Anniversary of the Madrid terrorist attacks

12.10.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 11th Mar 2005

Marking the anniversary of Europe's worst terrorist attack in Madrid last year, Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London and European justice spokeswoman said:

"The best tribute to the victims of this shocking atrocity is to have an effective European response which shares information and resources but does not undermine democracy."

"Yet the EU's own anti-terrorism coordinator points out that delays and jealousies are frustrating law enforcement cooperation. Member States took a year to appoint a head of the European police agency Europol."

"It is unacceptable that governments tolerate turf wars while promoting illiberal measures that prejudice privacy and freedom."

"I have this week put my role as an unelected member of the House of Lords before my elected role as an MEP to help amend the misguided Prevention of Terrorism Bill. We will never drain the swamp in which terrorism breeds by creating injustice and scapegoats."

"It is possible and necessary to be tough on terrorism without compromising the rule of law and civil liberties. I look forward to that being affirmed by the Madrid Agenda of the summit on democracy, terrorism and security."