§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the validity of reports of former Ukrainian SS troops settling in Britain; what plans he has to investigate such people for war crimes offences; and if he will make a statement. [144896]
§ Mrs. RocheWar crimes are among the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The Government believe strongly that all war criminals should be brought to justice whenever possible, both those responsible for atrocities during the Second World War, and subsequently.
Following recommendations made by the Hetherington Inquiry, Parliament passed the War Crimes Act 1991. That Act gave the courts retrospective criminal jurisdiction to try certain classes of war crimes committed during the Second World War by people who are now British nationals or United Kingdom residents. The police service diligently investigated hundreds of cases after the entry into force of the Act.
Any new information relating to the commission of an offence under the War Crimes Act 1991 by any person within the United Kingdom's jurisdiction should be passed to the police so that they may consider whether to carry out an investigation. This includes allegations about 613W the activities of former Ukrainian SS troops, said to reside in Britain. The Metropolitan police have received information relating to these allegations, which they are currently analysing.
When it is not possible to prosecute in this country, the United Kingdom has extensive arrangements to allow extradition to countries which are better placed to pursue a prosecution, including extradition of its own nationals. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is also considering the scope of his powers under immigration and nationality legislation in relation to individuals suspected of involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity.