Statement by DUP MEP Jim Allister:-

"I greatly welcome rejection today in the European Parliament of the Port Services Directive.  This foolish legislation would have suppressed enterprise and freedom of contract.  It would, in particular, have stultified growth at Belfast port by subjected the provision and operation of necessary infrastructure to frequent re-tendering. It would also have undermined the security of employment of dock workers.

I trust this will be the end of this matter and that the Commission will not return a third time with such a proposal."