Latest news / press releases
MEP Appeal to Help Elderly in Brent19 Mar 2008
Brent’s Labour MEP, Robert Evans, dropped in to the home of an elderly resident this week to lend his support to a new initiative that aims to enhance the lives of elderly people across the borough. The initiative has been set up to combat the isolation felt by many elderly people and is run by charity, "Contact the Elderly".
New Funding and Technology to Improve Lives of Elderly People
12 Mar 2008
The European Parliament has voted for a package of measures to help older people stay healthy and live independently for longer. The European Union will make over £100 million available to fund research into new technologies that counteract problems related to memory, vision, hearing, mobility and loss of independence. 23 countries, including the UK, will pool funds to face the challenge of our ageing populations.
Euro-MP Announces New Flood Aid
11 Mar 2008
Local MEP Turns up Heat in Hammersmith Kitchen
10 Mar 2008
MEP Talks Fairtrade at Richmond Oxfam Shop
07 Mar 2008
Local MEP Samples Fairtrade Delights at Hounslow’s St Pauls Centre
07 Mar 2008
Hounslow’s Labour MEP, Robert Evans, dropped in to the Open House café at the St Paul’s Centre this morning to sample the Fairtrade delights on offer and chat to local residents about the issues involved. Mr Evans is joining thousands of campaigners across the UK in promoting Fairtrade Fortnight, an international movement that runs from 25th February to 9th March.
Euro-MP Pledges Support for Enfield Campaigners
29 Feb 2008
MEP’s Report Blasts Ship Breaking Scandal
28 Feb 2008
MEP: President Musharraf’s Position Hangs in the Balance
19 Feb 2008
Labour MEP and head of the European Parliament's election observation team in Pakistan, Robert Evans, says that nationwide results in Pakistan’s elections, which confirm a big defeat for the ruling PML-Q party, mean that Pervez Musharraf’s position is now in the balance and his future as President is far from certain.
MEP Reports on Election Observation in Pakistan
19 Feb 2008
“The world is holding its breath as the results are tallied in today’s crucial elections in Pakistan", said Robert Evans MEP who is the chair of the European Parliament’s Observation delegation. “President Musharraf must now be sitting by his television watching the results come in and pondering his future and that of his country”.
Sole Election Observation Mission Gears Up in Pakistan
14 Feb 2008
“The European Parliament team and the EU’s long-term observation efforts are set to be the only major international observation to take place within Pakistan during these important elections. The eyes of the world will be upon us”.
Uxbridge MEP Investigates Opportunities for Young Women in Industry
01 Feb 2008
The Euro-MP for Uxbridge, Robert Evans, took part in a tour of the design and enginering projects (including a racing car) of women studying at Brunel University on Friday. The Visit marks a report in the European Parliament urgin countries across Europe to provide more women wiht the opportunity to get involved in industry.
Kingston MEP Takes to the Water
25 Jan 2008
The Euro-MP for Kingston, Robert Evans, braved the cold at Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre this morning to promote better access to Kingston’s waterways.
Mr Evans kayaked with the centre manager and discussed what could be done to encourage more people to use the river for recreational and economic purposes. He pledged to play his part in challenging a number of factors that threaten to restrict access to Kingston’s waterways.
Sutton’s Euro-MP: Carshalton Boys School has a Chance to Shine
18 Jan 2008
Sutton’s Euro-MP, Robert Evans, paid a visit to Carshalton Boys Sports College today to mark a European initiative aiming to get more sports into education. Mr Evans learnt how the school has used sport to turn itself around.
“Hounslow MEP: Lifelong Learning is the key to a better life”
18 Jan 2008
Sutton’s Euro-MP, Robert Evans, paid a visit to Carshalton Boys Sports College today to mark a European initiative aiming to get more sports into education. Mr Evans learnt how the school has used sport to turn itself around.
'Hooligans' in the European Parliament
16 Jan 2008
Robert Evans, a Labour MEP, has branded a group of his parliamentarian colleagues 'a bunch of hooligans and hoodlums' after they embarked on a round of 'guerrilla tactics' during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday.
Euro-MP in Sporting Endeavour at Harrow School
14 Jan 2008
Robert Evans, a Labour MEP, has branded a group of his parliamentarian colleagues 'a bunch of hooligans and hoodlums' after they embarked on a round of 'guerrilla tactics' during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday.
Euro-MP in Sporting Endeavour at Ruislip School
11 Jan 2008
“EU must provide funds to protect the health of our future generations”
Hillingdon’s Euro-MP, Robert Evans, took part in a sports lesson (table tennis) at Ruislip High School today to mark the release of a European report examining the role of sport in education. Mr Evans listened to the views of staff and students and made the case that the EU should help provide funds needed across the UK for sporting facilities.
London MEP in fight against AIDS
30 Nov 2007
Sign the petition!
London’s Euro-MP Robert Evans has pledged to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS and is appealing to his constituents to help him.
In a campaign to mark World AIDS Day, Mr Evans is joining 219 Labour and Socialist members of the European Parliament in calling for:
· The lifting of national bans on TV advertising of condoms when young people might be watching.
· Condom manufacturers to reduce prices to levels closer to production costs.
· Other European countries to follow the UK’s lead and reduce the VAT on condoms to the minimum rate.
Mr Evans said:
"HIV-AIDS is not just an issue for developing countries or high risk groups. Infection rates are rising in the UK. Nearly 9000 people become infected each year in the UK, which makes us the country with the highest rate of infection in Europe. This is an urgent matter of public health that we must take seriously."
London MEP Appeals to Constituents for Cyclone Aid
26 Nov 2007
London MEP Robert Evans is issuing a plea to his constituents to come to the aid of people in cyclone-ravaged Bangladesh, having recently returned from the disaster area.Mr Evans is Chair of the European Parliament’s South Asia Delegation and was in Bangladesh as part of a long planned visit. He took the opportunity to assess the level and type of aid being supplied to the country. He said:
“I have seen wholesale destruction in Bangladesh, in lots of villages up to 80% of homes have been destroyed”.
He continued:
“I would like to issue a heartfelt plea to the people of London to come to the aid of those in desperate need of food and shelter. Over 3 million people have been affected and the scale of the destruction is only just becoming clear. Please think carefully and donate generously to people in desperate need of your help”.
European Parliament resolution on Pakistan
15 Nov 2007
Today the European Parliament debated and voted on a resolution condemning the imposition of the state of emergency in Pakistan.
Robert Evans MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's South Asia delegation, voiced his concerns and slammed conservatives and liberals for watering down demands on President Musharraf. He said:
"I am deeply shocked about the declaration of the state of emergency and suspension of Pakistan 's constitution and fundamental liberties.”
In drafting the joint resolution on Pakistan Labour MEPs urged the Parliament to include a paragraph enabling the imposition of targeted sanctions on President Musharraf and top military and government officials. Mr Evans explained:
“The sanctions included travel bans and the freezing of assets in the event that president Musharraf does not lift the current state of martial law and step down as chief of the army. However, these important sanctions were blocked by conservative and liberal members of the Parliament”.
Landmark Ruling in Fight Against Climate Change
12 Nov 2007
The European Parliament has voted in favour of a landmark step in the fight against climate change. A date has now been set to include aircraft emissions into the EU’s “emissions trading scheme”. The scheme is the first of its kind in the world and will be a key instrument in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As of 2011 the emissions trading scheme (ETS) will allocate permits to flight operators, giving them the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide per year. The total number of permits will therefore set a limit on the overall emissions from participants in the scheme. MEPs will limit aircraft operators’ allowance of CO2 emissions to 90% of their annual emission in 2004-2006.
Euro-MP Praises Efforts of Richmond Poppy Factory
09 Nov 2007
Robert Evans, Euro-MP for Richmond, visited the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory on Petersham Road on Friday to congratulate the workers on their contribution to remembrance Sunday.
Each year 32 million Remembrance poppies and 80,000 wreaths are made at the Poppy Factory. A team of 50 people, most of them disabled, work all year round. They also make the wreathes laid by Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal family.
Mr Evans said:
“The work done here really is quite incredible. It is often taken for granted that those famous red poppies just appear at this time of year, but in reality an enormous amount of effort goes into ensuring all the preparations are made”.
Euro-MP in Bid to Raise Profile of Adoption
07 Nov 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans met with local experts in Hillingdon today in a bid to raise the profile of adoption, and the plight of neglected and unwanted children. The visit was planned to coincide with National Adoption Week and the launch of new initiative, NCH Black Families, which aims to find homes for black, minority and ethnic children.
Members of Hillingdon’s adoption and permanence team took the opportunity to talk Mr Evans through the adoption and fostering process and the main challenges they face in the borough. Mr Evans said:
“The work done here is incredibly valid, there are currently 43 children in the borough awaiting homes. One of the major concerns of the team is that it is difficult to find people to adopt older children, children that are part of sibling groups or that have disabilities. It is important to stress this anomaly, all children deserve a stable and consistent family life”.
Euro-MP Opens Gallery Showcasing Merton’s Rising Black Talent
19 Oct 2007
Merton’s Euro-MP Robert Evans opened a gallery exhibition in Wimbledon today. The exhibition entitled, “The New Black”, is displaying works by young black art stars from Merton and South London and has been organised to coincide with Black History Month.
The exhibition, taking place at “A Gallery” on Merton Hall Road, is displaying a variety of works including fine art, digital pieces and film. The gallery is featuring work that highlights issues facing young black people today.
Euro-MP lends a hand to homeless in Shepherd’s Bush
12 Oct 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans lent a hand at a day centre for homeless people in Shepherd’s Bush today to mark World Food Day. Mr Evans joined workers at the “Upper Room” Day Centre in St Saviour’s Church on Cobbold Road to sort food and tins donated from across the borough. World Food Day takes place on Tuesday 16th September and highlights food as a basic human right. Mr Evans said:
“Many of us in the UK take for granted the ease at which we feed ourselves, but around 800 million people across the world go hungry every day. Poor nutrition leads to ill health and diminished capacity for work and learning, and in a country where so many of us have so much we should at least do something for those closest to home”.
Little Learners Welcome Euro-MP at Story-time
05 Oct 2007
Euro-MP and former head-teacher Robert Evans held story-time for a group of children at the Little Learners nursery in Brent today. Mr Evans made the visit to promote Childrens’ Book Week.
Childrens’ Book Week is taking place from 1-7 October as a special reminder that books are a wonderful way for children to explore the world, and with this year’s theme of the environment, learn to care about it too.
Mr Evans selected two books with this theme in mind. He said:
“As a former teacher I understand the importance of reading to children at a young age, not just for education but for enjoyment too. Reading allows children to imagine themselves and the world in new and exciting ways”.
Fulham Cross School hosts reception for MEP to celebrate European Day of Languages
28 Sep 2007
Fulham Cross School hosted a European themed reception for Euro-MP Robert Evans this week, to mark the European Day of Languages and the school’s week-long celebrations.
Mr Evans held a special lesson for the students in the School’s library, before taking part in a question and answer session. He took a survey of the different languages spoken by the students, and said:
“Talking between nations is vital to maintain peace across the world, and languages are an integral part of this. We can all move so freely throughout Europe now that speaking another language is a real advantage. The earlier we start teaching children languages the better”.
Euro-MP Creates A Huge Stir
28 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans flew in from Strasbourg today to host a coffee morning at his Feltham Office in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Local residents, Councillors and PCSOs joined Mr Evans in emptying their pockets and picking up a hot cup of coffee as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.
Mr Evans said:
“270, 000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, and the lives of countless more are blighted by it. I am delighted to play my part in raising money for such an important cause”.
Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said;
"I’d like to say a massive thank you to Robert Evans and everyone who attended for joining the World’s Biggest Coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer affects us all and simply having a cup of coffee is a great way to help Macmillan be there for more people with cancer".
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is an annual event. This year 42,000 people held coffee mornings and helped Macmillan reach their target of £7 million. The money will be used to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Mr Evans’ coffee morning raised £90.
Euro-MP Announces Better Deal for Rail Passengers
25 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans has announced that all rail passengers are to enjoy a set of basic rights.
The legislation was originally intended to apply only to passengers on international journeys, but Mr Evans, a Labour MEP, fought hard to include passengers on domestic journeys, meaning train companies in the UK won’t be able to avoid the legislation.
Euro-MP Marks European Mobility Week with cycle ride to Richmond School
21 Sep 2007
Robert Evans, Euro-MP with special responsibility for Richmond, completed a cycle ride across South and South West London at The Vineyard School in Richmond today. The Cycle Ride was to mark European Mobility Week and to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally form of transport. The children greeted Mr Evans, who then gave a special assembly on the environment.
This week hundreds of European cities have taken part in the sixth European Mobility Week to promote sustainable transport. People took part in activities across Europe to show they care about climate change. Mr Evans said:
“Road capacity for cars is constantly increasing but at a cost to the environment, and at a cost to our health. This bike ride is about finding an alternative, one that is cheap, easy and fun too!”
Euro-MP Leads Bobbies on Their Bikes Through Sutton
21 Sep 2007
Robert Evans, Euro-MP with special responsibility for Sutton, led a group of local PCs and PCSOs through the borough today to mark European Mobility Week and promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport.
This week hundreds of European cities are taking part in the sixth European Mobility Week to promote sustainable transport. People will take part in activities across Europe to show they care about climate change. Mr Evans said:
“Road capacity for cars is constantly increasing but at a cost to the environment, and at a cost to our health. This bike ride is about finding an alternative, one that is cheap, easy and fun too!”
Euro-MP Leads Bobbies on Their Bikes Through Merton
21 Sep 2007
Robert Evans, Euro-MP with special responsibility for Merton, led a group of local PCs and PCSOs through the borough today to mark European Mobility Week and promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport.
This week hundreds of European cities are taking part in the sixth European Mobility Week to promote sustainable transport. People will take part in activities across Europe to show they care about climate change. Mr Evans said:
“Road capacity for cars is constantly increasing but at a cost to the environment, and at a cost to our health. This bike ride is about finding an alternative, one that is cheap, easy and fun too!”
Croydon kids wave off Euro-MP on bike ride for European Mobility Week
21 Sep 2007
The children from Oval Primary School in Croydon waved off Euro-MP Robert Evans today as he began a bike ride across South and South West London to mark European Mobility Week. Before he departed on his bike Mr Evans held a special assembly on the environment to encourage cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport.
This week hundreds of European cities are taking part in the sixth European Mobility Week to promote sustainable transport. People will take part in activities across Europe to show they care about climate change. Mr Evans said:
“Road capacity for cars is constantly increasing but at a cost to the environment, and at a cost to our health. This bike ride is about finding an alternative, one that is cheap, easy and fun too!”
Euro-MP Pledges Support For Ealing Drug And Alcohol Action Programme
14 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans marked the adoption of the European Parliament’s report on “reducing alcohol related harm” today, by pledging his support for the staff and young people working on the Ealing Drug and Alcohol Action Programme.
Members of the European Parliament have been debating several aspects of the new report including: labelling and warnings, binge-drinking, "alcopops" and measures to protect vulnerable people such as children and young people.
Mr Evans heard stories firsthand of young people that have been affected by drugs and alcohol in today’s binge drinking society, and have received support from the centre. He also took the opportunity to stress that he will now push for more action to prevent both drug and alcohol abuse. He praised the efforts of the team:
Euro-MP Plants Peace Tree With Harrow Youth
14 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans planted a tree to symbolise peace with students from Hatch End High School in Harrow today, to celebrate the London Week of Peace.
Mr Evans discussed with the students what peace in the community means to them, and spoke of his experiences on an international scale. The students put forward ideas to promote peace in their community.
Mr Evans said:
“With the latest spate of gun crime and all the bad press that young people have been receiving I felt it was vital to speak to those at the centre of the debate during the London Week of Peace. Young people have the opportunity to influence peace in their own communities both now and in the future”.
Euro-MP Pledges Support For Harlington Youth Team In Tackling Binge-Drinking
07 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans marked the adoption of the European Parliament’s report on “reducing alcohol related harm” today, by pledging his support for the staff and young people working on the Youth Awareness Programme at Harlington Young People’s Centre.
Mr Evans heard stories firsthand of young people that have been affected by alcohol in today’s binge drinking society, and have received support from the centre. He praised the efforts of the team:
“The staff really do an incredible job at getting young people involved. The Programme offers young people the chance to learn about, and warn others, of the dangers of alcohol using their own words and artwork”.
Euro-MP Takes Tea With Elderley Flood Victims To Highlight Debate On Aid
07 Sep 2007
Euro-MP Robert Evans “took tea” in Kingston today with two elderly women forced out of their sheltered accommodation by flood damage, to mark the British Government’s request for aid from Europe.
Mr Evans heard the women’s stories firsthand, which included internal flooding caused by leaking manholes inside the building, and an emergency evacuation staged by housing officers. Mr Evans viewed the remaining damage and learnt that some residents are still unable to return to their homes.
“The damage caused to the UK by floods this summer came as a real shock to all of us. I would like to applaud the efforts of those at Sobraon House in their recovery operation, and reassure them that Members of the European Parliament are aware of the distress that has been caused and are doing everything in their power to help”.
Cut carbon emissions by creating a Single European Sky
05 Sep 2007
Labour Euro MPs are calling on the European Commission to proceed with creating a single European sky. This would result in efficiency gains, reduction in delays and more effective routings, and would lead to a 12 million tonne annual reduction in the CO2 produced by airlines flying in Europe 's skies.
The European Parliament debated the failure to create a Single European Sky, which would effectively unite Europe’s 35 air navigation service providers into one. Aircrafts are currently taking unnecessary detours to save on air traffic control fees.
Euro MP wins fight for 7 million disabled travellers in UK and Europe
20 Jul 2007
A landmark law, pioneered by Euro MP Robert Evans, has come into force and will affect 7 million disabled, blind and elderly people across the UK and Europe.
The regulations mean that passenger planes and holiday companies, including airlines like Ryanair, can no longer refuse to fly people on the basis of their disability.
7 million passengers require assistance at airports across Europe every year, but until now risked being kicked off their flights at the last minute.
Horror stories have included:
· 9 blind and partially sighted travellers being ejected from a Ryanair flight because there were too many disabled people on the plane.
· A woman born without limbs who was told by an Air France employee that, “a torso cannot possibly fly on its own…”.
· Passengers that have been charged by Stansted and Ryanair to hire wheelchairs to get from check-in to the departure gate.
MEP Backs Axed Disabled Workers In Brixton
19 Jul 2007
London’s longest serving Euro MP, Robert Evans met with angry shop stewards “on the job” at the Brixton and Woolwich Remploy factories on Wednesday 18th July, in a show of support for devastated workers that have been earmarked to lose their jobs.
The Effra road site works on electrical manufacturing contracts and employs 51 people in total, 46 of which are disabled. Mr Evans said:
“It is extremely worrying that these workers will lose jobs in which they have thrived. The factory has offered its workers greater independence and a rewarding livelihood”.
The President of paradise islands warns the world about the impact of global warming
18 Jul 2007
The president of the Maldives - arguably the most beautiful islands on earth - his excellency Maumoon Gayoom told a high profile audience of luminaries from politics, business, sport and entertainment how delighted he was to speak at the House of Lords.
At the well attended event, hosted by the Lord Naseby and organised by the Blue Sky Network and the Madivian High commission, the president spoke of his 25 year mission to get the world to take seriously the impact of global warming.
Speaking days after the friends of live earth concert, that took place in Maldives, the president also spoke about the political progress being made in his country towards an open democracy.
The chairmen of the European Unions' South Asia Group, Roberts Evans MEP, told guests how happy he was that real progress has been made towards a genuine democracy and offered his support for the democratic reform agenda. Mr Evans also discussed with Dr Gayoom the impact of global warming on the Maldives.
Organisers of yesterday's event, the Blue Sky Network, have been in discussion with key Maldivian ministers about their ideas on helping the islands recover from the Tsunami and look at ways to reverse the rise in the drug culture on the islands.
Labour MEP Robert Evans calls on the EU to push for a total ban on Bull fighting
18 Jan 2007
Robert Evans MEP Labour's spokesperson in the European Parliament on animal welfare today called upon the European Commission to take steps towards a total ban on bull fighting in the European Union. In a written declaration to the Parliament, Mr Evans dismissed the traditional arguments in defence of bullfighting portraying it as part of Europe's cultural heritage stating instead that: "This is torture disguised as 'entertainment', which results in the death of over 40,000 bulls a year." Euro-MP: The price you see must be the price you pay on air tickets
10 Jul 2007
Labour Euro-MPs have slammed airlines for deliberately misleading passengers with headline prices that don't exist.
The European Parliament will vote on Wednesday on proposals to strengthen the right of air passengers to have clear and full information on the price they will finally pay when booking an air ticket.
Robert Evans MEP, Transport Spokesman for the European Parliamentary Labour Party, said:
"This is great news for holidaymakers, now when you spot a bargain flight online you’ll be able to see the real price up front. Whether you’re planning a last minute trip or booking ahead, you’ll be able to compare deals quickly and easily and know exactly how much of your money is going on taxes and charges".
Euro-MP calls for ban on bullfighting during famous Spanish Fiesta
06 Jul 2007
“Torture disguised as entertainment”
Staunch animal rights campaigner and Euro-MP Robert Evans is greeting a world famous bull fighting fiesta in Spain with a demand to end bullfighting across Europe.
Mr Evans will be raising the issue in the European Parliament next week and will argue:
"It is unacceptable that this so-called sport still continues in the 21st century. My Spanish colleagues will argue that this repulsive practice is a part of Spanish cultural history, but in 2007 surely we have moved on from calling sheer cruelty a part of culture”.
The first bull run of the fiesta will take place on Saturday 7th July at 8am. Thousands of people will dress in white and wear red neckerchiefs as they charge through Pamplona ahead of a herd of bulls. The run then ends in a bullfight where the animals are slammed with swords and spears. This happens every day until the end of the fiesta on the 14th July.
Labour MEP says Lib-Dem Kashmir Report too one-sided
18 Dec 2006
Speaking from Pakistan London’s Labour Euro MP Robert Evans has strongly criticised a recent draft Liberal Democrat report on Kashmir presented to the European Parliament.
Mr Evans whose constituency includes many citizens of South Asian origin said that the draft report by Lib Dem MEP Emma Nicholson, was nowhere near balanced enough to be the way forward for a peaceful solution to this long running dispute.
Evans Welcomes EU-Wide Ban On Cat And Dog Fur Trade
20 Nov 2006
Robert Evans MEP, Labour’s animal welfare spokesman in the European Parliament, on Monday welcomed a European Commission decision to ban the trade in cat and dog fur across the European Union, saying it was about time the EU took action against a practice that causes intolerable suffering.
The ban comes three years after a Written Declaration calling for an EU-wide ban on the import, export and sale of cat and dog furs and skins was adopted as the formal position of the Parliament.
Local Euro MP Evans Questions Gordon Brown
10 Nov 2006
With Heathrow Airport at the heart of his constituency and widespread concerns about global warming, local Euro MP Robert Evans took the opportunity this week to question Chancellor Gordon Brown on the subject.
He told the Chancellor of his concerns about the effect of emissions from both flights and high levels of road traffic on west London and its negative impact on the health of residents.
Labour EU Transport Spokesman Defends European Aviation Safety Agency
08 Nov 2006
Labour's Transport Spokesperson in the European Parliament Robert Evans MEP has defended the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) following criticism by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.
The select committee published a report today (Wednesday) on The Work of the Civil Aviation Authority, which slated the EASA as an “accident waiting to happen”.
Responding to the criticisms, Mr Evans said: "Aviation is not a just a national issue. Since we have created a single sky which allows European travellers to freely move around the European Union without barriers we need a European approach to safety."
Hillingdon School To Learn Landmines Dangers From MEP
30 Oct 2006
The pupils of Rabbsfarm Primary School in Hillingdon will learn about the devastation caused by landmines in many of the world’s poorest countries when local Euro MP Robert Evans takes their assembly on Thursday.
Mr Evans, who has spent time in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, two of the heaviest mined countries in the world, will be speaking to two classes of Junior pupils as part of the No More Landmines Campaign, led by UK charity Adopt-A-Minefield (www.landmines.org.uk).
MEP Hails New EU Plan To Move Freight From Road To Water As A “Unique Environmental Opportunity”
30 Oct 2006
London MEP Robert Evans will visit a waterways freight operation in West Drayton, Middlesex, on Friday to launch a European Union initiative to reinvigorate the UK’s Inland Waterways.
The European Action Plan could see millions of pounds in funding released to aid new business, training and waterways infrastructure.
The Labour MEP has hailed the plan to move freight transportation from roadways to waterways as a great environmental opportunity and the logical step to combating congestion on our overloaded roads.
Euro MP Marks Learn To Sign Week In Hounslow
16 Oct 2006
Local Euro MP Robert Evans dropped into Hounslow Disability Network this morning for a crash course in sign language in support of the national Learn to Sign campaign.
The MEP joined the HDN’s weekly British Sign Language class and learnt a few basic signs including hello, goodbye and name.
The British Deaf Association runs Learn to Sign Week every October to encourage the public to join in. It highlights sign language as a foreign language and encourages members of the public to take up this fun, very useful form of communication.
Evans Welcomes EU Action Plan on Improved Animal Welfare
13 Oct 2006
Labour MEP Robert Evans has welcomed plans voted through the European Parliament this week to improve standards of animal welfare across Europe but says the European Action Plan must go further if abuse is to be stamped out.
His comments followed the Parliament's approval yesterday of its full response and amendments to the Action Plan, which lays out steps for the EU to adopt over the next four years in order to improve animal welfare standards.
MEP Joins Forces With Harrow Fire Brigade To Send Out Fire Safety Message
02 Oct 2006
Local Euro MP Robert Evans is joining forces with the local fire brigade this week to urge the public to act safely and responsibly around fire – and to drive home the message that fire alarms save lives.
The MEP has been invited to Stanmore Fire Station in Harrow on Friday to discuss the National Fire Safety Week campaign with officers in the hope that he can help spread the word to his constituents to fit and regularly check fire alarms.
MEP Joins Forces With Hounslow Fire Brigade To Send Out Fire Safety Message
02 Oct 2006
Local Euro MP Robert Evans is joining forces with the local fire brigade this week to urge the public to act safely and responsibly around fire – and to drive home the message that fire alarms save lives.
The MEP has been invited to Heston Fire Station in Hounslow on Friday to discuss the National Fire Safety Week campaign with officers in the hope that he can help spread the word to his constituents to fit and regularly check fire alarms.
Brent Pupils Chat With MEP On European Day Of Languages
22 Sep 2006
London Euro MP Robert Evans will pop into Lady of Grace Primary School in Dollis Hill next Friday (September 29th) to chat with pupils on European Day of Languages.
Mr Evans, the MEP for west London, will address the whole school of 200 pupils on the importance of learning a second language as well as taking questions on his role as an MEP
MEP Cuts Ribbon To Open Car Free Day In Brent
22 Sep 2006
Robert Evans MEP for west London cut the ribbon to officially open Car Free Day in Brent on Friday, part of a European Union campaign to get us out of our cars and onto our feet and bikes.
The Euro MP braved the pouring rain to kick off the street party in St John’s Road, Wembley. The street was completely closed to cars for the day.
MEP Sees For Himself How EU Funding Helps Refugees In Acton
19 Sep 2006
Robert Evans MEP will visit an EU-funded project for refugees living in Acton on Thursday (September 21st) to see first hand how European money is helping to transform the lives of his constituents.
The Euro MP with special responsibility for west London will meet with some of the people who have benefited from the project and hand out certificates to those who have successfully completed the course.
London MEP Meets Pakistan President In Brussels
18 Sep 2006
London MEP Robert Evans met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf last week as the General made a two-day visit to the European Parliament.
MEPs used the visit to question the Pakistani leader on a range of key issues from the “democratic deficit” in Pakistan to the death penalty.
Robert Evans had a private meeting with the President, during which the case of Mirza Tahir Hussain, a British Muslim from Leeds was raised. Amensty International, amongst other organisations, has highlighted Mirza Tahir’s case, as he has been on death row in Pakistan for the past 18 years.
Euro MP Hits Out At Calls For Relaxed Security At Heathrow
15 Sep 2006
Local Euro MP Robert Evans has spoken out against calls from David Wiltshire MP to relax hand baggage restrictions at Heathrow saying there “can be no compromise on passenger safety”.
Following comments from Mr Wiltshire in the Heathrow Villager (September 9th), Mr Evans said it was vital that the restrictions remained in place in order to prevent a disaster occurring onboard an aircraft out of Europe’s busiest airport.
Labour’s Transport spokesman in the European Parliament said: “I am working in the European Parliament to ensure that security standards at all of our airports remain high.
MEP Visits Richmond Mencap To Support Local Efforts
15 Sep 2006
Local Euro MEP Robert Evans will visit Richmond Mencap’s Independent Living Centre on Monday (Sept 18) to support the “great efforts of local volunteers in mobilising Richmond residents living with disabilities”.
The visit, which coincides with European Mobility Week, will see Mr Evans meet and mingle with volunteers and those attending the Day Centre in Hampton Wick to see for himself the good work being carried out.
Ealing MEP To Tantalise Taste Buds For Organic Fortnight
08 Sep 2006
Ealing MEP Robert Evans will roll up his sleeves and don an apron to help promote naturally produced food next week as the borough marks National Organic Fortnight.
The Labour Euro MP will be handing out tasters of organic veggie food to passing shoppers in a bid to tantalise their taste buds with goodness.
“I am delighted to be involved with organic fortnight and to create awareness about the importance of good food,” Mr Evans said.
London Euro MP Challenges Commission On Live Calf Exports
05 Sep 2006
London Euro MP Robert Evans will challenge the European Commission today to improve the conditions for calves undergoing live export, saying too many are being exported “in appalling conditions through the back door”.
The MEP, a leading campaigner in the European Parliament for animal rights, will also tell the Commission that new EU legislation banning “veal crates” from 2007 does not go far enough and needs immediate attention.
