Passenger Data: Time for EU to say no to US

7.22.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 30th Mar 2004

Sarah Ludford, pictured here in discussion with Commissioner Vitorino (Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs) has continually pressed the Commission to prevent wasteful fishing expeditions and encourage only measures which will genuinely tackle terrorism

"It's time for the EU to say 'no' to the US" says Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats ahead of a vote tomorrow vote on the transfer of airline passenger data to the United States.

The agreement concluded by the European Commission last December finds protection around the transfer of large amounts of airline passenger data to the United States 'adequate', despite contravening EU data protection laws. The Parliament will vote on whether to call upon the European Commission to withdraw its decision and negotiate a new agreement.

Baroness Ludford added:

"The European Parliament has always been a strong supporter of the fight against terrorism. But I believe measures taken to defend the values of democracy and freedom cannot be allowed to undermine the protection of fundamental rights and privacy. We must find the right balance between security demands and civil liberties."

"Access to personal airline passenger data does not stop at names, addresses and contact telephone numbers. It will include data on travelling companions, the travel agency with which reservations were made, passengers' credit card details as well as dietary preferences. I question whether access to this vast amount of data reduces the threat of terrorism on transatlantic flights or is merely a bureaucratic fishing expedition.

"I call upon the Commission to negotiate a fair and legally binding international agreement with the United States instead of this shaky deal."