Burnham calls for border review after attack “on heart of Europe”

Andy Burnham has called on the Government to carry out a review of security at the UK’s borders with Belgium in the aftermath of yesterday’s terrorist attack in Brussels.

The shadow Home Secretary told the Commons the suicide bombings, for ISIS has claimed responsibility, were “an attack on the heart of Europe and on all Europe”. He said it was a “statement of intent from the terrorists that must be met with a renewed determination to defeat them”.

Burnham stressed that Labour supported efforts to build “deepening collaboration with all European partners”. However, he raised concerns about whether the Belgian authorities have “sufficient capability” to deal with the heightened security needed following the attacks, and asked whether “more can be done to support them” by the UK Government.

And he also called for a “longer term review” into strengthening the UK’s security presence at borders with Belgium.

“We are learning more about the extent of terror networks in Belgium and as we do this raises questions about travel between the UK and Belgium,” Burnham said. “Britain has extensive air, sea and rail borders with Belgium. We welcome the immediate steps taken yesterday to strengthen the presence at our borders, but is there now a case for a longer term review?”

Burnham highlighted how Britain’s border force operates controls at six locations in France, but in Belgium “juxtaposed controls only apply in respect of Eurostar and not at ferry terminals. “Will the Home Secretary immediately initiate a review of our borders with Belgium, with a view to strengthening them,” he asked Theresa May.

Burnham also raised concern about “further cuts” to police services following the spending review. “Border forces face years of cuts, and are already stretched to the limit”, he said. “Surely the time is to strengthen our borders not to cut them.”

He stressed that the threat from ISIS must be defeated: “Whatever it takes, and however long it takes, we will defeat this threat to our way of life together”

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale also made a statement on the terrorist attacks today, telling the Scottish Parliament she stands with those effected by “this pointless violence”. She said:

“We resolve today to defy those who view difference with fear and anger. We defy them by celebrating our diversity; we defy them by living a life of freedom and tolerance; and we defy them by offering, in place of the fear and division the terrorists seek, love and solidarity to everyone, across the world, effected by this pointless violence.

“We stand with the people of Belgium.”