Euro MP Urges UK Government to stand up to Eurosceptics & defend British victims of crime

IN a key vote in the European Parliament this week Euro MPs voted on a new law to on establish minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.

The vote follows a long campaign by local Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, who has been calling on the European Commission to strengthen the rights of victims of crime across the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Arlene has called for action from the EU since the tragic murder of her Liverpool constituent Gary Dunne, in Spain, in 2006, that had left his family facing years of struggle to receive justice. Justice which they are still fighting for!

Arlene said:- "Too often victims and their families are denied critical information and support. They are often too distressed to understand the complex procedures of another country's justice system. We urgently need a fast and simple EU system which explains their rights, gives information in their own language and provides essential support to families and victims. This new law will help put this in place."

Arlene, who is supporting campaigner Maggie Hughes whose son was the subject of a vicious and debilitating attack in Greece in 2008. Arlene added:- "This law is a tribute to campaigners like Gary Dunne's parents and Maggie Hughes who have turned personal tragedy into a commitment that others won't face the challenges they did. I and my colleagues in the European Parliament will now ensure this new law lives up to the campaigners' calls."

The UK has until 1 June 2014 to decide whether to exercise its opt out from all EU policing and criminal law measures adopted prior to the Lisbon Treaty.

Arlene said:- "This law provides vital protection for British victims of crime across Europe. It would be travesty if this Government for anti-European ideological reasons pulled out of this law. We need to continue to stand up and support our victims of crime."

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A new website keeping people up to date with the good things happening in Liverpool has been launched by the City Council.  From cultural events to regeneration projects, business successes or what's happening in neighbourhoods, dalestreetnews.com will showcase and promote the hard work going on to improve life for anyone who lives, works or visits the City. It comes after Mayor Anderson announced, in July 2012, that he was scrapping City Magazine; the quarterly publication issued by the City Council to every resident in Liverpool; as part of a cost cutting drive, saving £100,000 per year.  Mayor Joe Anderson said:- "Every day in Liverpool, many different organisations are working to make a positive difference to the lives of people in the City. Some of this good work is reported by the local press, but they have fewer resources to cover stories than they used to and the banner headlines nowadays are usually about crime, gangsters and minor celebrities.  Dale Street News is the place where people can find out about developments both big and small, what we're doing to improve education, cultural events, the work going on to tackle housing issues, how we're making a difference in neighbourhoods and what we're doing to improve parks and open spaces. We don't have the space to put all this information on our own website, so we've created a dedicated online portal, and are working with our partners to highlight their work as well.  When I took the decision to save money by getting rid of City Magazine, I said we would come up with new ways of communicating with people. This is part of my commitment to keeping people informed."  You can also follow Dale Street News on Twitter at:- twitter.com/dalestreetnews.

NEXT OF KIN APPEAL - ALEXANDER DAVID NELSON MEGGS

THE Liverpool Coroner's Office are appealing for information on the whereabouts of the next of kin of a man from Everton. Alexander David Nelson Meggs, who was known as David, died at his home on St Martin Mews on Thursday, 13 September 2012, at the age of 86. It is believed that Mr Meggs worked as a life guard in a swimming baths on the Wirral when he was younger. He was married and is thought to have 6 children, 4 sisters and a brother, whom he was estranged from. Liverpool Coroner's Office would like to hear from his family and anyone who can offer information that could help trace his family. Anyone with information should call Clair Crilly at the Coroners Officer on:- 0151 225 5064 or email her at:- clair.crilly@liverpool.gov.uk.

ASBO - WARREN WRIGHT

A 40 year old man has been banned from entering shops in Southport after receiving an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on Thursday, 13, September 2012. Warren Wright, of Manchester Road, Southport, was given the ASBO at Sefton Magistrates Court following evidence from the Police, Council and local businesses. As conditions of his ASBO he must not:- Enter any shop in Lord Street, Southport including premises within the Wayfarers Arcade with the exception of Southport Supermarket 649 Lord Street, Southport. The ASBO lasts for 2 years and if Wright breaches the terms of his order he can be arrested and taken back to court.