Port workers' jobs and safety will be at risk if a proposed European law is passed today, an Essex MEP has warned.
Richard Howitt, Labour MEP for Essex, spoke out against the law, which if agreed will allow foreign ships' crews to unload and load their own cargo at Tilbury port.
Mr Howitt believed the threat to workers had been lifted after the European Parliament met in March this year.
Today's vote had come as a result of Conservative MEPs changing their support on the employment aspects of the law, said the MEP.
He added: "Given the fact the European Parliament successfully amended the legislation earlier this year to protect port owners, including Tilbury, from losing their investments, I am deeply disappointed that Conservatives have back-tracked on the issue of workers' rights to seek to force these unpopular proposals through."
Mr Howitt has led opposition against the proposals for two years and pledged to vote against the law.
Published Thursday November 20, 2003
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