NEWS FROM CLAUDE MORAES MEP

12 October 2006

Labour continues the fight against crime across Europe

Labour MEP's push for the strengthening of Europol in its battle with cross border crime

CLAUDE MORAES, Labour MEP is pushing for stronger accountability between Europol and the European Parliament and today called on the European Parliament to strengthen its links with Europol (1).

Speaking after the plenary vote, CLAUDE MORAES MEP, said:

"People believe that tackling cross border crime is one of the key priorities in cooperation between member states.

"That is why Europol is of great value. In a world of global crime, within an enlarging Union and with crime hotspots such as the Western Balkans, it is vital to have an intelligence sharing body of top police men and women who are dedicated to assisting national crime fighting initiatives.

"Labour is calling for stronger accountability between Europol and the EU. No one wants to interfere in the day to day working of this important agency, but it is important for the Parliament to support its work as the challenge of organised crime increases with further enlargements.

"As a London MEP I know that from people trafficking to gun running, the crime that we see on London's streets is connected to the rest of Europe and beyond and that the British police need a strong Europol."

MICHAEL CASHMAN MEP, Labour spokesperson on Justice and Home Affairs, said:

"Labour MEPs have consistently called for the strengthening of Europol and making the tackling of organised crime and cross-border crime a key issue for the EU. These reports are a positive contribution to this vital debate."

Ends

Notes:

(1) Europol is the EU wide police agency charged with tackling organised crime, people and drug trafficking and counterfeiting.

At present, Europol operates with limited checks and balances. The two reports from Claude Moraes MEP have produced a major Parliamentary hearing on the work of Europol with MEPs and MPs from across the EU, including the UK.