Bad news ammendment 57 passed :(

[matt1988]

Ok so we now have to keep up the pressure for plenary in September. Not all over but a bit of a kick in the teeth. 44 votes for 27 against, similar votes for ammendment 58, votes 44 against 25 for .

[fred]

matt1988

Do you know who voted which way?

[matt1988]

No I don't. I'm not sure if we can find that info if I'm honest, not sure if it's meant to be secret or not?

[gaura]

The EU legal committee voted against the legislation on the basis that it would be illegal. The comment made by Sir Francis Jacob QC, former Advocate-General to the European Court of Justice, was that the proposed ban was "an unreasonable measure which is liable to be annulled as being contrary to the principle of proportionality and/or the principle of non-discrimination. "

this prinicipal of proportionality...it is like taking a sledge hammer to crack an egg type scenario. My brother (he studied eu law, so i asked him about this) says this is the important point, that the legislation is going too far by effectively removing all ecigs off the market, that is contrary to the principle of proportionality, this is what would be illegal about the legislation.

That the EU legal committee voted against the legislation is good news at least.

[vereybowring]

There is however rumour they are willing to amend the current law to fit this medicine vote.

Before we even get there though we have much campaigning to do.

Spread as much factual information about e cigs that we can, get as many MEP onside as we can - so more letters, emails, tweets and meetings.

And start anti green and socialist campaigns so they don't get voted back in - i.e. labour, the greens etc.

[GunJack]

^^^ I hate to say it, but verey makes a good point...never EVER thought I'd consider voting tory or ukip, but in EU elections I think I may be swayed on this single issue

[sammy13]

When they say e- cigarette are they referring to every single type, and make?
The reason I ask is because magazines, newspapers, posters in hospitals etc all show pictures of cig a likes stating how they are the way forward for smokers.
What has suddenly changed? Why now are they not the way forward?

[Deleted]

Politics escape me, I have extensive knowledge of very complicated things but i just can't wrap my head around politics lol, the amendment which passed was the medicine one if i am not mistaken?

[Jen]

Jul 10, 2013 20:30:08 GMT GunJack said:

^^^ I hate to say it, but verey makes a good point...never EVER thought I'd consider voting tory or ukip, but in EU elections I think I may be swayed on this single issue

I know I may get slated for this, but there is absolutely no way ever that I'd vote Tory or UKIP or similar. There's a whole host of other issues at play there, not just this single one. I couldn't in all good conscience bring myself to do it. I'd feel dirty for the rest of my life!

Chris Davies (LD MEP North West) just sent me an email encouraging me to write to everyone, he's on our side at least, so there are other options. Mind you, I can't bring myself to vote LD either after the current shower!

[kibbster]

Jul 11, 2013 9:13:02 GMT Jen said:

Jul 10, 2013 20:30:08 GMT GunJack said:

^^^ I hate to say it, but verey makes a good point...never EVER thought I'd consider voting tory or ukip, but in EU elections I think I may be swayed on this single issue

I know I may get slated for this, but there is absolutely no way ever that I'd vote Tory or UKIP or similar. There's a whole host of other issues at play there, not just this single one. I couldn't in all good conscience bring myself to do it. I'd feel dirty for the rest of my life!

Chris Davies (LD MEP North West) just sent me an email encouraging me to write to everyone, he's on our side at least, so there are other options. Mind you, I can't bring myself to vote LD either after the current shower!

MPs don't need to know that though 

[Jen]

Jul 11, 2013 9:24:06 GMT kibbster said:

MPs don't need to know that though 

A very good point well made there, Mr Kibbster

[Perpetua]

Jul 10, 2013 14:04:11 GMT matt1988 said:

No I don't. I'm not sure if we can find that info if I'm honest, not sure if it's meant to be secret or not?

Freedom of Information request . . . or would it not apply to an overseas situation?