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MEP slams plans for 'e-borders'

Kent MEP Richard Ashworth
Kent MEP Richard Ashworth

A Kent MEP has hit out at government proposals to make everyone coming and going through the county's ports provide details to the authorities.

Under the plans anyone leaving or entering the country would have to reveal where they are going.

It is part of the Government's £750million 'e-borders' programme, which would aim to hold the computerised records for up to 10 years.

Kent MEP Richard Ashworth has slammed the proposal for lengthening check-in times and causing congestion around areas like the Port of Dover.

Mr Ashworth said: "We are talking particularly here about people exercising the right to move within the 27 nations of the European Union and I see no reason why they should be inhibited."

Hear what Richard Ashworth MEP says about the borders scheme.

He added: "These proposals will tip the balance between necessary protection against terrorism and dangerous encroachment on our civil liberties."

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