HL Deb 19 March 2003 vol 646 cc30-1WA
Lord Greaves

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are discussing or making any plans to intern or otherwise detain citizens of Iraq who are resident in this country; and if so, under which legislative provisions; what criteria if any will be used to select people; and where such people will be detained. [HL2088]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

We currently have no plans to intern or otherwise detain citizens of Iraq who are resident in this country.

However, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary will continue to keep under close review any threats to national security from wherever they come and will take whatever action is necessary to protect the public. This is best achieved by a range of measures that more accurately target those individuals and groups that pose a threat regardless of their nationality.