EU Justice and Home Affairs

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 1:19 pm on 14 October 2004.

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Photo of Caroline Flint Caroline Flint Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office) 1:19, 14 October 2004

I have seen the article and the Conservative party press release parrots the same myths and distortions. It is important to have time in the Chamber to discuss the subject. I strongly believe, as a Home Office Minister and a constituency MP, that in fighting terrorism and crime and, importantly, in tackling abuse of our immigration systems, there are times when we have to work with others across the EU. I make no apology for that.

I shall be clear about dispelling some of the myths that have been put about by papers such as The Daily Telegraph and by the shadow Home Secretary only this morning on the radio—and where is he? It would be nice if he made time to focus on the issues. From his contribution on the "Today" programme, I thought he could do with a bit more briefing.