EC data decision - Why should Israel get these files?

THE Government is to be congratulated on convincing the European Commission to delay Israel’s access to private data on European citizens.

Though this may be no more than a temporary position because of the sensitivity of Arab/Israeli peace talks in Washington it gives us time to consider why Israel should have any access to details about Europeans.

It gives us time to consider what mandate the EC has for sharing the minutiae of our lives with a belligerent state accused of war crimes. It also gives us an opportunity to ask our Government why it has shared this data with anyone and why the EC imagines itself in a position to bestow this gift on Israel.