The escalation of the Iraq crisis was very much on the mind of MEPs this month. They adopted a common approach, supported by a large majority. The importance attached to environmental issues, announced by UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, was warmly welcomed by MEPs. They voted for tough new emission limits on motor vehicles. And Parliament once again took up human rights issues. New rules, linking the payment of MEPs' attendance allowance to taking part in votes, provoked some controversy, as well as resulting in more than 500 MEPs participating in key votes.
The January Brussels session saw MEPs firmly condemn all forms of racism, and call for better standards in zoos. The House will assemble again in Strasbourg on March 9th to consider consumer issues, road safety and the strategy for the accession of the applicant countries from Eastern Europe.