LIZ LYNNE DELIGHT AT EU ACTION ON EURO EMERGENCY NUMBER

2.16.15pm GMT Thu 6th Sep 2007

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has warmly welcomed the European Parliament's adoption of a Written Declaration requesting evaluation of the operation of the single European emergency number 112.

The number has existed for 16 years but over two-thirds of Europeans are unaware of it. In the UK just 20% know of its existence. Technical and linguistic problems mean that the intended full service has never been available in all countries, leaving travellers abroad dangerously exposed.

However the European Parliament has adopted the declaration with an historic majority (512 of 785 MEPs and still counting), which will mean that a debate will now have to take place in the European Parliament.

Speaking today from Strasbourg, Liz said:

"We should all remember that this is not about the EU forcing a new number on anyone. 999 will not change in the UK. It is about saving lives by having one number everyone can use wherever they travel across the EU."

"The natural disasters which occurred across the continent this summer, including the catastrophic floods in Central and Northern England should remind us of the importance of access to the emergency services, whether at home or abroad."

"The proposed introduction of a European day to promote awareness of the number and its services, and the evaluation of 112 services across the EU, should now proceed without delay. Action on this now will help save lives."