Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales’ European Leader Jill Evans MEP has welcomed the confirmation that new European legislation on gas emissions from power stations will secure the future of the Aberthaw Power Station.

Jill Evans said:

"I welcome the compromise agreement which was finalised this afternoon with an unanimous vote. It confirms, as expected, that Aberthaw Power Station will be exempted from new pollution standards until 2018.

"This is a decision that was widely anticipated in Brussels. As a member of the European Parliament Environment Committee I have followed this process closely from the beginning. At no time were jobs at Aberthaw or Tower Colliery under threat."

Following misleading reports in the Welsh press and media concerning this law Ms Evans has now called for a fresh approach to the way MEPs who represent Wales conduct their business:

"We have been elected to the European Parliament to stand up for the interests of the people of Wales. This commitment should not be sacrificed for narrow party political interest or newspaper headlines. I am calling on all the MEPs who represent Wales to start co-operating in a concerted effort to put Wales rather than party politics first."

Notes:

The Conciliation Committee, which comprises of representatives of the European Parliament, European Commission and the Council of Ministers, reached its conclusion this afternoon. The reports will now come to the full Parliament in October for endorsement. It is the protocol for the Parliament to confirm the recommendations of the conciliation committee.

Diwedd/Ends.