Regarding any softening of CAP 371; (I feel it should be tightened, but that's another story); the CAA have stated some years ago, and Chirps printed the statement also,
"that CAP 371 limits are not a complete protection against fatigue or undue tiredness."
Company rosters need to be constructed in a common sense way. However, it is simply the case that limits have, and will be, treated as the norm and the CAA have never policed their own philosophy and guidelines. Thus, any relaxation will be detrimental.
For the MEP's to say that the national authorities, or unions, can impose or negotiate stricter conditions than JAA is wildly naive and ludicrous.
For the number of peanuts they get paid I do not expect monkey statements. And for an ex BA stewardess to feel qualified to make comments on today's T&C's for the charter and low cost operators is arrogance that might be astonishing if it did not come from an ex member of the world's favorite feathered nest.