HC Deb 30 June 2003 vol 408 c17W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on a European framework law to govern the prosecution of terrorism. [121404]

Mr. Blunkett

The EU Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism, which was agreed by the Justice and Home Affairs Council of December 2001, requires all member states to introduce rigorous common terrorist offences and penalties. As a result, specific antiterrorism legislation has to be introduced in those EU member states that did not have such measures in place. The United Kingdom, which already has specific strong counter-terrorism legislation, fully supported the framework decision. We believe it is vital to ensure that the EU has a co-ordinated, robust response to terrorism.