MUCH has been said and written recently about putting effective anti-terrorism measures in place in the light of events in London and across the world.
In such difficult times, it is vital that we are able to protect this country, and its people, from the very real threat of terrorism.
I urge the Government not to opt in to the proposals for a package of immigration and asylum measures which have been debated by the European Commission.
Britain must be free to act against extremists who stir up hatred and incite terrorism. I fear the commission's plans would hamper our ability to protect our citizens and could interfere with plans to deport or expel radicals.
It is important that we do not compromise the safety and security of our citizens at the expense of gestures on human rights.
The European Commission needs to realise the nature of the threat we live under. A system which ties the hands of governments in the face of this unprecedented threat would be a victory for terrorists.
Europe should not wait for another atrocity before it has the flexibility it needs to respond.
Timothy Kirkhope,
MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber,
Main Street,
Scotton, Knaresborough.
Updated: 11:29 Monday, September 05, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article