Attwooll MEP backs urgent action over fisheries fuel crisis

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Jun 2008

Elspeth Attwooll has backed the emergency measures adopted today by the European Parliament to solve the current fuel crisis caused by rising fuel costs.

Speaking after the vote in the Strasbourg (454 for, 84 against) the Lib Dem MEP said:

"The measures set out in the Commission Package and the resolution can help our fishermen to weather the current storm, but it is important that they are applied across all EU Member States. The provision of aid under the de minimis rule and the use of the European Fisheries Fund in particular should be consistent to maintain a level playing-field.

Taking coordinated action against illegal fishing is also important, both to maintain the price of legally caught fish as well as conserve fish stocks overall".

She concluded:

"The other measures, including but going beyond restructuring to energy efficiency and alternative energy sources, also serve environmental purposes.

In adopting them we can bring benefits for our beleaguered fishermen and our endangered planet alike".

ENDS

Notes:

1. The price of fuel has quadrupled since 2004, and fuel prices have soared during May this year, triggering a serious crisis throughout the whole fishing industry.

2. The joint resolution is available at: https://webmaillux.europarl.eu.int/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.europarl.ep.ec/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION%26language=EN%26reference=P6-RC-2008-0305

3. The Commission press release on the emergency package: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/415&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en