Retained Firefighters and the Working Time Directive Opt-out

As an amendment to motion S3M-03351 in the name of Liam McArthur (Retained Firefighters and the Working Time Directive Opt-out), leave out from “with regret” to end and insert “that the vote by the European Parliament on 17 December 2008 in favour of removing Britain’s working time directive opt-out was supported by Scotland’s Liberal Democrat MEP; also notes that the decision of the European Parliament represents a difference of view from that of the Council of Ministers and will now be sent for negotiation and conciliation before there is any question of its final approval or implementation; further notes that a failure to agree between the European Parliament and Council of Ministers will result in the proposal falling; notes the role played by Scotland’s retained firefighters and the vital service that these firefighters provide to their communities; considers that in any future potential change to the working time directive an appropriate provision to allow a continuation of fire services in the Highlands and Islands in particular will be required, and expresses confidence in those involved to ensure such an outcome.”