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Brussels Terrorist Attacks
23 March 2016
Lead MP
Theresa May
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Migrants & BordersPolicing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Theresa May raised concerns about brussels terrorist attacks in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Prime Minister Theresa May opened the debate by discussing the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, including casualties and ongoing investigations. She emphasised the severe threat from international terrorism and detailed government actions such as deploying police resources and increasing security measures at borders and transport hubs. The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to prevent radicalisation through legislation and community programmes.
Theresa May
Con
Walthamstow
Prime Minister Theresa May discussed the terrorist attacks in Brussels, expressing condolences and solidarity with Belgium. She outlined measures taken by the UK government to maintain security within the country, including increased border checks, enhanced searching at ports, and deployment of additional police officers at specific locations. The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of international cooperation against terrorism, mentioning strengthened co-operation through forums such as the Five Eyes alliance and counter-terrorism group.
Dominic Grieve
Con
Beaconsfield
Expresses support for increased security cooperation with Belgium and other European countries through EU mechanisms, questioning recent suggestions that such mechanisms endanger UK security. Emphasises the importance of using EU mechanisms to enhance national security.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South
Welcomed the Home Secretary’s statement on attacks in Brussels and Turkey, expressing condolences. Emphasised the Scottish National Party's commitment to protecting Scotland, and asked for reassurances regarding safety measures and the importance of a united community.
Theresa May
Con
Reiterated that threat level remains severe but not raised. Confirmed increased police presence at transport hubs and enhanced Border Force activity. Emphasised the need for intelligence services to have necessary powers, and highlighted efforts in countering terrorist propaganda online.
Damian Green
Con
Ashford
Asked the Home Secretary to ensure that Muslim communities continue their habit of cooperating with police and security services to maintain a vital flow of information against terrorism.
Theresa May
Con
Agreed on the importance of maintaining cooperation from Muslim communities, indicating ongoing efforts to encourage people to provide information regarding potential threats.
Keith Vaz
Lab
Leicester East
Complimented the Home Secretary's statement and budgetary support for counter-terrorism. Raised concerns about the EU’s external border security, particularly at Greece-Turkey borders, urging support to Greek authorities.
Theresa May
Con
Confirmed ongoing support to Greece and efforts to strengthen EU’s external border. Noted the UK's ability to conduct further checks on individuals entering from continental ports despite Schengen agreement.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Suggested that the channel is now our best bulwark against terrorism and asked for enhanced passport checks at UK borders, including European passports.
Theresa May
Con
Confirmed increased border checks by Border Force but clarified misunderstanding regarding UK’s existing border security measures.
George Howarth
Ind
Knowsley
Agreed that groups like Daesh are indiscriminate in their attacks and target fundamental European values such as democracy, freedom of religion, human rights and law and order.
Theresa May
Con
Acknowledged the indiscriminate nature of Daesh’s attacks and emphasised the importance of defending our fundamental societal values against such threats.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Suggested that modern digital powers, including bulk powers, are necessary for security services to combat terrorist propaganda and recruitment online.
Theresa May
012:50:00
Highlighted the necessity of the Investigatory Powers Bill for enhancing security and intelligence capabilities. Emphasised the fight against terrorism both domestically and internationally, including collaboration with European partners and strengthening cross-border security measures.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
Stressed the importance of combating global jihadist ideology by protecting citizens and upholding democratic values. Urged the government to make this battle about more than just critical public safety, but also about promoting core values such as democracy and human rights.
Crispin Blunt
012:50:00
Asked whether it is a priority to assist Syrian forces that have ceased hostilities in recovering territory controlled by ISIL-Daesh, suggesting the ease with which Daesh can plan attacks from its territorial control.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Expressed support for the Home Secretary and mentioned the necessity of cross-border cooperation between the UK and Ireland to prevent further terrorist ingress. Inquired about increased levels of co-operation.
David Jones
012:50:00
Asked whether security arrangements at Holyhead, a significant point of entry from within the common travel area, are adequate in addressing the terrorist threat as perceived by the government.
Ben Bradshaw
012:50:00
Questioned if there were any unnecessary obstacles to sharing vital intelligence with European partners and allies quickly to help fight terrorism effectively.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Asked the Home Secretary to ensure that travel advice prioritises safety but is mindful of its impact on partner nations, highlighting the case of Tunisia post-Paris attacks.
Tom Brake
012:50:00
Expressed solidarity with Belgium and Brussels. Inquired about progress in recruiting additional armed police officers for London's Metropolitan Police post-Paris attacks, suggesting the programme might need to be accelerated.
Lucy Frazer
012:50:00
Asked whether the Home Secretary would ensure that international partners support the Investigatory Powers Bill so it can be practically and swiftly enforced elsewhere.
Louise Ellman
012:50:00
Inquired about satisfaction with security measures at international airports with flights to the UK, receiving a detailed response on the ongoing programme for assessing and enhancing airport security globally.
David Rutley
012:50:00
Welcomed the Home Secretary's statement and cross-party condemnation of terrorist acts in Brussels. Asked about support from internet service providers to combat sophisticated digital communication used by terrorists.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Expressed sympathy with Brussels and asked the Home Secretary to reassure soccer fans travelling for UEFA European Championship that every step will be taken to ensure their safety at football stadiums.
Theresa May
Con
The Home Secretary discussed the importance of cooperation with other countries and their security forces, particularly in relation to major events like European football. She also emphasised the need for digital intelligence collaboration and shared concerns about the Investigatory Powers Bill.
Asked about steps being taken with companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Blackberry to ensure cooperation on digital surveillance for safety. He highlighted the importance of these technologies in ensuring security.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Asked if lessons had been learned from past failures in intelligence sharing, specifically referencing deficiencies after the Paris attacks which led to subsequent issues in Belgium. He sought assurance that these lessons were being integrated into current security strategies.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Welcomed the Home Secretary’s statement and raised concerns about countering terrorist propaganda online, suggesting theological arguments should be used to address radicalisation. He inquired about steps being taken with faith communities for this purpose.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Emphasised the importance of targeting financial support to terrorist networks as a key strategy against terrorism and asked if there was close collaboration between government departments to address this issue effectively.
Alex Chalk
Con
Asked about resources available for GCHQ, highlighting its critical role in security and intelligence operations following recent terrorist attacks. He sought assurance that it would continue to receive necessary support.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Expressed concerns about the rise of hate crimes, particularly those targeting Muslim communities, after terrorist incidents and asked for assurances regarding adequate police support and resources to address these issues effectively.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Asked for an update on assessments related to security risks facing Jewish communities following recent attacks. He sought assurance of government action against anti-Semitic incidents and support from the House in condemning such activities.
John Woodcock
Ind
Suggested that Muslim groups should lead efforts to counter radicalisation narratives rather than non-Muslims, asking if the government is prepared to back these groups even when they might not align with liberal values.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked about measures in place for individuals returning from conflict zones who may pose a threat. He sought assurances that those returning would be assessed and necessary interventions implemented on a case-by-case basis.
Khalid Mahmood
Lab
Reiterated condemnations of terrorist attacks, particularly those not aligned with his faith. He praised the budget for intelligence services but also raised concerns about Border Force effectiveness and local policing resources in combating radicalisation.
Huw Merriman
Con
Suggested that rail operators and airline companies should prominently display government guidance on staying safe during potential attacks, highlighting the importance of public awareness and preparedness.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Asked the Home Secretary to confirm whether Abdelhamid Abaaoud visited Birmingham, and inquired about his associates.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Expressed concerns about local families worried about radicalisation of family members and asked how they can be supported.
Tom Elliott
SNP
Coatbridge and Chryston
Asked whether the European convention on human rights provides protection or additional protection to those living in the UK who may intend to carry out terrorist activity.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Inquired about assurances that Border Force has been strengthened at Gatwick airport, especially given its proximity to the Schengen area.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked whether there are intentions to upgrade security checks or implement spot checks outside the current security system due to recent attacks in Brussels.
Matt Warman
Con
Barnes
Welcomed the conciliatory tone adopted during the debate on the Investigatory Powers Bill and hoped for a constructive process moving forward.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Asked for assurance that police forces have the resources needed to increase the number of armed officers rapidly in response to recent incidents.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Inquired about discussions with the Ministry of Defence regarding military support for civilian law enforcement, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Cumbernauld and Kilsyth
Asked specifically about work underway to disrupt the flow of weapons and explosives both in the UK and across Europe.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Suggested considering how to effectively exchange security information with allies through membership of international organisations such as NATO and OSCE.
Government Response
Migrants & BordersPolicing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementBenefits & Welfare
Government Response
Thanking Andy Burnham for his comments and expressing agreement with Dominic Grieve, Theresa May outlines the government's response to the Brussels attacks. This includes updates on travel advice from the FCO, offers of support to Belgian authorities, ongoing discussions about enhancing border security between the UK and Belgium, and initiatives to improve firearms capability across England and Wales. She also highlights efforts to coordinate emergency services and the government’s work with Muslim communities to unite against terrorism. Addressed concerns regarding threat levels, police presence, Border Force checks, cooperation with Muslim communities, EU external border security, passport checks at UK borders, and digital powers for combating terrorist propaganda. Theresa May responded to several speakers addressing concerns regarding intelligence cooperation, digital surveillance, funding for counter-terrorism efforts, community support against hate crimes, resource allocation for security agencies like GCHQ, and measures to address returning individuals from conflict zones. She also discussed the importance of theological arguments in countering radicalisation narratives. Responded to multiple questions about recent terrorist attacks, emphasising ongoing investigations, the Prevent strategy, Border Force strengthening at airports, military support for civilian law enforcement, and cooperation with international organisations.
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