Duff welcomes Services liberalisation vote

12.32.15pm GMT Thu 16th Feb 2006

Andrew DUFF, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, has welcomed the decision of the European Parliament today to back the opening up of the services sector of the European single market to competition.

In a statement from Strasbourg, DUFF says:

"The European Parliament has taken the lead in widening the scope of the single market to include the fastest growing sector of the European economy. Now everyone who offers a service - from plumbers and taxi drivers to architects and lawyers - will find it easier to work in a country other than his or her own.

"There were powerful protectionist and nationalist forces to overcome, not least in France and Germany, but the Liberal group played a big part in keeping the substance of the directive viable and in ensuring that new jobs will be created in Europe.

"The law now passes back from the Parliament to the Council of Ministers. I hope that governments will respect Parliament's decision to make a reality of the principle of freedom of movement of people and services that underpins the European Union.

"Many of us would have liked the law to have a wider scope than it has. But it is a good start, and can be made more liberal in the future once exaggerated fears of 'unfair' competition from the new member states in Central Europe have quietened down.

"The law as voted gives ample protection to the worker, the consumer and the environment. It is a good example of the European Union working well on behalf of the peoples of Europe."

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