§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the membership and geographical distribution of Combat 18 in the United Kingdom; and what assessment he has made of how it has changed over the past five years; [110661]
(2) how many individuals have been charged in the past three years with offences related to their activities on behalf of Combat 18 or in association with suspected members of that organisation; and if he will set out a chronological list of the charges made and the outcome at trial; [110662]
(3) what assessment he has made of the aims and objectives of the organisation known as Combat 18. [110663]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeI understand that the name "Combat 18" is used by a very small number of individuals with neo-nazi views who associate in a series of loose groupings, mainly in South-East England. The name has also been used by others in racist graffiti or in connection with acts of vandalism and hooliganism. This has been the position for the last five years. It is not possible to provide authoritative information on criminal proceedings because links to these loose groupings are seldom clear cut.
The Government deplore the activities of any group or individual which promotes bigotry, hate and violence.