MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of freezing Turkey’s EU membership talks.<br /><br /> But the resolution passed in Strasbourg is non-binding, it simply urges the European Commission and national governments to take action.<br /><br /> Freeze EU accession talks with Turkey until it halts repression, say MEPs<br /><br />Read → https://t.co/aGQAvmsyU5 pic.twitter.com/rffuZvWBrC— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) 24 November 2016<br /> <br /><br /> Purges stoke concern<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> The European Parliament resolution comes amid growing concerns about Ankara’s response to July’s failed coup in Turkey. <br /><br /> More than 125,000 people have been detained or dismissed over their alleged backing of what happened. Media outlets have also been shut.<br /><br /> The purges have been seen by some as an attempt to crush all dissent.<br /><br /> Turkey stands firm<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already slammed the EU, saying the Strasbourg vote “has no value” in Turkey’s eyes and the bloc will have to “live with the consequences.” <br /><br /> He has also again accused Europe of siding with terrorist organisations.<br /><br /> The Parliament followed our call to freeze accession talks with Turkey. EU_Commission must implement the recommendation as soon as possible— Guy Verhofstadt (GuyVerhofstadt) 24 November 2016<br /> <br /><br /> Voice of caution<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> While many MEPs want Turkey’s membership talks put on ice, top EU diplomat Federica Mogherini has warned any end to the discussions would result in a “lose, lose” scenario.<br /><br /> The accession talks have been going on for 11 years, but have long been stalled.<br />
