HL Deb 02 July 1998 vol 591 c91WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the fact that the "Campsfield Five" have been detained in custody for 10 months on charges of riot and violent disorder, on which the prosecution presented no evidence and of which they were acquitted on 17 June, they will grant the applicants temporary admission pending the further consideration of their cases by legal advisers. [HL2418]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The trial interrupted arrangements for the removal of those who had no claim to remain in the United Kingdom. As the trial has been concluded, arrangements will proceed for the removal of those who have no claim to remain here. It would not be appropriate to make preferential arrangements for the five who were acquitted on 17 June but who then remained in detention under Immigration Act, 1971 powers, when the cases of others who were present at Campsfield House on 20 August 1997 but who were not prosecuted, have since followed the normal, established procedures. However, one of the five concerned was given bail on 26 June and another has a bail hearing listed for 2 July. Those remaining in detention enjoy the same full access to legal advice as all other immigration detainees.