Allister speaks out in Brussels on terrorism
23 September 2008
Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament on terrorism, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister made reference to the recent upsurge in IRA activity - with equipment and explosives the public was assured had been decommissioned - and challenged the attempt of the Commission to use the threat of terrorism as an excuse for more harmonisation of the criminal law and processes.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"Having seen further savage terrorism in recent days in Pakistan, Spain, Jerusalem and in my own country several renewed IRA terrorist attempts, none of us can be complacent about the vile scourge of terrorism. But it is naive to think that there is a pan-European panacea. Yes, we need effective extradition and co-operation, but legislation so harmonised as to reduce it to the lowest common denominator is more of a hindrance than a help.
First and foremost these are matters for national decision. The UK, for example, is attempting to provide for up to 42 day detention, which is more than I think is necessary, but London, not Brussels, has the right to make that decision. On the approach of these proposals we would soon strip such discretion from the member state. Such might suit the EU's expansionist agenda, but it won't defeat terrorism."
