Home What's New Speeches & Articles Newsletter - Jul 2008 Biography Diary Contact Information Photo Album Parliamentary Highlights Publications Links MEPs' Transparency   Conservative Party Latest News from Conservatives.com Conservative Party Website
		Labour MEPs call for end to UK opt-out Wednesday, 11 February 2004 The UK opt-out from the Working Time Directive is under threat following a vote in the European Parliament today. The report calls for the revision of the individual opt-out, with a view to phasing it out as soon as possible. Labour MEPs have again gone on the record voting against British interests. The report now represents the official opinion of the European Parliament, and is a strong indication of future legislation from the EU. East Midlands Conservative MEPs Roger Helmer and Chris Heaton-Harris voted to retain the UK opt-out clause. Roger Helmer, who is a member of the Employment Committee in the European parliament, said: "The abolition of our opt-out to the Working Time Directive will seriously damage labour market flexibility in the UK. Research has shown that the majority of British employers and employees are in favour of retaining the opt-out. A limit on working hours would deny people the freedom to choose their working patterns and would prevent millions from earning overtime pay." Euro-MP Chris Heaton-Harris, added: "By voting to remove the UK opt-out, Labour MEPs have ignored the views of their constituents and their own government, and have threatened current working practices in the UK." David Frost, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, has been giving evidence on the Working Time Directive in the House of Lords today. Mr Frost said: "The Working Time Directive has been the single biggest financial burden on business to come from Europe. According to our last Red Tape survey, it has cost £8.65 billion for business to implement it since August 1999. It is extremely disappointing that UK Labour MEPs have voted against our retention of the opt-out. I am sure our business members across the country will be expressing their concerns to their local MEPs in the run-up to the European Parliamentary elections."