HL Deb 25 November 1987 vol 490 cc725-6WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether United States servicemen based in this country are subject to the law of the United Kingdom, and whether they may be arrested by British police if such action is considered appropriate.

The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)

United States servicemen in this country have to obey the law of the United Kingdom. Police powers of arrest may be exercised in respect of such servicemen, as in respect of any person in the United Kingdom. The question whether a United Kingdom court or a United States service court would have jurisdiction would be decided in the light of the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act 1952.