HL Deb 25 October 2000 vol 618 c40WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking together with other governments to promote the creation by the United Nations of a rapid deployment civil police force, together with the resources for a judicial capability to reconstitute a system of justice in post-conflict societies. [HL4164]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

At the European Council in Santa Maria de Feira in June, EU heads of government agreed a concrete target for EU member states, co-operating voluntarily together, to be able to make 5,000 police officers available for international policing by 2003, 1,000 of whom will be able to deploy at 30 days' notice. These officers should be available for deployment on UN and other international missions. The UK is currently working to ensure we are able to contribute to meeting this target. Together with our EU partners, we are also considering similar arrangements for the deployment of other civilian experts, including those in the judicial field.