PMQs: The Don't Mention The EU Edition

Iain Dale was impressed by Cameron's performance yesterday at PMQs. Well he certainly comes across as more assured and human than Brown, but that's not exactly difficult. Other than that, the substance hasn't changed much since the election. As an example, here's a question from Tory backbencher, Karen Bradley:

Is the Prime Minister aware of the case of my constituent Mr Edmond Arapi, who is facing extradition to Italy, having been tried in his absence? Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter urgently and accelerate the review of extradition cases before Mr Arapi is taken from his family and sent to an Italian jail?

And Cameron's response?

I am happy to look at this case, and I will discuss it with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, who is working on the issue of deportations. Legal processes have to be followed, but I will discuss this with my right hon. Friend, and perhaps then contact my hon. Friend.

Now if Cameron were to give a more honest response it would go something like this:

There's no point looking at this case, because Mr Edmond Arapi has been fast tracked by the European Arrest Warrant so there's nothing we can do. All of us in this House agree with the EU, so I'm afraid you will need to go back to Mr Edmond Arapi and tell him, even though he's innocent, tough get packing!

And so it continues, Conservative Philip Hollobone:

What will my right hon. Friend be doing to ensure that foreign nationals engaged in terrorist-related activity in this country will be deported back to their country of origin when their evil plots are detected?

Cameron:

I really am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that question. When foreign nationals threaten our country but we do not have the evidence necessary to prosecute them, it is essential for us to be able to deport them back to their country of origin. I have asked the Home Secretary to work with the Foreign Secretary to draw up agreements with as many countries as possible, so that we can deport those people and keep our country safe. All diplomatic efforts, including efforts by me, will be made to ensure that we keep our country safe.

One small problem:

Two men who plotted to kill thousands of Britons in a terrorist atrocity cannot be deported because it would infringe their human rights, a court ruled yesterday.

And:

Up to 3,000 foreign criminals will be released from prison on to Britain's streets without any attempt to deport them, Government papers have revealed.

It pins the blame on an EU directive which rules that committing a serious crime is no longer sufficient grounds for removal.

Neither is the Government's desire to deter other foreign nationals from committing a crime in this country.

As a result, the vast bulk of the estimated 3,300 European criminals released from British jails each year - including burglars, thieves and muggers - will simply walk free.

More confirmation that the last election was simply an exercise in rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic