Liz Lynne demands clarity and standards in EU Human Trafficking Initiatives

10.52.57am GMT Fri 18th Nov 2005

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands, has demanded an explanation from the Minister of State for Europe, Douglas Alexander, as to why there continues to be a lack of information made available on the EU Action Plan on Trafficking despite a call from the Commission for 'in-depth dialogue and cooperation with civil society' on the issue.

During Council Question Time in Strasbourg yesterday, Ms Lynne also criticised the UK Presidency for failing to see human trafficking as a human rights issue, choosing instead to view it as a question of security and stability.

In her question Ms Lynne asked:

"Could [the President in Office] try to make sure that the Council discussions on the EU Action Plan on Trafficking is in the public domain, because we do not have any information about it at present.

"Could he also give reassurances that at least the minimum standards that are written into the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking are put into that EU Action Plan?"

Commenting after the session Ms Lynne said:

"It is vital that there is compliance from the Council on this matter. The Commission has laid out guidelines in order that the issue of human trafficking is effectively addressed, underlining an integrated approach as key.

"What we really need to see is all EU Member States signing up the the Council of Europe Convention on action against Trafficking, including the UK, so far only twelve Member States have signed up, four of those only yesterday.

"It's a pity the UK presidency didn't set an example and sign up at the same time."

ENDS.