Parliamentary Questions
Members of the European Parliament have the right to ask Parliamentary Questions (PQs) in the European Parliament.
This crucial aspect of democratic accountability serves as both a chance to scrutinize the European Commission, and express the concerns of Londoners from the heart of the European Parliament.
Below, you can read Claude's recent PQs. They, the parliamentary questions of other MEPs, and answers from the European Commission can all be found on the European Parliament's website.
2010
4 August 2010
Capital Punishment in Iran
Following charges of a sexual nature, charges which have since been dropped, 18 year old Ebrahim Hamidi is facing the death penalty in Iran. Following enquiries by concerned constituents in London, Claude Moraes MEP has asked a Parliamentary Question on this very sensitive issue, enquiring as to what steps the European Commission is taking to help prevent the execution of Ebrahmi Hamidi, as well as what measures are being taken to improve the human rights situation in Iran with regard to the death penalty.
The text of this parliamentary question is pending
The EU and London's 2012 Olympics
7 June 2010
The European Union is serious about the health of its citizens. In June, Claude asked a PQ about how the European Commission is planning to integrate the London 2012 Olympics into an overall European strategy for sport.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on London 2012
Response from the European Commission
Toxic Chemicals and Water
3 June 2010
The River Thames is the heart of London. However, recent studies have shown that our river is suffering from dangerously high levels of a toxic chemical called "nonylphenol".
Claude asked a parliamentary question on this issue, asking what action the European Commission is taking to ensure that the Thames meets safety standards for water as laid out in the EU's Water Framework Directive.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Toxic Chemicals and Water
The answer to this parliamentary question is pending
Combating Malnutrition
9 April 2010
With nearly a billion people suffering from malnutrition worldwide, Claude believes that the European Commission should be exploring all possible avenues for relief. To this end, Claude asked a parliamentary question about the potential use of Spirulina - a particularly nutritious type of algae - in combating malnutrition worldwide.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Global Malnutrition
Response from the European Commission
Gay Rights in Africa
8 March 2010
Human rights are at the heart of Claude's work. In March, he asked a parliamentary question about the rights of gay people in Africa, focusing on recent events in Uganda and Malawi where these rights have recently come under attack.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Gay Rights in Africa
Response from the European Commission
Rail Travel in Europe
19 February 2010
Passengers in Europe are able to book airline tickets months in advance, but for rail journeys this is not always possible.
Claude asked the Commission how to improve this situation, particulary as rail travel is the greener option for Londoner's travelling in Europe.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Rail Travel in Europe
Response from the European Commission
EU Public Procurement Rules
28 January 2010
Following an enquiry from a constituent, Claude Moraes asked the European Commission to clarify if EU public procurement rules will prevent local authorities in London from requiring contractors to pay their employees the London Living Wage.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on EU Public Procurement Rules
Response from the European Commission
2009
EU-Russia Relations and Human Rights
28 September 2009
The EU has been negotiating a comprehensive agreement with Russia, Claude Moraes questioned the Commission on using these negotiations as an opportunity to raise human rights concerns with Russian authorities.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Russo-EU relations
Response from the European Commission
Vaccines and Patient Safety
6 August 2009
In August 2009, Claude questioned the European Commission about research into the safety of vaccines on human health.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Vaccines and Patient Safety
Response from the European Commission
Inkjet printers and recycling labels
6 August 2009
The EU is serious about recyling. Following a constituent enquiry about inkjet printers and recycling, Claude asked a parliamentary question about a possible EU-wide recycling symbol.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Recycling in Europe
Response from the European Commission
Synthetic Oestrogens in the EU
6 August 2009
As a direct result of a constituent enquiry, Claude asked the European Commission about the safety of synthetic oestrogens in the EU.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on synthetic oestrogens
Response from the European Commission
Voting Rights of EU Citizens
4 August 2009
One of the fundamental freedoms of the EU is the free movement of people.
This has resulted in many EU citizens taking advantage of new opportunities to live and work in other member states. However, one result is that many individuals are disenfranchised in national elections.Claude asked a parliamentary question on this issue in August of 2009
Claude's Parliamentary Question on the voting rights of EU citizens
Response from the European Commission
Child Labour in Uzbekistan
16 July 2009
Interntational NGOs and human rights organisations have reported the widespread use of child labour in Uzbekistan. Claude asked the Commission about how it will monitor child labour in the production of cotton for the European market.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Child Labour in Uzbekistan
Response from the European Commission
Child Trafficking in the EU
14 July 2009
Claude asked the Commission, in July 2009, how they plan to tackle child trafficking.
Claude's Parliamentary Question on Child Trafficking