Response on 2015 Paris Shootings

The tragic events in Paris have raised many questions about how we tackle the threat of terror, how we provide security to the people who live in Britain and EU, and how we face down the growing threat posed small numbers of radicals intent on carrying out terror attacks.

It raises fundamental questions about the future of some of the things that the EU holds dear. Should there be internal border checks? Would it have made any difference?

I added my thoughts to this brief response in the Evening Standard. To see the letter read below:

The tragic events in Paris have exposed the weaknesses of the European Union’s borderless Europe and the free movement of people. While many EU citizens welcome the Schengen no-passport zone, it also makes it easier for terrorists to move around.

It appears that at least one of the attackers may have entered Europe by posing as a Syrian refugee, before crossing the Belgian-French border with a car boot full of bombs and Kalashnikovs.

But a reform and referendum process is under way so that we can reassess our relationship with the EU and discuss the best way to co-operate with neighbouring countries.

Dr Syed Kamall, MEP for London

Main image credit: Maya-Anaïs Yataghène