- Avant le vote:

  Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE). - Madam President, while I entirely agree with Michael Cashman, let me make the point that we were told by Mr Schulz, back in March after those ridiculous agriculture votes, that this sort of vote would never take place again. I appeal to the group leaders to assume their responsibilities – those who are still here, who have not gone to lunch or to the summit in Brussels – in future. There will be seven sessions here in Strasbourg and one mini plenary in Brussels before the elections. We must properly arrange our voting and our agenda so that we do not have to put you – or anybody else – through this ridiculous charade again.

(Applause)