§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had over measures to combat hooliganism by UK citizens travelling to football matches abroad. [46317]
§ Mr. MichaelMy right hon. Friend has had correspondence and discussions with the French Minister of the Interior, and there have been extensive discussions over many months between the British and French Governments, police and football authorities. In February, the Home Secretary hosted a European Union seminar on the policing of football, which was also attended by my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport and myself, at which 23 countries were represented. In March, we published the Government's strategy for the World Cup, a copy of which was sent to every hon. Member. The Government's aim throughout has been to ensure that every assistance is given to the honest and well-behaved spectator in France. Minimising hooliganism and ensuring a high level of co-operation with the French authorities are crucial parts of that.
Police operations in France during the World Cup are a matter for the authorities there, but there have been extensive discussions between British police and their counterparts in France. Police officers from England and Scotland are in France assisting the French police, and I am satisfied that arrangements for the rapid collection and dissemination of intelligence on possible offenders are in place and working.