Written explanations of vote - 8th parliamentary term William (The Earl of) DARTMOUTH

We abstained in this legislative vote because we believe that the measure is permissive and should facilitate international trade.

This legislative report seeks to reduce the VAT compliance burden for small businesses. Although it does not support the EU VAT system of taxation, UKIP does not wish to impede any reduction in compliance costs and so abstained.

UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this technically non-legislative report. In the UK, this drug already falls under the criteria listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Subjecting it to control measures in the EU will assist in reducing its availability on the UK market. For this reason, UKIP MEPs abstained in this vote.

UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal. This would mobilise over EUR 33 million in EU funds for European countries that had suffered natural disasters such as flooding, fires, or earthquakes. UKIP voted against, as we are opposed to unaccountable EU institutions spending British taxpayersʼ money. The UK already has its own foreign aid budget for situations such as this.

UKIP voted against this budgetary proposal. This is linked to a previous vote mobilising EUR 33 million in EU funds for various European countries that had suffered natural disasters, such as flooding, fires, earthquakes, etc. UKIP voted against, as we oppose unaccountable EU institutions spending British taxpayers’ money. The UK already has its own foreign aid budget for situations such as this.

UKIP MEPs voted against this own-initiative, non-legislative report. We believe that there are other factors more decisive in the peace process than EU funding. Post 2020, the EU should not be funding the UK, especially with the intention of making itself more visible, in the context of Brexit.

UKIP MEPs voted against this own—initiative, non-legislative report. This report discusses EU funding to Greece in the wake of the financial crisis, and more recently the migrant crisis. While helping those in need is an honourable intention, we cannot support the use of EU funds.

UKIP voted against this non-legislative and non-binding report. This report deals with the implementation of EU legislation and intrudes on the domestic legislation of Member States. We believe firmly in national sovereignty, and any measures related to the reintegration of workers should be created by the governments of the Members States.

. ‒ This non-legislative Report seeks to politicise decisions on whether third country legislation is ‘equivalent’ to that in the EU and to use those decisions to promote the EU’s extra-territorial tax and regulatory policies. Accordingly UKIP voted against.

. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this own initiative, non-legislative report. Whilst we support better performance in border regions, this should not be done at an EU level and should be left to Member States. Additionally, harmonisation of rules and funding for EU projects are something we cannot vote in favour of.

. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. UKIP is against the concept of another EU voluntary scheme, which this legislation was seeking to formalise. There are currently already two other EU voluntary schemes in place, European Voluntary Service and the EU Aid Volunteers. The ESC is set to cost the taxpayer EUR 341.5 million for 2018-2020, and may intervene in national government schemes.

UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative, first-reading report. We do not believe that EU funds should be used in order to support Member States adopting the euro. Likewise, there should not be an increase to such funds. UKIP MEPs voted in favour of a rejection amendment tabled by our delegation on behalf of the EFDD.

UKIP MEPs voted against this legislative report. UKIP supports the use of nuclear energy – R&D in Europe should also focus on the improvement of nuclear energy research and production as well as nuclear safe waste disposal. However, UKIP is against any attempts of phasing out nuclear energy and against any further empowerment of EU institutions in this field.

UKIP MEPs voted to abstain on this non-legislative report. There were various calls within this report for gender quotas, to unblock the women on boards’ directive and to introduce EU legislation, all of which UKIP opposes. However, the premise of this report is of a sensitive nature, and involves combatting sexual and psychological harassment and gender-based violence, which UKIP support.

. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. Whilst the diversity of languages is important, the EU wants to be at the forefront of language technology. This is more EU self-promotion, calling for investment and funding at the expense of the taxpayer.

. ‒ UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP fully supports the responsible use of natural resources and recognises that there are numerous international organisations which help protect forest areas. This resolution, however, makes some strong suggestions including the establishment of an international police force. The resolution also seeks to politicise the EU’s trade with third countries in an attempt to bind them into sustainable development goals and to meet the commitments outlined in the Paris Climate Change Agreement. For these reasons, UKIP MEPs voted against this report.

UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the European Commission, an unelected body, negotiating agreements with third countries on behalf of the EU. Moreover, UKIP has serious reservations about the lack of an impact assessment from the Commission with regard to both the necessity of the agreement and the data protection standards in Jordan.

UKIP MEPs voted against this non-legislative report. UKIP does not support the European Commission, an unelected body, negotiating agreements with third countries on behalf of the EU. Moreover, UKIP has serious reservations about the lack of an impact assessment from the Commission with regard to both the necessity of the agreement and the data protection standards in Turkey.

UKIP MEPs have voted against this non legislative report. UKIP does not support the European Commission, an unelected body, negotiating agreements with third countries on behalf of the EU. Moreover, UKIP has serious reservations about the lack of impact assessment from the Commission with regard to both the necessity of the agreement and the data protection standards in Israel.

UKIP MEPs have voted against this non—legislative report. UKIP does not support the European Commission, an unelected body, negotiating agreements with third countries on behalf of the EU. Moreover, UKIP has serious reservations about the lack of impact assessment from the Commission with regard to both the necessity of the agreement and the data protection standards in Lebanon.