§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) football organisations, (b) the emergency services, (c) the organisers of the World Cup and (d) the French 517W authorities concerning the prevention of known football hooligans from (i) travelling to France during the World Cup and (ii) obtaining tickets for the World Cup. [34197]
§ Mr. MichaelThese issues have been discussed regularly during the preparations for the World Cup, most recently during the European Union (EU) Presidency seminar at Blackburn on the policing of football. The seminar was successful on a number of counts, not least the attendance of a range of groups and organisations from within the EU and the associated states. These included police, football associations, supporters groups and the French Organising Committee (CFO). The seminar allowed frank and informed discussions at an international level on the measures considered necessary to minimise the ability of football hooligans travelling to matches in other countries at club and international level and the adoption of ticketing policies to maximise effective ground configuration. The seminar provided a number of initiatives which will be taken forward under the aegis of the EU Police Co-operation Working Group.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that those guilty of football offences in France during the World Cup are brought to trial in France. [34190]
§ Mr. MichaelThe French authorities have indicated that they will prosecute those suspected of having committed offences. A State Magistrate will be appointed for each World Cup venue and offenders will be brought before a court within 48 hours.
The prosecution of offenders in France is a matter for the French authorities. It has been made clear in discussion with the French Organising Committee (CFO) and the Ministry of the Interior that the United Kingdom Government strongly support the intention of the French authorities to prosecute offenders and support the firm application of the law to those who choose to break it.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to prevent the large-scale deportation of football fans from France during the World Cup; and what representation he has made to the French authorities on this matter. [34191]
§ Mr. MichaelThe decision on how to deal with those who cause trouble in France during the World Cup is a matter for the French authorities. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the French authorities will apply the law firmly but fairly. They have indicated that they will look to prosecute those suspected of having committed offences and there is no reason to believe that deportation will be used as an alternative to prosecution.