§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his reasons for objecting to the proposed EEC draft joint action concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia. [4562]
§ Mr. KirkhopeAs currently drafted, the joint action would require us to change our law so as to criminalise certain forms of behaviour which are not currently offences in the United Kingdom or to derogate from the principle of dual criminality as regards judicial co-operation in respect of those forms of behaviour. United Kingdom civil and criminal law responds in a balanced way to the real mischiefs of which there is currently evidence in this country. The Government are committed to protecting people from threats, abuse and insults based on their race; and we are working towards a solution which will allow all 15 member states to agree a European Union instrument on this subject.