Home What's New Speeches & Articles Newsletter - Jul 2008 Biography Diary Contact Information Photo Album Parliamentary Highlights Publications Links MEPs' Transparency   Conservative Party Latest News from Conservatives.com Conservative Party Website
		British industry hit hard again by EU regulations Thursday, September 26th 2002 East Midlands farmers, fishermen and construction industries are likely to face devastating new costs following votes today in the European Parliament say Conservative Euro-MPs Chris Heaton-Harris and Roger Helmer. An Environment Report passed today includes measures to reduce sulphur levels in "Red Diesel" used for non-road vehicles, which means higher prices for the fuel. Despite UK government and NFU warnings that business fuel bills will rise by 9%, Labour MEPs backed the amendments ensuring their inclusion in the report. Speaking from Strasbourg East Midlands MEP Chris Heaton-Harris said: "Labour says it is listening to the countryside but those MEPs who voted these measures through in Committee are clearly deaf and dumb. With the weekend's outpouring of country feeling it is incredible that Labour MEPs may now have added to the crisis in the rural economy. Countryside Alliance supporter Roger Helmer MEP added: "Our farmers, fishermen and construction businesses need these increases like a hole in the head. With farm incomes already rock bottom this only adds to the agony." Both East Midlands Conservative MEPs attended the Countryside Alliance's Liberty and Livelihood March last Sunday.