SPECIAL: Labour MEP vague on green policy

• Jun. 2 by Lucas Coe (1)

Labour MEP, Neena Gill, talked exclusively to Birmingham Recycled about the environmental policy she and her party plan to introduce if re-elected to European Parliament.

Gill, a Member of European Parliament since 1999, was reluctant to explain her party’s manifesto for the environment and climate change without a day’s preparation.

However, when explained that a member of the public would not wait a whole day for an explanation on a matter of such high importance such as the environment, Gill agreed to speak on camera.

Watch the video of the interview here.

But when pressed on specific policy and the impact it would have upon Smethwick and Birmingham, Gill was vague:

‘I’m extremely proud of the lead that Labour MEPs have taken in addressing the issue of climate change, in getting clear commitments from the environmental and emissions trading.’

Without explaining what those commitments were, she continued to highlight achievements and priorities, without drawing on specific details and explaining the local impact.

‘Main policy has been about recycling and waste, it’s about recycling of used goods, electrical goods, it’s also about looking at renewable energy.’

In fact, when Labour’s achievements concerning the environment is looked at in the European Parliament, Gill, touched upon five of nineteen achievements, which are listed upon Labour Scottish MEP, Catherine Stihler’s website.

Gill failed to mention important policy that will benefit the public and environment in and around Birmingham:

• A new European register on environmental pollution will be set up to give the public and decision makers easier access to information about pollution caused by local companies.

• New rules on the eco-design of products which will ensure that washing machines, computers, and other energy using products are designed to be more energy efficient.

• Considerably improved bathing water standards in the UK thanks to the high standards set by European legislation.

• Enabled shoppers to choose green products by introducing the “eco label” awarded to products that meet strict criteria minimising the damage done to the environment.

 Neena Gill is standing for re-election to the European Parliament on Thursday 4 June 2009.