Huhne: Tory plans to scrap EU criminal record checks would risk public safety

Tue, 02 Jun 2009

Conservative plans to scrap criminal record checks on EU citizens living in this country would put British citizens at risk, according to research by the Liberal Democrats.

Conservative MEPs voted against the establishment of the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), which standardises the format of criminal records in Europe and allows them to be exchanged quickly between police forces and high risk employers, such as airports.

ECRIS came into force in April and makes the exchange between EU countries mandatory. Previously it had been based on an unsatisfactory voluntary agreement.

Reactiong to the research, Chris Huhne said; "Once again, the Conservatives have proved themselves to be the friends of Europe's criminals."

The Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary went on to say; "David Cameron seems intent on tying the hands of the British bobby behind his back. This is letting murderers, paedophiles and rapists get away. It is simply outrageous that the Tories are prepared to put their swivel-eyed anti-European dogma ahead of our children's safety."

"It beggars belief that anyone would want to make it more difficult for us to check whether people coming to this country are dangerous criminals."

Chris concluded; "Even the Tory Justice Spokesman in Scotland thinks that something must be done and has urged Chris Grayling to take action. I have written to him to do the same."