HUMBERSIDE POLICE AND PERSONS OF IRISH DESCENT

Early day motion 72, tabled 11 December 2000 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House welcomes the diligence of Observer journalists Gaby Hinsliff and Martin Bright in drawing public attention to the establishment of 'Operating Pre-empt' by the Humberside Police; notes that police officers have been asked to inform Special Branch of anyone of Irish origin, descent or background who is brought into custody, is subject to a routine street or driver check, is subject to a police enquiry for any reason, or is brought to the attention of the police by a member of the public for any reason, in particular when seeking accommodation; notes that the Race Relations (Amendment) Act requires powers to be used in a non-discriminatory way; notes there are an estimated four million people of Irish descent living in Britain; notes that the targeting of Irish in Britain will inevitably damage efforts to prevent terrorist actions, is liable to create further miscarriages of justice against Irish people and will undermine progress made in strengthening confidence of the Irish community and Anglo-Irish relations in general; welcomes the response of the Humberside Chief Constable to instruct officers that nationality will never be used as a suspicion alone; and calls upon the Government to press for this clarification to be circulated to police officers throughout the United

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.