Richard Howitt (S&D). – Mr President, we should all agree with the strong words of the High Representative against the failed coup in Turkey but we must insist that our support for elected governments is not interpreted as legitimising every action of this government, just as our support for due process for alleged coup plotters from the Gülenists should not be interpreted as political support from Europe for their movement.

Ms Mogherini, the removal of elected mayors from the Kurdish HDP party is more than a matter of concern. It is quite simply a different sort of coup, and it repeats the actions taken in the actual coup of 1980. Europe must stand resolute on Turkey amending anti-terror legislation if we are to make progress on visa liberalisation – legislation which the UN has said denies due process and targets human-rights defenders.

Finally, a coup is the ultimate attack on democracy, and Christian Democrats must drop their opposition to opening negotiating Chapters 23 and 24 on democracy. If you do not see that now, frankly, you never will.