HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc805-6W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the nature of activities envisaged under paragraph 17 of the Laeken Conclusions, referring to the Specialist (Counter-Terrorist) Services. [57913]

Mr. Blunkett

Prior to the European Union (EU) Council Meeting in Laeken, excellent co-operation already existed between the specialist units of EU member states responsible for counter-terrorism. The events of 11 September emphasised the need for practical and effective international co-operation against terrorism, both within and outside the European Union. This need was reflected in the conclusions of the meeting. An example of such co-operation was the United Kingdom proposed conference on the possible terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material held at Europol in January this year.