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EU agricultural
policy needs radical overhaul
"WE welcome greater
transparency on agriculture spending but would have liked to see
much more ambitious reform overall," said local Labour MEP
and Agriculture Spokesperson Brian Simpson, following votes in the
European Parliament on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (13
March 2013).
The CAP accounts for nearly 40% of the EU budget and MEPs were
voting to determine how these funds should be spent in the period
from 2014 to 2020.
In the run up to the vote, Labour worked with MEPs from across
Europe to put forward ambitious environmental proposals, with a
better deal for UK farmers and rural communities in Britain.
Mr Simpson said:- "Farming is a vital industry in the UK and
the EU as whole, so Labour MEPs want to see an agricultural policy
that is environmentally friendly, sustainable for rural communities
and fully fit for the future.
I am delighted that we have been able to achieve reforms in some key
areas, including on the controversial issues of transparency.
We believe that there should be full disclosure on how CAP money is
being spent, so we proposed that information on the beneficiaries of
European agriculture funds should be published and we are delighted
that the majority of MEPs supported our stance.
However, we are extremely disappointed that other crucial reforms
were rejected by MEPs in favour of sticking with the status quo."
Labour called for a greater focus on rural development and an end to
unfair, inefficient spending. They also highlighted a crucial need
for Europe's agriculture policy to be greener, so proposed stronger
environmental protection requirements that farmers must meet in
order to qualify for funding.
Mr Simpson said:- "We wanted to see reforms that would improve
the competitiveness of rural areas, protect biodiversity and ensure
that the CAP gives farmers the support they need whilst benefiting
society at large.
"Unfortunately these reforms were rejected by the Parliament,
leaving us no option but to vote against the current CAP proposals
as they stand."
EU negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy will continue in
the coming months, with MEPs expected to vote on updated proposals
from the European Commission in June or July 2013.
Mr Simpson added:- "A competitive and productive agricultural
sector is more important than ever and Labour will keep pushing for
the radical reforms that will deliver real public benefit.
Our priority is making sure that agriculture practices in Europe are
green and sustainable, to protect the environment and guarantee the
future of Europe's food production." |
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8 out of 10
freshers have smartphones, according to new UCAS Media survey
82% of new university and
college students own a smartphone and at least 20% have a tablet, a
UCAS Media survey has revealed.
Over 11,000 freshers were asked in December last year about the type
of handset they owned. Around 9,000 revealed they had a smartphone -
capable of handling social media, web browsing and email and running
apps.
The number of UCAS applicants who own a phone which can receive
content at any time has risen by 122% since 2010, the results show.
Today's students are over 40% more likely to own a smartphone that
the overall UK population.
The survey by student marketing experts UCAS Media found that taking
photos (75%), web browsing (73%) and email (69%) are the most
popular phone functions, after texting and calling.
Around 60% of respondents said they used their phone to access
social media and 45% said their device also doubled as music player.
University and college applicants are far more likely to use social
media than the UK population as a whole. Over 92% of applicants are
Facebook users, with 73% on Twitter and 27% uploading pictures with
Instagram.
Nearly 20% said they owned tablets, in response to the survey
conducted shortly before Christmas 2012, suggesting that the
proportion could now be far higher.
Keith Parkman, head of sales at UCAS Media said:- "The large
number of students who now consume content on smartphones and
tablets means marketers are competing for their valuable time like
never before. We known that content must be optimised for mobile,
but because young people are connected 24 hours a day, the timing of
messages is also important. Marketing professionals should picture
students looking at text and images while travelling on the bus,
rushing to a lecture, or out socialising. They don't have much time
to spend looking at adverts and the impact has to be immediate. Now
think, how do I get the right message to potential customers in that
short window of opportunity?"
To get in touch with UCAS Media to discuss advertising to students
call:- 01242 544881 or email:-
ucasmedia@ucas.ac.uk.
NEXT OF KIN APPEAL - DAMIAN GARCIA
MARTIN - SOUTHPORT
THE Sefton Coroner's Office are appealing for information on the
whereabouts of the next of kin of a 62 year old, Damian Garcia
Martin from Southport, Merseyside.
Mr Martin was found dead at his home in Nelson Street on February
13, 2013.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and an
inquest will be held in due course.
Mr Martin was born in Madrid, Spain and had lived in Nelson Street
for around 5 years.
Anyone who knew him and may be able to help trace his next of kin is
asked to call the Coroner's Officer, Jeanette Lesbirel on:- 0151 777
3481. |
