By Chris Davies, Liberal

Democrat MEP for the North West TWO European Commissioners were facing questions from MEPs when the rumours started to spread around the room that the twin towers in New York had been hit.

TV news bulletins around the world announced the immediate closure of airports and a range of other security measures.

The European Parliament in Brussels had been evacuated, it was said. Only no-one had told this to members of the Environment and Consumer Affairs Committee! We carried on with our work, together with all the usual officials and a few dozen members of the public listening to the proceedings.

"I understand that some members believe we are supposed to evacuate the building," broke in the committee chairman, a rather effective British Tory MEP who still seems wedded to the belief that it is possible to be both a Conservative and a critical friend of Europe.

"Well I have received no instructions to do any such thing, so as far as I am concerned the meeting goes on," she added.

"In any case, those of us who have had experience of Irish terrorism over the past thirty years believe that the best thing to do in such circumstances is just to get on with it. So ask your question Mr Davies."

I did, and we carried on. Just as normal life must if terrorism is not to triumph.

Fears for security

"I suppose I had better get myself a pass," an MEP said to me the other day. I won't reveal his name but he was another British Conservative. "You mean you have never got yourself one?" I queried with amazement. "How have you been getting into the Parliament for the past two years?"

"Oh, I just march past the security staff and shout out, "Je suis Deput" (I am a Member) They always let me through!" Security has never been very tight at the European Parliament, but why should it be? The job of MEPs is to amend laws not to take executive decisions. We work in public, and our views differ just as do those of people across Europe.There are some who are strong supporters of military action against terrorism, but many others who doubt whether the campaign has a clear goal which can actually be achieved.These concerns will grow in the weeks to come, and I find myself increasingly of the view that the bombing will create more problems than it solves.