20th January 2010

Counter-Terrorism

Issue

  • The Prime Minister has made a statement in the House of Commons on counter-terrorism.

Key points

  • The Prime Minister's statement outlined the action we are taking to improve national security. He announced further measures to:
    • improve border and airport security; and
    • to enhance intelligence coordination at home and abroad.

  • Among the action announced, the Prime Minister announced the intention - for the first time - to use the watchlist as the basis for two new lists: a no-fly list and a larger list of those who should be subject to special measures including enhanced screening prior to boarding flights bound for the UK. The Prime Minister also announced that direct flights to the UK from Yemen will be suspended with immediate effect.

  • The Tory proposals announced last Friday showed an obsession with bureaucratic tinkering, and a nave belief that we can retreat to a 'fortress Britain' approach, disguising their hidden agenda of indiscriminate cuts.

  • To secure growth not choke off recovery.
  • To protect frontline services not put them at risk.
  • To cut the deficit fairly not cut taxes for the privileged few.
  • To keep Britain strong internationally

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