§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals the Government have to combat the chanting of racial abuse at sporting events. [46100]
§ Mr. MichaelUnder section 3 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991, it is an offence for two or more people to take part in racist chanting at football matches. In May, the Government accepted a recommendation by the football task force that the 1991 Act should be amended to make racist abuse by individual supporters an offence. The Government will amend the 1991 Act as soon as legislative priorities allow. In the meantime, the Home Office has written to all chief police officers in England and Wales reminding them of existing powers under the Public Order Act 1986.