§ 53. Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the behaviour 269W of British football supporters at the Mexico World Cup and the steps taken to reduce the risk of crowd trouble, including the actions of Her Majesty's ambassador in Mexico and his staff.
§ Mr. TraceyI refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, East (Mr. Sayeed) on 17 July, at columns 579–80.
I would add that, having attended the World Cup tournament from 8 to 15 June, I can report at first hand that the behaviour of the British fans won praise from the Mexican people and media. The Government's planning and preparations, with the national football associations and the Mexican authorities, proved highly effective. During the competition the ambassador and his staff gave expert assistance to British supporters, and helped to foster extremely good relations with the local people, and I am sure the hon. Member, who was also able to observe the arrangements at first hand, would wish to associate himself with my gratitude and praise for their efforts.