Deal reached on car CO2 emissions

MEPs have agreed a deal with the Council of Ministers that will significantly cut car emissions without crippling Europe’s downtrodden car industry, Sir Robert Atkins MEP, said that:-  "Late on Monday night, a deal was agreed that would require carmakers to reduce emissions by 18% over the next 6 years. CO2 emissions will be reduced to 130g per KM between 2012 and 2015, rather than by 2012 as originally proposed. A long-term target of 95g by 2020 will also be introduced."

Conservatives also put their foot down to defend a special clause for niche manufacturers such as Jaguar-Land Rover. Under the agreement reached, these manufacturers will still have to reduce their emissions more than an average car manufacturer, but not by the crippling levels that would have been foreseen. Conservatives also helped secure an exemption for LTI, which makes the iconic London taxi cab.  The legislation will now go before all MEPs for a vote in the December plenary.  Sir Robert said:- “The deal we have struck represents the best of both worlds. We have shown that we can encourage car manufacturers to go green by including incentives for investment in clean technology, but without driving them out of business.   We have recognised that manufacturers cannot develop new cars and technologies overnight, particularly given the huge trials they face during the downturn.  It was particularly important that we put in place special conditions for Jaguar- Land Rover and Black cabs. These companies will still have to do more than most, but because of their niche model ranges, this law would have caused them severe problems.  We will now ask all sides to agree to this deal."

Britain's asylum seeker policy should be set by Westminster, not Brussels

LABOUR'S decision to sign up to an EU-wide common asylum system could result in Westminster further losing control of Britain's borders today, after the European Commission announced proposals to modify the Common European Asylum System, Sir Robert Atkins MEP, said.

The European Commission has proposed to amend two regulations and one of the directives making up the Common Asylum System. The changes concern detention of asylum seekers, and say that EU countries may not be allowed to return asylum seekers to the country where they first landed, in line with the Dublin convention.

Sir Robert said:- "Decisions over the detention of asylum seekers and protection of our borders must be made in Westminster, not Brussels.

One of the key responsibilities of any government is to control its borders, yet Labour has given this power away.

There is a real immigration crisis on the borders of the EU, but it will only be dealt with through cooperation between governments, not by Brussels forcing countries to accept asylum seekers who have travelled northwards to the UK for economic reasons, rather than for their safety."

Appeal for Vadims Holostova to come forward

MERSEYSIDE Police are asking for information regarding the whereabouts of 30 year old Vadims Holostova, otherwise known as Holostovas.

Officers want to speak to Mr Holostova as he may have information that can help detectives with their investigation into a rape and serious assault that took place on Thursday, 20 November 2008, in Southport, Merseyside.

Mr Holostova is described as Latvian, white, 6ft to 6ft 2 ins tall, medium build, short fair hair brushed with parting on left.

He was last seen wearing a dark waist length jacket with a cream / light coloured hooded top underneath, blue jeans and white trainers.

If anyone has seen Mr Holostova or knows of his whereabouts, please contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3 165 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Road traffic collision in Southport, Merseyside

POLICE on Merseyside are investigating a road traffic collision, which happened at the junctions of Lord St, Hill St and Bold St, Southport, Merseyside.

The incident occurred at around 12.45am on Saturday 8th November 2008. The collision was between a grey Seat car and a blue Peugeot car.

If anyone has any information relating to this collision, could they please contact Constable 4749 Jones of Ainsdale Police Station on:- 0151 709 6010, ext:- 74124 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.