Nieuws van de afdeling

28 February 2007

Unanimous support for SP environment report

The Environment Committee of the European Parliament today voted in favour of an extremely critical report from SP Euro-MP Kartika Liotard. The report, on the European Commission’s so-called “thematic strategy” for sustainable use of natural resources, was adopted without a single vote against. A number of amendments presented by Ms Liotard herself, aimed at reinforcing her report’s critical stance, had earlier won the support of a majority of her colleagues on the committee and were therefore incorporated into the text.

28 February 2007

Parliamentary enquiry into Iraq needed: SP proposes motion

The SP is urging the establishment of a parliamentary enquiry into the background to the Netherlands’ political support for the war against Iraq which began in 2003. Party leader Jan Marijnissen will put a motion calling for such an enquiry during Thursday’s debate on the new government’s programme. “This is a moral question,” Mr Marijnissen said. “The Netherlands has the right to know the truth. And seeking the truth is what Parliament must do.”

22 February 2007

Europe will not allow itself to be redrawn

In discussions on European cooperation the emphasis tends to lie on Europe's unity. Yet it is Europe's diversity which is its essential characteristic.

22 February 2007

Breakthrough at last for asbestos victims

SP Member of Parliament Krista van Velzen describes herself as “delighted” by the agreement which the Eternit corporation has reached with two victims of asbestos. The two suffer from cancer of the pleura brought about by exposure to asbestos, though they were never employed in the industry. Previously, Eternit have denied any responsibility for asbestos-related diseases unless these were caused while working for the firm, and only former employees and their families have received compensation.

19 February 2007

SP: Open debate on the future of NATO

Now that NATO is seeking a new strategic concept for 2009, it's time that we in the Netherlands opened a debate on this amongst the public and politicians.” So said SP Senator Tiny Kox on the occasion of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels. The Assembly, of which Senator Kox is a member, will discuss developments in the alliance as well as the future of what is the world's biggest military organisation.

16 February 2007

SP Member of Parliament chosen to chair multi-party initiative against Aids

The main legislative chamber of the Dutch national parliament yesterday launched a multi-party initiative to combat Aids. Its goal is to increase the involvement and expertise of parliament in the worldwide struggle against HIV/Aids. SP Member of Parliament and development spokesman Ewout Irrgang will chair the body, with Christian Democrat Kathleen Ferrier as vice-chair.

International