"We are very grateful that Kay has taken an interest in the sport and has been able to assist the club with some much needed equipment - raising funds can be very difficult and every little helps," said Terry Dymock who runs the small club in Chepstow.
David Davies MP, the Tory 'Tornado' and President of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, is backing Kay's effort to encourage as many young people to participate in sport as possible. "As an active boxer myself, I know the benefits of regular training for young people, and it's great to see Kay engage with young people in this way. I am pleased that Kay can support a local club in my area."
As part of a wider social action project, Kay is working with clubs across Wales to help provide some basic equipment to assist young people as they progress in the sport. "Terry and his team are doing a fantastic job in Chepstow and I am pleased we can support the great work he is doing in the local community. Currently, there are 113 affiliated clubs throughout Wales with approximately 4,600 members, including many 10 to 24 year olds. Wales has a history of nurturing world class boxing athletes and I am hugely supportive of our youth taking part in any sport.
"I look forward to following their progress as they compete in tournaments across Wales."