Members may be interested to read the general response which the MIA elicited from many MEPs...and now target their attention on Labour MEPs as it seems these are the group who are determined to vote to end the opt-out - in direct opposition to national Government and Labour party advice and policy.......
The text of the replies from MEPs was ....
I have received a number of emails on this topic from individuals and organisations throughout the region. The vast majority are pleading for European Politicians to stop interfering with their freedom to choose how long they work. I agree with you that working men and women should be free to work more than 48 hours if they choose to do so, and this is the position which my party supports wholeheartedly.
There are plenty of safeguards in UK law regarding health and safety and the protection of workers and it is right there should be regulation in this area. But such rules should be set in Britain, not in Brussels. In these tough times many people are looking for additional work opportunities, to work overtime or additional part-time jobs, in order to help make ends meet. Conservative MEPs will be on their side.
Unfortunately, British Labour MEPs voted again with European Socialists and others to end the opt out. This means that the European Parliament and Council of Ministers will now enter a period of 'conciliation' to attempt to break the impasse.
Conservatives will be calling on Gordon Brown as Prime Minister to give no ground on this issue. As a majority of EU member states currently use the opt-out, we hope the Council will block the deal - effectively meaning the opt-out is retained, by default.
