§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent investigations he has carried out into the activities at Huntingdon Life Sciences; and if he will make a statement. [157422]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeA number of police forces in the Eastern Region are pooling resources and working together on investigations relating to attacks by animal extremists. This joint working includes investigating personal attacks on directors and shareholders of Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) and other research centres; a shared approach to preparations for national days of action at the HLS site and other sites in the 361W affected force areas; investigating the organisers and other key individuals in the many cross-border demonstrations which take place; and linking evidence where necessary.
The Government are absolutely determined to tackle the sort of criminal behaviour perpetrated by animal rights extremists, many of whom do not hesitate to use violence and intimidation to achieve their aims. Both the Government and the police are determined to ensure that people should be allowed to go about their legitimate business without being subject to violence and intimidation. We are introducing a range of measures aimed at combating such intimidation, including important new provisions in the Criminal Justice and Police Bill currently before Parliament.