§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to restrict the activities of the group called Combat 18; what proposals he has to close the headquarters of organisations advocating violence; and if he will bring forward proposals to make racist violence and harassment a specific offence and to amend the provisions of the Public Order Act 1986 relating to incitement of racial hatred.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe views of racist organisations are unacceptable to the Government and to the public at large. An offence is committed under the Public Order Act 1986 if there is the intention or likelihood of stirring up racial hatred or if threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour takes place. It is for the police and the Crown prosecution service to determine whether proceedings should be brought in any particular case.
The Commission for Racial Equality has made proposals relating to racial violence in its second review of the Race Relations Act 1976. All the recommendations of the review are currently under consideration.