Nieuws van de afdeling

26 March 2007

Open borders make increase of inhuman living conditions a certainty

“The number of foreign workers living under inhuman and life-threatening conditions will grow if the government abolishes the work permit system." That is the conclusion drawn by SP Member of Parliament Paul Ulenbelt following a tour of a number of neighbourhoods in Den Haag led by workers from the local authority's building and accommodation inspectorate.

24 March 2007

SP Leader Addresses Norwegian Socialist Left

The recent success of the SP has not gone unnoticed abroad, writes Jan Marijnissen. Although I have a real aversion to conferences, I was happy to accept an invitation to speak at the Congress of the SV, the Socialist Left Party, in Norway. From Friday to Sunday I was in Oslo in order to attend their first Congress since their entry into the government whose other members are the social democrats and a centrist farmers' party.

23 March 2007

European integration isn't a question of marketing

In common with France, the Netherlands belongs to the six countries which fifty years ago concluded the Treaty of Rome, the beginning of European cooperation. The people who in 2005 seized the opportunity to express their views in a referendum had a great deal of experience of European politics. In this half century Europe has not succeeded in winning the hearts of the people. Europe's friends should therefore bother themselves less with a new Constitution, and rather invest more in winning the public's trust.

23 March 2007

New revelations over course of Iraq war underline need for enquiry

“These new revelations in the media regarding Dutch involvement in the Iraqi war underline the need for a parliamentary enquiry.” So says SP Member of Parliament Harry van Bommel in reaction to the programme 'Reporter', broadcast on Sunday evening. Essential data are already being revealed, while Van Bommel has been able to examine the programme's supporting documentation.

22 March 2007

Fifty Years of Europe

This week marks the fiftieth anniversary of the European Union with extensive celebrations. This afternoon there will even be a celebration in the Ridderzaal, in the heart of the Dutch parliament. Harry van Bommel will be present, representing the SP. For my part, I will attend a forum with European Commissioner Neelie Kroes and Secretary of State Frans Timmermans.

15 March 2007

EU should keep its nose out of our environmental policies

The European Commission wants to set punishments for environmental crimes. Although it's sensible to have a European approach to environmental problems, this proposal goes too far. The EU should not be interfering in Dutch criminal law, say Members of Parliament Jan de Wit and Harry van Bommel.

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