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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.
The Convener SNP Committee
24 Jan 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
I see in the “Brussels Bulletin” that the sweetener, aspartame, has been reviewed five times since it was authorised in 1994 and is up for review again. There are grave concerns about the impact that it has on health. Could you give us a wee update on the situation? What does ...
The Convener SNP Committee
19 Sep 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
We have the latest edition of the “Brussels Bulletin”. I would like committee members to welcome Charles Abbott, who puts together the bulletin and who is with us today. We are delighted to have him at our committee meeting. Maybe we should be very gentle about how we view the...
The Convener SNP Committee
06 Feb 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
We move on to agenda item 2, which is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”. Members will see that we are extremely short of time. You will have noticed that the bulletin is getting a bit lighter in content. That is because less is happening in Europe as they wind down for ...
Christina McKelvie (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) SNP Chamber
21 Mar 2012
European Union (Priorities for 2012)
This debate ends the European and External Relations Committee’s consultation on EU priorities for 2012. I put on record my thanks to the clerks and the Scottish Parliament information centre for their support in bringing the report to members.Although it is the end of the con...
The Convener SNP Committee
12 Mar 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. Given that we have used up all our time, I suggest that, if there are any questions, queries or clarifications on the “Brussels Bulletin”, members should direct those to the clerks, and that we should forward the “Brussels Bulletin” to...
The Convener SNP Committee
28 Nov 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 3 is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”. The bulletin is included in members’ papers. This week’s copy looks pretty hefty—it includes additional papers that enhance some of the work that we have done. For example, the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly report on h...
The Convener SNP Committee
28 Nov 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
My proposal on the free movement of workers issue was that we should seek information, so that we can come to a judgment. Because it is a “Brussels Bulletin” issue, Scotland Europa should be our first port of call—we can get it to find out some information.In relation to Patri...
The Convener SNP Committee
30 Oct 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 2 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. As I mentioned, the bulletin’s format has changed. The template was quite unstable, which was becoming a real problem. The new format is much more accessible—indeed, it meets the Scottish Parliament’s standards as far as accessible documents ...
The Convener SNP Committee
10 Jan 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. Members have a copy—I do not know whether they have managed to look at it. It is a bit more lightweight than usual, which I think is because most folk took a break over Christmas. Things were a bit quieter, but they are hotting up agai...
The Convener SNP Committee
15 May 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
The next agenda item is our “Brussels Bulletin”, which is expertly put together by Ian Duncan. It is such a changing feast that we will just let him speak to the “Brussels Bulletin”. I have no doubt that there have been changes—probably in the last hour.
The Convener SNP Committee
20 Sep 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Yes, that would be helpful.That concludes our consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”. We had lots of interesting comments. I thank Ian Duncan very much.Are we content to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to the relevant committees?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
29 Nov 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
We move on to the “Brussels Bulletin”, which Ian Duncan prepared. He spent last week in Brussels so the bulletin will be bang up to date.
The Convener SNP Committee
30 May 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 2 is consideration of the latest edition of the “Brussels Bulletin”. As members will see, we have received another comprehensive “Brussels Bulletin” from Scotland Europa. Do members have any questions or comments?
The Convener SNP Committee
02 May 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
An e-mail is coming out that will explain the approach to the “Brussels Bulletin” a bit better so we can decide from there.Is the committee content to ensure that other relevant committees receive the “Brussels Bulletin”?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
20 Feb 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 3 is the latest “Brussels Bulletin”, which members have in their papers. Are there any comments, questions or clarifications? Members will see that the bulletin is getting lighter and lighter, as Brussels is currently winding down in the run-up to elections.
The Convener (Christina McKelvie) SNP Committee
09 Oct 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Good morning and welcome to the 18th meeting in 2014 of the European and External Relations Committee. I make the usual request for mobile phones and other electronic devices to be switched off, unless members are using their iPads for meeting papers. We have received apologie...
The Convener (Christina McKelvie) SNP Committee
12 Jun 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Good morning and welcome to the 15th meeting in 2014 of the European and External Relations Committee. I make the usual request for mobile phones to be switched off. Some members are using iPads. I extend apologies from Hanzala Malik and welcome Patricia Ferguson to the commit...
The Convener SNP Committee
13 Nov 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
I welcome everyone back. Our next agenda item is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”, which members have in their papers. I invite comments or questions on the “Brussels Bulletin”.
The Convener SNP Committee
11 Dec 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
On the first page of the “Brussels Bulletin” is the Juncker investment plan, which states quite categorically that this is not new money but repackaged money. The last time that we discussed it, we thought that it was new money. That is an interesting insight. It also looks li...
The Convener SNP Committee
19 Feb 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
Good morning, and welcome back to the European and External Relations Committee. We are moving quickly on to agenda item 2, which is the “Brussels Bulletin”. I will ask members whether we can agree just to pass the “Brussels Bulletin” and move on. If any issues arise from it f...
The Convener SNP Committee
19 Jun 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 2 is our “Brussels Bulletin”, which is, very topically, coming from Brussels.I welcome to the committee Dr Ian Duncan, who is beaming in from Brussels. This feels a bit like Eurovision; I hope that we will not give you nul points. Can you hear us okay?
The Convener SNP Committee
28 Jun 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 2 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which is one of the early warning systems that the cabinet secretary just described. The European officer, Ian Duncan, is here today. Members have a copy of the bulletin. Are there any points?
The Convener SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
May I thank Ian Duncan? We find the “Brussels Bulletin” hugely helpful in keeping track of things, although in some cases by the time it has gone to print it is old news. May I ask members whether they are content to send the bulletin to our other committees for their consider...
The Convener SNP Committee
13 Dec 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which is regularly compiled by Dr Ian Duncan. I invite members to give me their comments on this meeting’s bulletin. Bill Kidd is first.
The Convener SNP Committee
01 Nov 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Moving on swiftly, agenda item 2 is consideration of the latest edition of our “Brussels Bulletin”, which is compiled by Dr Ian Duncan. Members know the purpose of the bulletin, so we will go straight into Ian’s report.
The Convener (Christina McKelvie) SNP Committee
24 Jan 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Welcome to the second meeting in 2013 of the European and External Relations Committee. I make the usual request that all mobile phones and electronic devices be switched off because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.Agenda item 1 is consideration of the latest ed...
The Convener SNP Committee
10 Jan 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
We move on to agenda item 3, which is the “Brussels Bulletin”. We are really pushed for time, so Ian Duncan has said that he will be quick. If members have any questions about the bulletin, please get them in quickly.
The Convener SNP Committee
07 Mar 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Welcome back. We move on to item 2, which is the “Brussels Bulletin”. Dr Ian Duncan, who compiles the bulletin, will talk us through it.
The Convener SNP Committee
07 Feb 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Welcome back. We will move swiftly on to agenda item 4, which is the “Brussels Bulletin”. As usual, Dr Ian Duncan will talk us through the bulletin, then questions will follow from colleagues.
The Convener SNP Committee
21 Mar 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Item 4 is our usual update on the latest edition of the “Brussels Bulletin”, which again reflects the fluid situation in Europe. The bulletin is put together by Ian Duncan. I ask Ian to give us this week’s messages from Europe.
The Convener SNP Committee
28 Nov 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
That would be a worthwhile piece of work. If there are no further comments on the “Brussels Bulletin”, there is one final thing that I wanted to mention. It is not in the bulletin, but it is topical. I noted that David Cameron spoke yesterday about a renegotiation on the free ...
The Convener SNP Committee
31 Oct 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”, which members will see in this week’s extensive package of papers. The bulletin is very detailed, so I am looking for members’ comments, questions and inquiries.
The Convener SNP Committee
20 Mar 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”. Do members have any questions about, comments on or clarification that they seek in relation to the information in the bulletin?
The Convener SNP Committee
23 Jan 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
Welcome back to the European and External Relations Committee. We had a long but—I think that members will agree—interesting evidence-taking session.We move on to agenda item 3, which is consideration of the “Brussels Bulletin”. Members have the bulletin in their papers. Are t...
The Convener SNP Committee
14 Nov 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
We move on swiftly to agenda item 3, which is consideration of our “Brussels Bulletin”. Members will see that it is pretty comprehensive this month. We asked a number of questions and have received a number of responses. A number of actions have been proposed, on which we hope...
The Convener SNP Committee
26 Jun 2014
“Brussels Bulletin”
That is another one for the list. I wish to pick up on the directive on nuclear safety. Apparently, there is a strengthened regulatory framework; co-operation across borders is also mentioned. The bulletin states: “The Directive ... strengthens transparency by ensuring the p...
The Convener SNP Committee
26 Mar 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. I know that in the past few meetings we have skated through the bulletin, because we have been squeezed for time, but this morning we have a bit of time in hand if members want to do a deeper analysis. I see that Jamie McGrigor is read...
The Convener SNP Committee
28 May 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 2 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. I suggest that, unless anybody has a burning issue to raise, we simply note the bulletin and make our other committee colleagues aware of it. That concludes the meeting, and I thank committee members for their attendance. I will see y...
The Convener SNP Committee
11 Jun 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
Welcome back to the meeting. Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. Copies of the bulletin are in members’ papers. Are there any questions or clarifications?
The Convener SNP Committee
03 Sep 2015
“Brussels Bulletin”
In some areas, there is an overproduction, which also drives down prices across Europe. I agree that we should look into that. On the back page of the bulletin, there is information on horizon 2020, which the committee has always had an interest in. Members will see that ther...
The Convener SNP Committee
10 Jan 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
You raise an important point that the committee has discussed extensively, particularly when we were on our visit to Brussels. We have a committee meeting planned with United Kingdom ministers to talk about the impact on Scotland and the wider impact on the euro zone. For me, ...
The Convener SNP Committee
19 Jun 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
The other thing that I have picked up in the “Brussels Bulletin” is the proposal for a growth summit and François Hollande’s position on not being able to have austerity unless there is growth paralleling that. It was interesting to hear Alistair Darling, a previous Chancellor...
The Convener SNP Committee
19 Jun 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
That concludes our questions and comments. I thank Ian for joining us from Brussels.Is the committee content to agree that we pass the “Brussels Bulletin” on to other committees for consideration?Members indicated agreement.11:38 Meeting continued in private until 12:38.
The Convener SNP Committee
03 Oct 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
We move on to agenda item 3. When we were in Brussels last week, the Scotland Europa people were keen to get our views on how we use the “Brussels Bulletin”. We explained that we find it very valuable. Do members have comments or questions?
Christina McKelvie (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) SNP Chamber
18 Feb 2014
European Union Policies (Engagement and Scrutiny)
I am delighted to speak on behalf of the European and External Relations Committee on a report that details how we and other parliamentary committees have engaged on European issues over the past year and what the priorities for EU scrutiny are for the year ahead. I thank the...
The Convener SNP Committee
31 Oct 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
I think that we need to check that, as the bulletin is less than clear about what it means.Do members wish to raise any more matters on the bulletin?
The Convener SNP Committee
31 Oct 2013
“Brussels Bulletin”
Apparently, there was much more information in the bulletin this week, which did not sit well with the template that is used. We will make the request that if less information is to be included in the next bulletin, we would like to go back to the old format. I think that you ...
The Convener SNP Committee
20 Sep 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is a discussion on the latest edition of the “Brussels Bulletin”. Ian Duncan, who compiles the report, is present if we have any questions about the evidence that we heard from our MEPs. We will note Hanzala Malik’s comments.
The Convener SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 4 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which is compiled regularly by Ian Duncan. Do members have any comments on it?
The Convener SNP Committee
04 Oct 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which I know members will have sat up late last night reading from to cover to cover. Do members have any comments on it?
The Convener SNP Committee
04 Oct 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
As members have no more questions, I thank Ian Duncan for putting together his very helpful “Brussels Bulletin”. Do members agree to pass it on to other committees for their consideration?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
01 Nov 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 5 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which Ian Duncan has very helpfully put together for us. I invite members’ comments.
The Convener SNP Committee
01 Nov 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Okay, thank you. Does the committee agree to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to the relevant committees for their consideration?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
01 Nov 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Thank you. I thank Ian Duncan for another “Brussels Bulletin”. We now move to agenda item 6, which we agreed to take in private. I thank everyone for their attendance at the committee today. We will now clear the public gallery.15:19 Meeting continued in private until 15:45.
The Convener SNP Committee
15 Nov 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 concerns the “Brussels Bulletin”, which, as always, has been compiled by Ian Duncan. Do members have any comments?
The Convener SNP Committee
15 Nov 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
I have a question that is linked to that. I see that there is huge emphasis on transparency in the initiative. The “Brussels Bulletin” says:“The intention with the review is also to prevent investors from secretly building up controlling stakes in listed companies (‘hidden own...
The Convener SNP Committee
10 Jan 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Is the committee content to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to the relevant committees?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
13 Dec 2011
“Brussels Bulletin”
I think that we have given the “Brussels Bulletin” a fair hearing. Are members content to send it to the relevant committees for their consideration?Members indicated agreement.
The Convener SNP Committee
31 Jan 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Agenda item 3 is the “Brussels Bulletin”. Do members have any comments?
The Convener SNP Committee
31 Jan 2012
“Brussels Bulletin”
Are we content to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to committees?Members indicated agreement.
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Committee

European and External Relations Committee 24 January 2013

24 Jan 2013 · S4 · European and External Relations Committee
Item of business
“Brussels Bulletin”
McKelvie, Christina SNP Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Watch on SPTV
I see in the “Brussels Bulletin” that the sweetener, aspartame, has been reviewed five times since it was authorised in 1994 and is up for review again. There are grave concerns about the impact that it has on health. Could you give us a wee update on the situation? What does the fact that it is being continually reviewed mean? My next question does not concern something that is in the “Brussels Bulletin”, but perhaps you could bring something back to us in the next “Brussels Bulletin”. William Hague has produced the fresh start project’s manifesto, which contains the UK Government’s proposed position on renegotiation. There have been many conversations about what that means. I am specifically asking about the consequences of a withdrawal from the social charter for the working time directive, workers’ rights, equal pay, gender balance and so on. I have grave concerns about the impact of a withdrawal from the social charter. I do not know whether you have a comment to make on that matter or whether you would like to bring something back to us in the next “Brussels Bulletin”.

In the same item of business

The Convener (Christina McKelvie) SNP
Welcome to the second meeting in 2013 of the European and External Relations Committee. I make the usual request that all mobile phones and electronic device...
Ian Duncan (Clerk and European Officer)
I will start in reverse order with the fisheries negotiations. You will recall that, the week before last, Hanzala Malik raised the issue of mackerel. The No...
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con
I have two questions. First, on the mackerel issue, I understand that it has been said that Iceland and the Faroes are actually breaking the law. Can you exp...
Ian Duncan
That is a more difficult question to answer. Iceland and the Faroes argue that they are not breaking the law because the biological stock is changing and is ...
Jamie McGrigor Con
I just wanted to clarify that they are breaching an agreement rather than a law.
Ian Duncan
Yes, that is right.
Jamie McGrigor Con
Secondly, when you said that the one-year delay caused by the negotiations on the amendments to the CAP may be good for people in the west but bad for people...
Ian Duncan
As you may recall, when the member states in the east joined the EU, an agreement was reached—a slightly self-serving agreement for the west—that, as it woul...
Jamie McGrigor Con
Thank you very much.
Hanzala Malik (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab
First, I suggest that it would be good for the committee to write a letter of congratulations to the Irish Government to wish it well with the new presidency...
Ian Duncan
I can pick up on that. You might recall that five or six years ago the Marine Conservation Society accredited the mackerel fishery of the waters around the n...
Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) SNP
It would be a wise move for us to seek advice from our own Government in Scotland and the UK Government about the approach that they may wish to take. Ultima...
Ian Duncan
It is worth noting that the next state that is likely to join the union is Croatia, which will join just after the end of the Irish presidency. With regard t...
Willie Coffey SNP
Thank you.
Roderick Campbell (North East Fife) (SNP) SNP
I wanted to ask about precisely that—Iceland’s negotiations to join the EU. I think that one reason for the stalling of those negotiations is a domestic elec...
Ian Duncan
I suspect that the process is being held up by the fact that the Icelandic people are now no longer quite as vociferous in their push for Iceland to join. Th...
Roderick Campbell SNP
Is it your view that, if the Icelandic people suddenly became a bit more enthusiastic about joining, Iceland could join quite quickly?
Ian Duncan
Yes. Iceland would be broadly compliant with all the necessary laws. As far as I am aware, there are some smaller issues that need to be addressed. The fishi...
Roderick Campbell SNP
An opt-out from the CFP might be of interest to a hypothetical independent Scotland in negotiations after the referendum.
Ian Duncan
I imagine that it would be of interest to lots of member states with fish.
Jamie McGrigor Con
I just want to pursue what Hanzala Malik said about sanctions being the answer. Am I right in thinking that the problem is with not just the mackerel but the...
Ian Duncan
I will comment on the white-fish issue first. You will be aware that most of the cod that is eaten in the UK is caught in Icelandic waters and that much of i...
The Convener SNP
I see in the “Brussels Bulletin” that the sweetener, aspartame, has been reviewed five times since it was authorised in 1994 and is up for review again. Ther...
Ian Duncan
I suggest that I bring something back to you. As you might remember, it was a big step when the UK signed up to the social chapter. There is no doubt that wi...
The Convener SNP
Are members content to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to the relevant committees, drawing the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee’s attention to the item tha...