HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 c220W
Mr. Stern

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take urgent steps to end the practice of the claiming of sanctuary in England and Wales.

Mr. Hurd

Sanctuary was abolished by Parliament in 1623. I think it would be wrong to allow anyone to defy a lawful decision merely by entering a religious building. I reserve the right to secure the removal of anyone who has done so if that is necessary to uphold the rule of law.