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Commission plans could hamper UK response to terrorism
Thursday, September 1 2005
The EU must not compromise the safety and security of its citizens at the expense of gestures on human rights, Timothy Kirkhope MEP, leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, said today as the European Commission debated a package of immigration and asylum measures.
Mr Kirkhope said anti-terrorism measures should give due weight both to the rights of society and to the rights of the individual. He urged the British government not to opt in to the proposals, which he said could interfere with plans to deport or expel radicals who incite hatred and violence.
Mr Kirkhope, Conservative spokesman on justice and home affairs in the European Parliament, said:
"Britain must be free to act against extemists who stir up hatred and incite terrorism. I fear the Commission's plans would hamper our ability to protect our citizens.
"The rights of society must be fully considered alongside the rights of the individual. A system which ties the hands of governments in the face of this unprecedented threat would be a victory for terrorists.
"The Commission needs to realise the nature of this threat. Europe should not have to wait for another atrocity before it has the flexibility it needs to respond.
ENDS
