Worldlog 11 July 2016 - Hoofdinhoud

Just before the summer recess, Brexit was still a topic of intense debate. Various possible consequences, opportunities, scenarios, advantages and disadvantages were discussed, but there was one thing in particular which made me feel outraged. Where last week Brexit was still considered a disaster for the British people and British companies, now it is suddenly regarded as an opportunity to lure British companies to the European mainland. Our Prime Minister Mark Rutte wants to use a flexible bonus scheme to attract British companies, mainly banks, to the Netherlands. We have a relatively strict bonus scheme, since the bonus culture in banks has been a contributory factor to the rise of the financial crisis!

The Party for the Animals demands that the Dutch bonus policy is applied strictly and universally, which means no exceptions should be made for foreign countries. After the Prime Minister’s statement, I have tabled a motion stating that no exceptions should be made to our bonus policy in favour of British banks. Luckily, a majority in the Lower House shared my view and has supported the motion.

Last week, the European Parliament adopted a motion by the Party for the Animals, requiring Japan to stop its barbaric whale hunting. If Japan does not comply, there will be consequences for Japan’s trade relationship with the EU.

My colleague and Party for the Animals MEP Anja Hazekamp is pleased that the motion has been adopted: “Not only does the EU emphasise that whale hunting threatens the existence of animal species, it also explicitly recognises that whale hunting causes the severe and prolonged suffering of individual animals. By adopting this motion, Europe has taken a clear stand against animal suffering.”

After a long and hard battle against agricultural toxins, I have some good news. Imidacloprid, also called a neonicotinoid, or in simple words: a highly dangerous agricultural toxin that is responsible for bee mortality, is finally forbidden! In the beginning of 2014 our motion for a prohibition was adopted and after much delay, market gardeners are now finally prohibited from using this toxin.

This is an important development as the toxin pollutes the water and threatens biodiversity and our food supply. Many flowers and plants depend on pollination by bees. Without bees, there will be no vegetables, fruits, nuts, coffee, chocolate…

On a final note, I would like to share with you this interesting article on the animal rights movement.

Summer recess has begun in the Lower House this week. In September I will be back with a new worldlog. Until then, I am available on Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy your summer!

Marianne