EU Approves Data Retention Rules

The parliament voted by 378 to 197 to approve the bill, which had already been agreed by the assembly's two largest groups, the European People's Party and the Socialists. The measures were proposed by Britain after the bomb attacks in London in July. They still need to be formally approved by EU member states. UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the approval showed the European institutions - the Parliament, the Council, the Commission - standing firm against terrorism and serious organised crime. "This sends a powerful message that Europe is united against terrorism and organised crime," he said. "All three institutions have worked closely together and been willing to compromise in order to reach agreement on this important measure." Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/4527840.stm Published: 2005/12/14 12:39:49 GMT [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on December 14, 2005]

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