Europe

Alyn Smith has hailed a speech by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Development Richard Lochhead MSP outlining the SNP's vision for Agriculture as entirely in the mainstream of European thinking where the UK anti-farming policies are totally out of step.

Member of the European Parliament Mr Alyn Smith has today voiced his disappointment at a ruling by the European Court of Justice, in effect giving a green light for employers to maintain mandatory retirement ages.

Alyn Smith MEP has expressed his delight with today's vote in the European Parliament on the proposed EU renewable energy directive, which saw a number of real victories for Scots renewables as amendments drafted by Smith were voted through.

Scottish National Party Member of the European Parliament Mr Alyn Smith has acted to quash the persistent scaremongering of Labour and Conservative politicians regarding European Commission proposals on funeral VAT.

Alyn Smith MEP has invited the draftswoman of the EU pesticides package to Scotland to come meet farmers and crofters to hear and see first hand the potential impact of the pesticides package as it currently stands.

SNP MEP Ian Hudghton has welcomed a resolution adopted today in the European Parliament calling for solidarity with fishermen at a time of rising fuel costs.

Voters in Ireland have rejected the European Union's Lisbon reform treaty in a referendum.