Lib Dem MEPs champion '112' European emergency number

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th Sep 2007

The European Parliament has adopted a 'written declaration' (similar to an Early Day Motion at Westminster) requesting an evaluation of the quality of the operation of "112", the common European emergency number agreed 16 years ago but too little implemented or known.

The declaration, championed by a cross-party coalition led by Liberal Democrat MEPs, was adopted with the largest majority ever to have been attained (512 members out of a total of 785, and still counting).

London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"The tragic natural disasters which occurred in Europe this summer, and in particular the catastrophic floods, should remind us how important it is for all of our citizens to know this emergency number. Although already theoretically in operation in all 27 Member States, it is not well-organised or well-publicised."

"With millions of Britons not only travelling but now living abroad, '112' is a vital tool for emergencies so people only need remember one number for the whole continent. But EU governments have dragged their feet in practice."

"Now that the Parliament as a whole has endorsed the declaration, the European Commission should create a European day to promote awareness of "112" and make an evaluation of all 112 services in Europe."