Yesterday, in a vote in the European Parliament, 35% of MEPs backed the UK ports industry’s call to reject the proposed Port Services Regulation. As a result, it is now clear - the proposed Port Services Regulation is no longer just a British problem. It's a European problem.

We are delighted that so many MEPs from across the EU, but particularly from the UK, Poland and Spain, backed our position.

We recognise that there is still a long way to go. Fresh negotiations between the Parliament and Member State governments will now begin to agree a new version of the proposed Regulation.  The UK government will have a critical role in this. Working together with colleagues in other Member States, who yesterday clearly demonstrated that they share our concerns, there is a real possibility that the Regulation could ultimately be blocked.

James Cooper, Chair of UKMPG said:

"We will continue to work with our Government, our colleagues across the whole UK ports industry, our MEPs, and our allies from across the EU, to defend investment, jobs and growth. We will build on the support we have already secured in the European Parliament and remain confident that this unwanted (and unjustified) piece of legislation will ultimately be defeated. "

For more information please contact:

Theresa Crossley                                                       

Executive Director, UKMPG                                     

theresa.crossley@ukmajorports.org.uk     

Tel: 020 7260 1785                                                    

Note to Editors

1. The vote took place in the Plenary Session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday 8th March 2016.