14 February 2017
Jean Lambert MEP: "While the European Parliament is moving forward on whistleblower safeguards, the UK appears determined to move backwards"
The European Parliament has today (Tuesday, 14 February) voted in favour of a report calling for the protection of whistleblowers across the EU.
At the same time, the Conservative government is desperately attempting to defending its proposals to launch a 'full frontal attack' on whistleblowers in the UK.
Commenting after today's vote, Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and a member of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties committee, said:
"At a time when Theresa May is failing to convincingly defend her government's proposals for a damaging and chilling attack on whistleblowers, the European Parliament has once again called for the EU to implement new protections for whistleblowers across the EU."
"Green MEPs have long been pushing for EU-wide legislation that would protect whistleblowers in all areas of EU competence. This way, citizens across Europe will be able to speak up about environmental crimes, human rights violations, and other wrongdoing without fear of reprisal."
"While the European Parliament is moving forward on whistleblower safeguards, the UK appears determined to move backwards; undermining freedom of the press and the fundamental principles of democracy along the way."