Tameside Euro-MP Chris Davies has emerged at the head of a ‘league table’ comparing the performance of representatives in the European Parliament.

The Liberal Democrat has spoken more often, tabled more questions, and has the best attendance record of the eight MEPs who represent the North West of England.

The figures compiled by independent organisation Votewatch.eu are based on the European Parliament’s own public records since elections were held last year.

Davies has made 34 speeches in the Parliament on subjects ranging from the need to introduce sustainable fisheries policies to the situation in Middle East, but he concentrated in particular on environmental legislation.

The second most voluble MEP was British National Party leader Nick Griffin, who spoke 14 times during the year.

Bottom of the table was Conservative MEP Jackie Foster, who spoke on just three occasions and tabled no parliamentary questions at all.

But UKIP’s representative, Paul Nuttall, claimed the record for absenteeism, being present on just 58% of the days that the Parliament was in session.

Chris Davies said that numbers did not tell the whole story but was pleased that he had topped the table.

He said: “I’m involved in the shaping of laws that will be binding on 27 countries.  A lot of work goes on behind the scenes but parliamentary debates do provide an opportunity to put ideas on record and to hold the European Commission to public account.

“Perhaps the UK Independence Party should learn some lessons.  You can’t stand up for Britain’s interests if you are not present when votes take place.”

Fears that an explosion in rat and mice numbers could result from a new EU law intended to curb the use of dangerous chemicals have been calmed.

A meeting called by Tameside Euro-MP Chris Davies to give public health and safety experts the chance to explain their concerns to Brussels officials has paid off.

In a formal response to a parliamentary question, EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potonik has now promised ‘open discussions’ to ensure that rodenticides can continue for essential uses.

Davies said: “Problems such as the damage that rats and mice can do to electrical wiring in buildings had been overlooked by the Commission when it drafted its proposal. Good law making requires listening and learning.”

A Tameside Euro-MP wants to cut the waste of different electrical cables used to power scores if electrical and electronic devices.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies has welcomed Brussels’ success in persuading mobile phone makers to introduce ‘one size fits all chargers,’ but now he wants the same principle applied to all electrical equipment.

He is calling on the European Commission to press for the introduction of standard fittings in just small, medium and large classifications.

Davies said: “Our mountain of electrical rubbish wastes money and wastes resources.”

Tameside’s UKIP Euro-MP has been slammed for failing to turn up for a vote that could have protected Britain’s right to sell eggs by the dozen. Paul Nuttall, chairman of the UK Independence Party, has publicly attacked European Commission proposals for a new labelling law that will require food only to be sold by weight.

But a rival MEP, Liberal Democrat Chris Davies who tabled a crucial amendment intended to preserve the right to sell eggs by numbers, claims that Nuttall has failed to oppose the measure on two occasions.

Davies has furiously attacked UKIP for claiming to speak up for Britain but failing to turn up to vote. He said: “I don’t think very much of representatives who enjoy criticising others but who can’t find the time to do the job for which they were elected.

“The European Parliament has powers equal to governments in determining the final shape of EU laws. There is a serious job of work to be done and when crucial votes are taken Paul Nuttall should be in his seat to cast them.”

Chris said that the food labelling law was still the subject of debate and he was hopeful that changes would still be made, but he admitted that the defeat of his amendment made the prospects poorer.

A Tameside Euro-MP has helped pass a new law that will guarantee people interpretation should they face questioning by police when visiting other EU countries.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies MEP says that the measure will help ensure greater justice for all EU citizens who may not understand the accusation against them or subsequent court proceedings.

Chris said: “This increases the rights of everyone who travels in Europe. It will help curb miscarriages of justice.”

New cars are set to be greener after a Tameside Euro-MP persuaded the EU to maintain a crack down on harmful air-conditioning.

And Liberal Democrat Chris Davies is praising EU rules that have led to the creation of a welcome new chemical product.

A European law agreed four years ago says that all new types of car must from next January use a coolant in air conditioning systems that will not contribute to the problem of global warming.

At present the systems in all cars use a chemical that is 1,500 times more likely to cause climate change than carbon dioxide.

Car makers tried to push back the deadline, arguing that suitable alternative products would not be available in time.

But a lobbying campaign led by Davies persuaded the European Commission to hold firm.

Now chemical companies have developed a new product, HFC1234, that can be used without any changes being made in the design of air conditioning systems.

The MEP described the result as good for car drivers and good for the environment.

Davies said: “EU regulations get criticised a lot, but they can also create new market opportunities and drive forward innovation.”

“It is only through technological progress like this that we can overcome the threats that mankind faces on the planet.”

Tameside’s Lib Dem Euro-MP is calling for brothels to be made legal to provide greater security for prostitutes who work from them. Chris Davies claims that the killings of Suzanne Blamires, Susan Rushworth, and Shelley Armitage in Bradford highlight the urgent need for a new approach.

He said: “It is appalling that two or more prostitutes cannot work together under the same roof for their mutual protection without fear of criminal prosecution.

“The law does nothing to help keep them safe.” Read more »