The UK Government has formally responded to the EC Evaluation report which concludes that Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MV-BER) should not be renewed in 2010.

Whilst agreeing with the conclusion, the Governments position is broadly supportive of the views of R2RC.

In addition we have received support from Malcolm Harbour (MEP Conservative) who with his European Colleagues was instrumental in fighting for the original Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations. Malcolm and his colleagues have indicated in the strongest possible terms that they are not going to let those hard fought gains be lost.

Whilst from a UK perspective the news at this stage is relatively good this is only the start of the battle.  This is a European issue and other countries will have their views. There will be others who for their own reasons will want to change opinion before the decision is ultimately taken. We don’t necessarily agree with the whole of the submission from the UK Government so we need to influence.

It should be pointed out that UK MP’s and Ministers are not the decision makers on this issue. The decision to grant (or to not grant) another block exemption rests with the EU college of commissioners following a recommendation made by DG Competition. This will not go to either the Council or the European Parliament for ratification so MEP’s don't get a vote on it either. The European Parliament can give a view but the commissioners are not bound by it.

With UK Government and Malcolm Harbour expressing positive views there is little now to be gained from writing to MPs or MEP’s as they have now made their positions clear.

This is however only the start of the battle we will not let down our guard.