Paul Murphy MP in action at the Despatch Box, during his time as Northern Ireland Secretary

14 November 2007

Murphy Questions Prime Minister on Security

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy today questioned PM Gordon Brown in the House of Commons, during the Prime Minister's statement on National security.

Paul Murphy, who Chairs Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, asked about the issue of dealing with the 'radicalisation' of young people. The Intelligence and Security Committee scrutinises the policy, administration and expenditure of the Intelligence and Security Services.

The full text of the Prime Minister's Statement can be found on the Hansard website at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmhansrd.htm. Here's the text of Paul Murphy's contribution and the Prime Minister's response:

Mr. Paul Murphy (Torfaen) (Lab): My right hon. Friend rightly put dealing with the radicalisation of young people at the centre of his statement. He said that there would be much more co-ordination between Departments. Given that a great deal of radicalisation takes place outside the cities of Westminster and London, can he reassure us that there will be proper co-ordination between the devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, between local authorities and Government, and between the security services and the special branches? I consider that to be an extremely important way of dealing with radicalisation.

The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who chairs the Intelligence and Security Committee. Both he and his Committee have made valuable proposals to which the Government have listened very carefully, and we will continue to listen to the advice that he and his colleagues give.

My right hon. Friend referred to the devolved Administrations. When the Cabinet organisation that deals with emergencies of this kind convenes, it will normally include representation from the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In particular, when we are dealing with the need for co-operation in both policing and other areas connected with terrorism, the involvement of those Administrations is not just important but essential. That will continue to be part of what we do.

Site designed and developed by Public Impact

Site promoted and issued on his own behalf by Paul Murphy MP. 73 Upper Trosnant Street, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8AU.
This site is paid for by the Communications Allowance available to MPs. Site admin