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MEPs Must Adopt More Flexible Anti-Terrorism Approach
Wednesday 13 July 2005
MEPs afraid of eroding civil liberties in the fight against terrorism should adopt a more flexible approach instead of thwarting effective measures on rigid ideological grounds, Timothy Kirkhope, Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament and delegation spokesman for justice and home affairs, said today.
Mr Kirkhope, who asked the Home Secretary Charles Clarke about how the Parliament could assist the international fight against terrorism, said he shared Mr Clarke's view that MEPs could do more to assist law enforcement efforts.
Mr Kirkhope said:
"The Home Secretary spoke good sense. It's about time MEPs took a more rational and reasonable approach. No-one is suggesting we are abandoning civil liberties. It's our respect for civil liberties that forms the foundation of our society.
"But the London bombings have once again highlighted the threats that European societies face. We need to be able to take targeted measures that bring results.
"Those who fret about civil liberties seem to think anti-terrorism measures mean a blanket approach to civil liberties. But the greatest civil liberty of all is the freedom to live life without fear. We should not be fearful of taking the steps necessary to do that."
ENDS
