Red Alert campaign blog index

Decision on future of red announced

28 February 2008

The Government has announced its long-awaited decision on the future of red diesel - and it's not good news for boaters.

On 28 February 2008, HM Revenue & Customs revealed that from 1 November this year, boaters will be paying a duty rate of 56.94 pence per litre, instead of the current rate of 9.69 pence per litre.

This will see prices of diesel for leisure boaters rocket from around 60p to over £1 a litre.

The silver lining is the diesel supply chain will remain unchanged. The Government had considered enforcing a universal change to white diesel (see below), which would have forced many remote diesel suppliers to install a seperate tank for white diesel.

Obviously, the attendant costs would have meant many simply stopped supplying leisure boaters, and therefore parts of the UK might have been put out of reach.

But as far as good news goes, that's about it. As mentioned, commercial boaters will still be able to fill up with rebated red diesel. So how will the fuel vendor differentiate between leisure and commercial boaters?

This has still to be decided, and will be detailed in MBM as soon as the news is announced. What we do know is the onus will be on the vendor to flip between higher and lower rates at the pump.

Boaters, too, will be forced to keep records of all diesel purchases, as it will become a criminal offence to have diesel on board for propulsion that you cannot prove was bought at the higher rate of diesel.

Interestingly, diesel bought for use as heating fuel will still be available at a rebated rate. So to add further complication, there will be a system in place where you can declare that a proportion of the diesel you are taking on is for 'domestic purposes'!

Only time will tell whether this news will hit the market, but it's not hard to imagine it having some impact.

Stewart Campbell / Motor Boats Monthly

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Time to make your voice heard

22 August 2007

We have arrived at a crucial stage in the eventual elimination of low-duty diesel for leisure boaters.

As mentioned below, it was announced late last year that we were to officially lose our right to low-duty red diesel.

The Government then applied, and got, an extension from the EU that allowed boaters to keep using low-duty red until November 2008.

Now the Government is deciding just what's going to happen when that deadline expires.

HM Revenue & Customs has released a consultation document, in which it details three possibilities.

The first is to allow boaters to keep using red diesel, but make fuel vendors switch between higher and lower rates of duty at the pump, depending on whether it is a commercial or leisure vessel filling up

The second option is to allow boaters to keep using low-duty red diesel, but make them self-declare their tax burden at a later date.

The third option is to outlaw red diesel for leisure boat use entirely, and enforce a switch to white diesel.

None of the three options is ideal, as boaters will still be paying over £1 a litre for diesel, but in terms of least hassle for boaters, the only realistic option is A.

The second sounds great, but there is no way the Government will allow it, and says as much in the consultation document.

The third is "not a favoured option", according to the same document, as it would mean boaters would have to clean their tanks of red diesel, and vendors supplying both commercial and leisure boats would have to install a separate tank for white diesel.

So we're really only left with one option - keeping red and making the fuel vendor charge less of more depending on the boat filling up.

MBM encourages all boaters to respond to the consultation, which has a deadline of 31 October. You can see it here. The document also tells you how to respond.

Stewart Campbell / Motor Boats Monthly

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Red diesel: the current state of play

4 June 2007

Not all that much has changed since December, but here's a quick re-cap of where we are.

In December the Government announced that the European Commission had turned down the UK's request for an extension to its derogation from the Energy Products Directive. This meant that UK boaters could no longer buy low-tax diesel.

In the Budget, the Government announced that a transitionary period will last until 1 November 2008. Until then, nothing will change, and we are still free to fill up with red diesel.

What will happen in November isn't known. The Treasury is in consultation with relevant bodies to decide on a course of action.

According to the Energy Products Directive, diesel must be taxed at a minimum of around 20p per litre, as opposed to the 7.69p duty on red diesel currently, and the 48.35p rate on roadside duty.

While there were initial hopes that red diesel might be charged at 20p per litre to motorboaters, Treasury officials claim that the Commission will not allow them to provide a preferential rate for pleasure boaters over other users of diesel fuel.

Failing that, it is hoped that the Government will at least allow motorboaters to continue to fill up with red diesel - albeit at a higher tax rate - so that all recreational and commercial boaters use the same fuel. This will at least ease problems of availability, as suppliers will not need to choose between running 'red' and 'white' pumps.

We'll keep you updated with more news as it happens.

Simon Collis / Motor Boats Monthly

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Where do we go from here?

7 December 2006

On Thursday a Communication from the European Commission revealed that they have rejected the UK's arguments for an extension to the red diesel derogation. You can read the Communication here

This means that pleasure boaters will no longer be able to use the low-tax fuel. But it also raises numerous questions.

The first question is how the Government will react. The Commission only specifies a minimum rate of tax, which is considerably lower than the rate charged on petrol and diesel in the UK.

We will be arguing very strongly that marine users should be paying the European minimum (around 20p per litre) rather than the current roadside diesel duty, which is 48.35p per litre. Currenly red diesel is taxed at 7.69p per litre.

What we don't know is when the new tax rate will come into effect. Banning motorboaters from using red diesel will require a change to our legislation, which obviously takes time. It is thought that we could not implement a change before March or April at the earliest.

Finally, the Communication from the Commission mentions that "the applicant Member States may adopt measures aimed at alleviating or mitigating problems of transition to the regime of standard taxation". Exactly what this means is unclear, but we are talking to the Treasury to learn more.

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Mote (South-East): only solution is to leave EU

7 December 2006

Mr Ashley Mote, independent MEP for the South-East, has written to the Commission to support the derogation, but believes the EU removes our right to govern ourselves.

Mr Mote told MBM:

"I raised this issue with the commission some time ago. The answer is not particularly helpful, but it at least tells you where you stand.

"The only solution we have available to us is to leave the EU and restore the
right to govern ourselves."

Mr Mote's question and answer to the Commission reads as follows:

Does the Commission agree with the British Government's view that the present derogation allowing UK boat owners to buy 'red' diesel, at a price with a discounted tax component, should continue after its scheduled abolition in January 2007?

If not, why not?

Does the Commission accept that diesel users in the UK already pay a higher percentage of tax than in any other part of the EU, and that the derogation is thus already aiding the creation of the 'level playing field' so lauded by the EU?

Does the Commission also accept that there is an avoidable safety risk involved? Higher tax on diesel will merely encourage the use of petrol engines which add to the danger of fire on board any boat.


Answer given by Mr Kovács
on behalf of the Commission
(3.11.2006)


The United Kingdom was granted a derogation from the general provisions of the Energy Tax Directive that allows it to apply, until the end of 2006, a reduced rate of excise duty to fuels used in navigation in private pleasure craft. The general rule provides that fuel used in private pleasure navigation is subject to excise duty.

In total, five out of 25 Member States were granted similar derogations. These derogations, together with more than one hundred other derogations, are due to expire under the Energy Tax Directive by the end of 2006. In June 2006, the Commission adopted a Communication containing an assessment of all the derogations, analyzing their compatibility with the general provisions of the Energy Tax Directive and with other Community policies (including the proper functioning of the internal market, fair competition and Community health, environment, energy and transport policies).

In this Communication, the Commission came to the conclusion that derogations for fuel used by private pleasure craft should end as they contradict several Community policies and the "polluter pays" principle. The Commission also stressed that derogations must aim at overcoming initial difficulties encountered with the implementation of a new legislation. Most Member States enjoying derogations have had sufficient time by now to adapt to the new situation given that fuel used by private boats has been taxable in principle since 1993 and that phasing-out of the derogation was initiated by the Commission in 2000.

As regards the particular points made, the Commission would like to stress that differences in actual excise duty rates between Member States are the inevitable consequence of the approach adopted by the Community in the field of excise duties. In the area of tax rates, Community legislation sets only the minimum levels of taxation above which Member States are free to set their own national rates at levels they consider most appropriate for their national circumstances. Should such a degree of harmonisation prove unsatisfactory, Community action, rather than an individual derogation, would be required, as stipulated in Article 93 of the EC Treaty.

Finally, the Commission would like to stress that taxation is not an instrument to deal with safety issues. Risks should normally be rigidly controlled by mandatory safety requirements, such as fire protection, fuel system installation etc.

Despite the arguments spelled out in the Communication and in line with its conclusions, the United Kingdom may apply for an extension of the derogation for specific policy considerations using the legal basis offered for such purposes in the Directive (Article 19), duly supporting such a request. The Commission will carefully examine the arguments presented and will take them into consideration while assessing the request in line with the procedure referred to in that Article.

This is a question and answer format that has been repeated many times by MEPs of all parties supporting the campaign, so the answer is fairly familiar to us. Although it reads quite firmly against the extension of the derogation, a decision has not been made, and many figures in Europe and in the UK Treasury believe that a concerted effort by UK politicians and constituents will yield a positive result.

If Mr Mote is your MEP, you can contact him at ashley.mote43@btconnect.com

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Lucas (South-East): opposes derogation

7 December 2006

Dr Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for the South-East, rejects the extension of the derogation on environmental grounds.

A spokesperson for Dr Lucas told MBM:

"Caroline appreciates that you as an individual, and indeed many others, are having a positive affect on the UK's waterways, tourism and economy through your passion for boating. She is particularly aware of the impact that an increased red diesel duty will have on those who live on narrow boats or use them as a source of income. However, the very real need to cut CO2 emissions means that Caroline is taking a very strong line on fossil fuel taxation. She regrets that individuals such as yourself may suffer as a result but believes that the long term benefits are too important to ignore. It is also worth pointing out that she has received letters from other constituents that are boaters urging her to oppose the derogation because it has led to an increase in the number of craft that are designed inefficiently for speed. She will, therefore, be opposing the UK government if it attempts to extend the current derogation.

"Caroline suggests that those boaters that wish to promote green ideals could switch to using a bio diesel, rather than reverting to a petrol engined craft, and thus saving themselves money if a marine fuel duty derogation is abolished. This would also have the added benefit of helping to support the renewable fuel industry in the UK."

MBM thanks Dr Lucas for her response.

While we agree with Dr Lucas that it would be good to see more environmentally friendly motor boating, at the moment the difficulties of buying biodiesel in a marine context makes it impractical for most boaters. Like Dr Lucas, we hope that biodiesel's suitability will improve over the coming years, and it is hoped that by the end of an extended derogation from the EU, the environmental alternatives to conventional diesel will be far better developed.

If Dr Lucas is your MEP, you can contact her at caroline.lucas@europarl.europa.eu

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Farage (South-East): UKIP is active in campaign

6 December 2006

Mr Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP and MEP for the South-East, told MBM:

"Thank you for your message about preserving rebated gas-oil for use in leisure-craft - a cause, which has provoked a thunderous outcry, attracted the support of numerous politicians and prompted HMG to apply for a derogation.
 
"Naturally, the UK Independence Party has been active in the campaign, because it opposes any impositions by the anti-democratic EU.  Other parties have been rather more pragmatic, if not opportunistic, in their lobbying, in that they only oppose this particular aspect of EU-policy - and only as long as it looks like losing them votes.
 
"If all the people who suffer from EU-regulation, and want a return to control by a government they elect - and can therefore influence - were to recognise their common interest and reject the cartel of pro-EU, incumbent parties, we would be well on the way to solving a great many problems, whether small, large or of over-riding importance - like how to stop the EU becoming a totalitarian state."

If Mr Farage is your MEP, you can contact him at nigel.farage@europarl.europa.eu

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Wallis (Yorkshire and Humber): written to Commissioners

6 December 2006

Mrs Diana Wallis, Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, has written to six Commissioners to support an extension to the red diesel derogation.

Mrs Wallis told MBM:

"You will recall that the UK government gave up the tax exemption for 'red diesel' in 2003. It was however granted a three year derogation during which it could still apply reduced rates. The decision to renew this time-limited derogation on 1 January 2007 is entirely up to the European Commission, which has already taken a negative position on the issue last June.

"I have written personally to Commissioners Mandelson (UK), Borg (Malta), Rehn (Finland), Michel (Belgium), McCreevey (Ireland) and Barrot (Commissioner for Transport), asking them to give strong support for renewal of the 'red diesel' exemption. As members of the European Commission, they have the possibility of arguing for this when the matter is discussed and the decision is taken there in December. However, I should add that individual Commissioners do not represent national interests and take no instructions from national governments."

If Mrs Wallis is your MEP, you can contact her at diana@dianawallismep.org.uk

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Correction: Heaton-Harris supports campaign

5 December 2006

Despite telling us on Monday that he was against our red diesel campaign, Mr Christopher Heaton-Harris, Conservative MEP for the E Midlands, has contacted us to tell us that his assistant sent the email in error, and he is in fact in full support.

Mr Heaton-Harris told MBM:

"You will be pleased to hear that I actually am actively supporting your campaign to have the derogation continued. On 18 October 2006, I formally requested that the Commission continue the derogation. I've also been out campaigning down at Foxton Locks and Braunston (both in the East Midlands), so hopefully the people I represent know my position.

"So, I am sorry to have sent you an incorrect reply. I would imagine you will be slightly happier with this one!"

A rather bizarre series of events, all told, but we're glad to have Mr Heaton-Harris on board, and thank him for the work he has already put into the campaign.

If Mr Heaton-Harris is your MEP, you can contact him at christopher.heaton-harris@europarl.europa.eu

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Heaton-Harris (E Mids): industry does not need subsidising

4 December 2006

In the first negative response to MBM's letter to MEPs, Mr Christopher Heaton-Harris, Conservative MEP for the E Midlands, has rejected his party's line on red diesel to say that he does not believe the derogation is justified.

Mr Heaton-Harris told MBM:

"I am afraid that I do not think marine pleasure craft should be exempt from tax duties. Unlike agriculture and commercial fishing craft which depend upon red diesel, the leisure water craft industry does not need subsidising in this manner. I believe this thriving industry is not in need of economic protectionism. In fact the RYA's Water Sport's Participation Report of 2004 says that participation in water sports continues to increase and in the last year general motor boating participation alone rose by 4000, not withstanding the other categories of participation that use red diesel.

"I must also add that the EU only lays down minimum rates of duty which must be paid and the individual member states are then free to decide the rates at which they will charge their national citizens, above the EU minimum. Therefore on this subject you may wish to write to your local MP to enquire as to why fuel duty is so high in the UK.

"Following lobbying in Westminster by Theresa Villiers MP and Richard Benyon MP, the UK government announced in its budget report in March this year that it would apply once again for this same derogation. The European Commission is now preparing its report to the European Council of Ministers assessing all the current derogations.

"My colleague James Elles MEP has written to the European Commissioner for Taxation, Commissioner Kovacs, tabled a parliamentary question, and contacted MEPs from the other member states affected by this derogation. I can assure you that he will continue to defend the UK leisure boat industry."

MBM appreciates Mr Heaton-Harris taking the time to reply, even in the negative. Unfortunately, Mr Heaton-Harris's reply fails to take into account several points.

Firstly, it is not true to say that red diesel is "tax exempt", though it is taxed at a lower rate than roadside diesel.

Secondly, is it true to say that the boat industry is subsidised? Boaters do not, after all, use the road infrastructure that fuel tax is supposed to fund. The RNLI receives no governmental funding. If boaters pay roadside levels of tax for their diesel, who is subsidising who?

Finally, it seems a shame to say that because an industry is thriving it should have the carpet pulled out from under it. Studies by the RYA show existing tax levels are not "economic protectionism", but good economic sense. The financial loss to this country is likely to outweigh the revenue gained from a move to raise tax, meaning that the UK stands to lose out from adopting this point of principle.

If Mr Heaton-Harris is your MEP, you can contact him at christopher.heaton-harris@europarl.europa.eu

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Batten (London): UKIP still backs campaign

4 December 2006

In a short statement to MBM, Mr Gerard Batten, the UK Independence Party's MEP for London, has re-iterated the party's support for low-tax diesel.

Mr Batten is a long-time supporter of the MBM campaign, and spoke to the European Parliament on the subject as early as March 2006.

Following Mr Batten's support, UKIP became the first party to commit to saving red diesel, in May 2006.

To read more about UKIP's support, see our blog entry at the time.

If Mr Batten is your MEP, you can contact him at gerard.batten@btinternet.com

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Conservative party backs MBM campaign

1 December 2006

The Conservatives, Britain's most powerful party in Europe with 27 MEPs, has released a statement backing MBM's call for an extension to the red diesel derogation.

After giving a well-informed summary of the issue, the statement continues:

"The red diesel exemption for Britain functions as a balancing factor because the cost of boating in the UK is considerably higher than in other EU countries, including more expensive mooring fees.

"Many boat owners are pensioners and the increase in the cost of red diesel could force many of them to sell their boats. A number of charities, such as The Bruce Trust, a Hungerford-based registered charity, provide holidays for the disabled. Increasing the cost of red diesel could make many of these holidays financially out of the reach of disabled persons.

"The main objective of the Energy Tax Directive is to eliminate distortions in the internal market with regard to taxation. Ending the exemption for Britain and four other states will create distortions such as wide differences in prices between Member States.

"We have always believed that there was a justification in allowing the full exemption on low-duty red diesel to continue. Britain has negotiated other exemptions such as VAT on children's clothes because historically this has been the case. The European Union should not be about a one-fits-all scenario."

"The decision lies with the European Council, where the UK Government must strongly argue the case for exemption. Should, however, the European Council vote to reject a continuation of the exemption, then Gordon Brown, who recognised the need to keep red diesel low-duty, should take steps nationally to ensure to cost of this fuel is kept down.

"The ending of low-duty on red diesel will devastate motor boating in Britain. Conservative MEPs will do all they can to keep up the fight to retain Britain's exemption."

The red diesel campaign now has blanket support from the Conservatives and UKIP, as well as individual Labour, Liberal Democrat and Scottish National Party MEPs.

There are Conservative MEPs in most UK constituencies, who can be contacted as follows:

South West
Mr Neil Parish nparishmep@bridgwest.demon.co.uk
Dr Caroline Jackson caroline.jackson@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Giles Chichester gileschichestermep@eclipse.co.uk

South East
Mr Daniel Hannan office@hannan.co.uk
Mr Nirj Deva office@nirjdeva.com
Mr James Elles james.elles@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Richard Ashworth richardjames.ashworth@europarl.europa.eu

London
Mr John Bowis OBE john.bowis@europarl.europa.eu
Dr Charles Tannock ctannock@kcca.org.uk
Mr Syed Salah Kamall syed.kamall@europarl.europa.eu

East
Mr Geoffrey Van Orden geoffrey.vanorden@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Robert Sturdy robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Christopher Beazley christopher.beazley@europarl.europa.eu

East Midlands
Mr Roger Helmer roger.helmer@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Christopher Heaton-Harris christopher.heaton-harris@europarl.europa.eu

West Midlands
Mr Philip Bushill-Matthews bushillm@aol.com
Mr Philip Bradbourn OBE philip.bradbourn@europarl.europa.eu
Mr Malcolm Harbour malcolm.harbour@europarl.europa.eu

Wales
Mr Jonathan Evans jonathan.evans@europarl.europa.eu

Yorkshire & The Humber
Mr Timothy Kirkhope timothy@leedsne.demon.co.uk
Mr Edward McMillan-Scott edward.mcmillan-scott@europarl.europa.eu

North West
Mr Den Dover den.dover@europarl.europa.eu
Mr David Sumberg david.sumberg@europarl.europa.eu
Rt.Hon. Sir Robert Atkins ratsmep@sir-robertatkins.org

North East
Mr Martin Callanan martin.callanan@europarl.europa.eu

Scotland
Mr Struan Stevenson struan.stevenson@europarl.europa.eu
Mr John Purvis OBE purvisco@jpurvis.co.uk

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Watson (South West): I share your concerns

1 December 2006

Mr Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and chairman of the 90-strong Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, told MBM:

"As a boat owner myself I share your concerns and those of readers of 'Motor Boat Monthly' on this matter and I agree that the impact of a price hike on red diesel could be detrimental not just for boat owners but also for local industry and tourism. On behalf of a constituent who raised similar concerns, I recently wrote to Commissioner László Kovács, the Commissioner with responsibility for the Taxation and Customs Union, asking the Commission to look favourably on the UK's application for an extension to allow the Treasury to continue to tax fuel for pleasure craft and road fuel separately. I should be pleased to revert directly I receive a reply.

"Please assure readers of 'Motor Boat Monthly' that I will keep a close eye on the situation and if there is another opportunity to raise this matter in the near future I will of course do so."

This is another encouraging reply from an influential member of our European representatives.

If Mr Watson is your MEP, you can contact him at euro_office@cix.co.uk

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Cashman (W Mids): in total agreement

30 November 2006

Mr Michael Cashman, Labour MEP for the West Midlands, told MBM:

"I am in total agreement with the points you have made and I fully support
the UK Government's application to extend the current arrangement.

"Please find attached a copy of a press release which I issued earlier on
this year on this very subject. Representing the West Midlands Region I am
all too aware that our inland waterways play a major role in the area's
leisure and tourist industry.

"Although the area is land-locked, I know that motor boats and other leisure
craft are used extensively on local reservoirs and rivers. It would be a
tragedy if these leisure activities were denied to most people because they
became too expensive.

"Please be assured that I will do whatever I can to ensure that derogation of
red diesel for leisure boats stays put."

Mr Cashman's press release was issued on 4 July, in which he also says:

"Our narrow canals are unique; they were the first integrated transport system in the UK and represent a vital and intriguing part of our Industrial Heritage. In recent years they have enjoyed a new lease of life as major part of the west Midland's tourist industry.

"Removing this exemption could hit the West Midlands leisure industry hard. It's often said that Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. I don't know if that is true or not, but what I do know is that there is a huge concentration of canals in the West Midlands which attract thousands of holidaymakers each year."

If Mr Cashman is your MEP, you can contact him at mcashman@europarl.eu.int

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Callanan (North East): you have my full support

29 November 2006

Mr Martin Callanan, Conservative MEP for the North East, told MBM:

"Thank you for your recent email asking me to express my support with regard to the red diesel exemption from higher rate duty on red diesel for pleasure craft and "live-a-boarders". As the President of the European Parliament Marine Industry Group, I would like to communicate my full support. An end to the UK's derogation will see the cost of red diesel triple for thousands of boat owners across the country.

"The red diesel exemption for Britain functions as a balancing factor because the cost of boating in the UK is considerably higher than in other EU countries, including more expensive mooring fees. If the UK's derogation is not continued, the potential damage that will be done to the UK's boating industry will be enormous. Loss of the derogation will have a serious impact on the UK's boating industry and will adversely affect participation levels in the sector.

"The main objective of the Energy Tax Directive is to eliminate distortions in the internal market with regard to taxation. Ending the exemption for Britain and four other states will create distortions such as wide differences in prices between Member States.

"I have always believed that there was a justification in allowing the full exemption on low-duty red diesel to continue. Britain has negotiated other exemptions such as VAT on children's clothes and this has been allowed to continue.

"The ending of low-duty on red diesel will devastate motor boating in Britain. More than four million people participate in leisure boating and related water sports in the UK. Boating makes a significant contribution to tourism in all regions and employs approximately 30,000 people - mainly from SMEs. Conservative MEPs will continue to do all we can to keep up the fight to retain Britain's exemption."

Once again, MBM is delighted to find a Conservative MEP who is fully conversant with the issue. We have asked Mr Callanan to provide us with information on what actions he has taken to lobby the Commission, and look forward to his reply.

If Mr Callanan is your MEP, you can contact him at martin.callanan@europarl.europa.eu

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Bradbourn (W Mids): questioned Council on issue

28 November 2006

Mr Philip Bradbourn OBE, Conservative MEP for the W Midlands, told MBM he had submitted a written question the European Council on 18 October, which read:

"Currently, derogations in the Council Directive 2003/96/EC  allow five countries, including Finland, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom, to charge reduced rates of excise duty on red diesel, applying only to private leisure watercraft. These exemptions are due to expire on 31 December 2006. However, if the current derogations were to be abolished, forcing boat owners to fill up with diesel taxed at national rates, boaters would face considerable price increases, forcing many of them out of their sport. The sector would also face high costs of compliance, for example for new infrastructure for tank facilities, while there would be an increased risk of tank tourism and fraud.

"The Commission, in a recent review of the derogations, nevertheless ruled these concerns as 'not justified'.

"Is the Council aware of the potentially devastating impact of abolishing the derogation on various sectors, including water sports, tourism and the marine industry?

"Does the Council share the assessment that the results of ending the exemption would in fact run directly counter to the Directive's primary aim, namely the harmonisation of tax levels on energy products so as to reduce distortions in the Internal Market?

"Will the Council therefore support a renewal of the derogation after 31st December 2006 if the governments concerned apply for a renewal?"

Mr Bradbourn is the Conservative spokesman on transport and tourism, and his question is an excellent summary of the objections to the end of the derogation.

Like him, we await a reply to his question with interest.

If Mr Bradbourn is your MEP, you can contact him at pbradbourn@torymeps.com

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Morgan (Wales): forwarded message

28 November 2006

Eluned Morgan, Labour MEP for Wales, merely responded:

"Thank you for your e-mail.

"I am copying this to the office of Peter Skinner MEP who is the Labour spokesperson on tax issues so that he is aware of your concerns."

Red diesel is clearly not a high priority for Ms Morgan, despite the high growth of motor boating in her constituency.

If Ms Morgan is your MEP, you can contact her at eluned.morgan@europarl.europa.eu

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Smith (Scotland): MBM has my support

28 November 2006

Alyn Smith, Scottish National MEP for Scotland, told MBM:

"Since being contacted by readers of Motor Boats Monthly about the 'red
diesel' derogation Alyn has been active in getting hold of information
from the European Commission, Westminster and the Scottish Parliament.

"Alyn asked Parliamentary Questions of the European Commission on the
derogation, their plans for it and to find out if the UK had been in touch
asking for a derogation.

"Alyn asked his colleagues in Westminster and Holyrood to do the same
with Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil and Highlands and Islands MSP Jim
Mather questionning what action had been taken and encouraging Ministers
to support the derogation.

"Now the UK have asked for the derogation Alyn is writing to the
Commission again, urging them to accept the derogation and support
Scotland's coastal and waterside communities."

Mr Smith has been a pro-active supporter of the campaign, and has been working with the editor to set up a meeting with the Commissioner in charge, Mr Laszlo Kovacs.

If Mr Smith is your MEP, you can contact him at alyn.smith@europarl.europa.eu

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Bill Newton Dunn (E Mids): I am not involved

28 November 2006

Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for the E Midlands, told MBM:

"Possibly you are not totally familiar with the way the EU makes its decisions. Forgive me therefore if the following is a duplication.

"EU Decisions are shared between three entirely-separate independent bodies - the Commission (which is the Executive body and does the day-to-day work, a bit like Bush and his cabinet in Washington DC) : the second is the Council of Ministers (which is the upper house of the EU's bicameral legislature, and represents the EU's 25 member state's governments, a bit like the Senate in Washington DC which has representatives from their 50 states) : the third is the European Parliament (which is directly elected to represent the people, like the House of Representatives in Washington DC, is the lower house of the EU's legislature, and appoints and dismisses the 27 Commissioners.)

"The decision on whether or not to continue the UK's derogation in this area is not going to be made in the parliament - so, finally getting to the answer to your question, I am not the right person for you to be asking because I am not involved in the making of the decision. That will be done by a request from the British government to the Commission and our government will need support from a weighted majority of the other EU national governments."

Obviously MBM is fully aware of this process, but believes that MEPs, as our representatives in Europe, are best placed to lobby Commissioners on our behalf.

Mr Newton Dunn suggested meeting with the Commissioner involved with this decision, Laszlo Kovacs. This is something in which MBM is already engaged.

If Mr Newton Dunn is your MEP, you can contact him at bill.newtondunn@europarl.europa.eu

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Thomas Wise (East): that's what you get for being in EU

27 November 2006

Thomas Wise, UKIP MEP for the East, told MBM:

"As you say, the UK Government submitted a formal application for the derogation. I am simply not aware of any process or contact I could have that would affect this over here in Brussels. It remains in the gift of the UK government. Why they should have to go cap in hand to get it, baffles me, but then that is what you get by being in the EU, control of your life by folk you do not elect and cannot get rid of!

"If you know of flesh I can press, please let me know."

MBM has advised Mr Wise to speak to Laszlo Kovacs, the Commissioner responsible for this decision.


If Mr Wise is your MEP, you can contact him at thomas.wise@europarl.europa.eu

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