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In the discussion on migration, the presidency sought discussion on how best to react to the current
migratory challenges facing the EU, building on the joint paper submitted by the G6 member states following their meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon in October 2006 and the European Council conclusions of December 2006. In particular, it highlighted the need to focus on closer co-operation with regard to return measures and border protection; the strengthening of Frontex (the Borders Agency); improved information sharing; and the more extensive use of biometrics. In addition, it sought views on further work in relation to readmission agreements; bilateral partnerships between EU member states and third countries; circular migration; and the promotion of information sharing between asylum authorities.
All member states supported the implementation of the December 2006 European Council conclusions and the global approach to migration. A number called for more resources to be given to Frontex.
Under the item on e-justice, the presidency introduced its pilot project on the exchange of criminal records. It noted that a key question was whether any centralised system or network was needed, or whether it might be better simply to join up existing member state databases. The UK said that it favoured the use of existing systems, as did a significant number of other member states. I pressed other member states to look hard at their procedures for sharing conviction data at the moment, and at including fingerprints, while recognising that the UK was far from perfect itself. I also indicated that the UK strongly supported the development of e-justice, especially in the “Order for Payment” and was looking positively at joining the presidency pilot project on the exchange of criminal records. The presidency concluded that there was clear support for further work in this area and that it would consider the setting up of a working group to take this forward.
On violent video games, the presidency showed a violent video game recently banned in Germany. The Commission undertook to come forward with a communication setting out ideas, such as a forum for producers and governments. The presidency suggested looking at better European coordination of restrictions, better information exchange on banned games and a discussion of the procedures for classifying and banning games.
On “Family Law” the presidency argued for applicable law rules for divorce and inheritance. The UK, supported by five other member states, maintained its position that applicable law rules would bring significant problems of applying foreign law rules in EU courts and pressed for mutual recognition, better-focused legislation and more use of non-legislative measures.
Cabinet Office
Guidance to Civil Servants: Devolved Administration and Local Election Campaigns
The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Hilary Armstrong):
Guidance has today been issued to civil servants in UK Departments on the principles which they should observe in relation to the conduct of
Government business before the forthcoming elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales, and to local authorities in England and Scotland.
The guidance sets out the principles on the need to maintain the political impartiality of the civil service, and the need to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes, and sets out the sensitive periods when the guidance comes into force for each election.
Copies of the guidance will be placed in the Library for the reference of Members.
It will also be available on the Cabinet Office website at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/publications/pdf/2007electionguidance.pdf
Northern Ireland
Independent Monitoring Commission: 13th Report
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Peter Hain): I have received the 13th Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC). This report has been made under articles 4 and 1 of the international agreement that established the Commission and it reports on levels of paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland. I have considered the content of the report and I am today bringing it before Parliament. I have placed copies in the Library of the House.
With regard to PIRA, the IMC has identified a significant number of developments in the three months under review since their last report; all these developments have been positive and have provided further confirmation of its view that the leadership is folly committed to a political path and the successful implementation of that strategy.
As the IMC notes, the decision taken by the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis on 28 January to support policing and criminal justice was “a very major development” and achieved through the commitment and efforts of the Sinn Fein leadership. While it notes that opposing opinions were expressed during the course of the Ard Fheis, they praise the fact that such differences were expressed by political means and democratic debate. It concludes that “the efforts invested by the leadership of the republican movement in presenting the arguments in favour of the change were further substantial evidence of their commitment to the democratic process”.
In terms of terrorist activities, the IMC has noted a “continued deterioration of terrorist capability”. It has also noted that members who had previously shown interest in acquiring small arms “appear not to have followed their inclination through”, in order to obey the instructions of the leadership. It has further noted that PIRA has not been responsible for any shootings or assaults and has not conducted intelligence gathering for any unlawful purposes; neither has it engaged in any sectarian violence, intimidation nor other forms of crime. In all the above areas, the IMC states that “The directions from the PIRA leadership to members have remained clear and consistent. Terrorism and violence have been abandoned”.
On Loyalism, the IMC concludes that individuals have continued to show leadership in attempting to “guide the respective organisations away from criminality and towards both involvement in community development and democratic politics”. However, it characterises progress across the loyalist organisations as “patchy” and urges that all should work to quicken the pace of change.
The Government believe that this report removes the final, major impediment to the restoration of stable and lasting devolution in Northern Ireland. It is now for the politicians to grasp the historic opportunity which lies before them in the coming weeks.
Once again, I am grateful to the Commission for its submission of this report and for its careful analysis.
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