RESTRAINT METHODS AND DEATHS IN POLICE CUSTODY

Early day motion 711, tabled 10 June 1999 by Bernie Grant (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House notes the death following restraint by police officers of 30 year-old black man Roger Sylvester, and the concerns it raises about restraint methods used by the Police; further notes the concerns raised by Inquest and International human rights bodies about the disproportionate number of black deaths in police custody following restraint and the problems in the system whereby police themselves investigate complaints against the Police; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to support the proposals of Inquest and the Justice for Roger Sylvester Campaign for an independent open inquiry into his death and for legal aid to be made available to the family so that it can be represented at the inquest, as recommended by the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour/Co-operative 1.