We Need Hi-Tech Passports to Fight Terror War, EU Told

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Byline: JAMES CHAPMAN

DAVID Blunkett last night told his European colleagues to 'cut the waffle' in the fight against terror.

He told them 'hard, practical action' was needed to tackle Islamic fanatics.

EU governments have been criticised since the Madrid bombing for allowing bureaucratic delay to hamper their efforts against terrorism.

At an emergency meeting of EU ministers called in the wake of the Madrid atrocity, the Home Secretary told his counterparts to get tough.

He wants biometric data - including iris scans and fingerprints - included in all EU passports to make it harder for terrorists to forge documents.

Mr …