This week, members of the UK Labour party voted against “any border controls… aimed at fighting terrorism” in the European Parliament, and in support of the “reintegration… of so-called ‘foreign’ fighters” who have left the Islamic State terror group.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were voting on amendment 48 to the Prevention of Radicalization and Recruitment of European Citizen’s bill, put forward by the Socialists & Democrats group (S&D).
The S&D group: “Vehemently believes, in light of the current refugee and migrant crisis in Europe, that Member States must refrain from using any border control measures aimed at fighting terrorism and stopping the travel of suspected terrorists, for immigration control purposes” reads the amendment.
They proposed, “greater emphasis on and invest in preventive rather than reactive measures to address the radicalization”, as well as, “a strategy of integration and social inclusion and of reintegration and deradicalisation of so-called ‘foreign fighters’ who are returnees” from terrorist territory.
Diane James MEP and UKIP Home Affairs spokesman said in a statement:
“After the events of Paris I am astounded that Labour MEPs have voted for these amendments. The free movement of people has led to the free movement of jihad and the only way to combat this is for Member States to regain control of their borders immediately.
Adding: “Labour opened our borders and have attempted to keep them open even in the face of these barbaric forces. UK citizen’s security should be paramount, apparently Labour does not agree”.
Gerard Batten UKIP MEP, who spoke on the report, said:
“This is shameful behaviour from Labour. In an increasingly unsafe world the British public will be shocked to hear that their elected Labour and Tory MEPs have voted to allow returning ISIS fighters back into British society.
“Anyone who has supported these terrorist groups should be appropriately prosecuted or not allowed back in”, he added.