Labour MEP Michael Cashman has given his full backing to a European Parliament document which supports EU wide mark of origin proposals. In addition, he has called for a show of unity from all seven of the West Midlands MEPs in order to show their commitment to the region’s ceramics industry.
The report, known as a ‘written declaration’, supports existing European Commission mark of origin proposals and calls upon Member States to agree to and adopt the proposals without delay.
Mark of origin proposals would see certain goods manufactured outside the EU, including ceramics, bearing a mark which would inform consumers where they come from. Consumers would then be able to make an informed choice about the products they choose to buy. The proposals would also help to tackle counterfeit goods. The proposals have widespread support from the ceramics industry in the UK and across Europe.
Michael Cashman said:
“I have been campaigning for ceramic goods to carry a mark of origin for over eight years.
“Globalisation has seen a massive increase in cheaply made tableware and ceramic products coming over from outside the EU and in many cases consumers just don’t know what they are buying.
“The British Ceramic Industry has always been proud to put a mark of origin or ‘backstamp’ on its goods. Consumers know for example that if they buy goods with a backstamp from North Staffordshire they are guaranteed that they are buying a product of the highest quality.”
“I want as many MEPs as possible to support this Written Declaration in order to show that these proposals have widespread support. We need to get Member States to support the Commission’s proposals in order for them to come to fruition.”
“In particular I am calling for a show of unity amongst West Midlands MEPs from all political parties to back the region’s ceramic industry by adding their names to this Written Declaration.”
