Syrian refugee camp

How can we tell terrorists from refugees? asks Isle of Wight MP

Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner asked more than one question in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday).

He wasn’t just concerned about the importation issues affecting a tiger from Belgium (more on that later), he also wanted to know “how terrorists posing as refugees seeking asylum from Syria could be identified”.

Refugees “carefully screened”
The Home Secretary, Teresa May, told the Isle of Wight MP that all those selected for resettlement in the UK “would be carefully screened in the camps” adding that most of those accepted into the UK are women and children.

He said:

“I accept the assurances of the Home Secretary that all that is possible will be done to root out those who intend us harm. However, we know from recent events that some women and even children have been radicalised by the so-called Islamic State.

“Although most of those fleeing violence and persecution in Syria are of course genuine refugees, we must remain especially vigilant as they enter the UK under resettlement programmes. The chaotic response by many other EU nations to the desperate humanitarian crisis in Syria, has hindered – not helped the situation.”

Image: mustafakhayat under CC BY 2.0

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Jo Boddington
15, February 2014 5:41 pm

Does that mean Prince Harry and William will come too to help out on our little island??!!!

Don Smith
Reply to  Jo Boddington
15, February 2014 10:03 pm

No! They will only come over here for a p*ss up; and pilot themselves.

There are no wild boar or stags over here, unless they have a look around the zoo; they could shoot something in there.

tryme
Reply to  Don Smith
15, February 2014 10:30 pm

Very odd, especially when you put it like that Don, that anyone (let alone the RF cultivating our support), would quite coolly and calmly set out to shoot and kill, likely maim, some beautiful creatures. It must have to be drummed into you from birth, to accept it as ‘normal’, I should think.

tryme
Reply to  tryme
16, February 2014 12:35 pm

Some great supporters out there of the Royal Family/shooting!

Retired hack
15, February 2014 5:45 pm

Pinzgauer vehicles suggests the Undercliff.

tryme
15, February 2014 6:10 pm

I misread this as ‘Panzer’ vehicles. I’m glad to get this explanation before seeing them myself!

Sciolist
Reply to  tryme
15, February 2014 7:57 pm

They look like humble Land rovers to me.

I hate to criticise, but this is a very extravagant way to transport a few cars. They could drive from Odiham in an hour.

Unless they’ve been briefed on Wightlink’s ongoing difficulties.

Sally Perry
Admin
Reply to  Sciolist
15, February 2014 8:12 pm

Yes, the Pinzgauers are coming by ferry as they had difficulty bringing by Chinook.

Nobby
Reply to  Sciolist
15, February 2014 8:23 pm

I know a few reservists who have been mobilised this weekend. In view of the role these soldiers are likely to play in the future of our armed forces, it is a useful training role as well as support and reassurance for the general population.

Tim
Reply to  Sciolist
15, February 2014 8:48 pm

Probably cheaper to transport the vehicles by helicopter than use Wightlink, especially if they are over 5 metres long

Retired hack
Reply to  Tim
15, February 2014 9:10 pm

It would certainly be pertinent to ask Wightlink/Red Funnel whether they are charging the RAF.

Highway to Hell
15, February 2014 11:46 pm

May I just ask a couple (OK, 3 or 4) of questions here? 1. Why? What are they here for? 2. Wouldn’t this resource be better off served working in an area that has had, or is currently suffering, prolonged flooding? 3. Why do certain media outlets imply that the island is on it’s last legs and without the help from the Army, we will all suffer… Read more »

Highway to Hell
15, February 2014 11:58 pm

Yes, I know there were only 4 horses, but maths isn’t a strong point over here…

That’s why £25M+ and counting over a lifetime is such a good deal!

Gevsy
16, February 2014 12:16 am

Just to answer a couple of points. 1. The Landrovers came from the Thames valley, the Chinooks came from Odiham and the reservists came from another part of the country off exercise. 2. Not everything in DPM is Army. 3. We’re not here for a p*** up, do you think we want to be here? (I’d much rather be home with my pregnant wife and little girl)… Read more »

Cynic
Reply to  Gevsy
16, February 2014 9:15 am

Good on yer Gevsy- thanks for the help!

{BTW “whoop-whoops” are a frequent sound over Bembridge as Chinooks and Westlands regularly visit the airport on training flights. Brings back memories of the training school at Middle Wallop in the Dark Ages! :-))]]

Mark Francis
Reply to  Gevsy
17, February 2014 9:17 am

I think the criticism was aimed at the Royal Family not the Army.

tryme
Reply to  Mark Francis
17, February 2014 7:14 pm

Yes Mark, Gevsy got the wrong end of the stick. Don was responding to the comment about Princes William and Harry, and he possibly had in mind their shenanigans here a few years ago! A few readers might have thought I’d missed an ‘A’ from the middle of RF, but no!

Kerry Yeomans
16, February 2014 8:15 am

Some people are never happy , lots of complaints on hear about overseas aid and now you have some be grateful,!!!!

twoveggies
Reply to  Kerry Yeomans
16, February 2014 9:29 am

Send them to Stockbridge please could do with some help 125 ft tree still filling front garden

ThomasC
Reply to  Kerry Yeomans
16, February 2014 9:29 am

I think if there was something the ‘aid’ was doing (rather than coming to assess if we need help!) people might be less cynical.

Can’t wait for the photos of the military helping us on the IOW to start rolling in, so we can see how the huge expense of flying in a couple of Land Rovers is justified.

Cynic
Reply to  ThomasC
16, February 2014 9:36 am

Look at it as a necessary training exercise that you are already paying for through your taxes!

Also try flying in a helicopter in this weather- heavy turbulence (or “chop”) really puts the “chop” in “chopper”!

Sciolist
Reply to  Kerry Yeomans
17, February 2014 8:50 am

This army help was a political stunt. Politicking at its worst, absolutely pointless gesture by Downing Street.

sciolist
16, February 2014 6:30 pm

The soldiers I spoke to earlier said they were leaving today. All very strange.

Gevsy
16, February 2014 10:32 pm

I’m not sure the people of Niton feel this was a waste of time and money after a troop of TA, a fire team of RAF Gunners, the fire service and the lifeboat service spent the afternoon emptying their homes of all their possessions, before they fell into the sea.

Braveheart
17, February 2014 1:20 pm

After watching the various news agencies with interest and absolute astonishment at the amount of damage being caused by the severe weather fronts, the country has been bombarded with since before Christmas. It shocks me to note our respective governments are unashamedly prepared to spend millions of pounds getting involved in other countries wars but, when it comes to the people of this country they are opposed… Read more »

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