Written question asked by Claire Ward (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Spain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Spanish authorities in respect of the recent racism and violence at the football match against England. (Also answered as OPQ on 14.12.2004 at 428 c1526).

Answer: Claire Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Spanish authorities in respect of the recent racism and violence at the football match against England. [204241] Mr. MacShane :[pursuant to his oral answer, 14 December 2004, Official Report, c. 1526]: There was an error in my answer of 14 December to the hon. Member, for which I apologise. The correct answer should have been: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed this matter with our opposite numbers the day after the match and expressed the outrage felt throughout the UK. They, as well as the Spanish Prime Minister's office, have issued statements apologising and condemning the behaviour. The House may also be interested to know that the Spanish anti-violence commission has just asked the Spanish football association to open a disciplinary case against the Spanish national coach, Luis Aragones, for his remarks about a footballer who plays for a team in the English Premier League. The whole House will condemn these remarks as racist

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 204241; 428 c1617-8W;428 c1615-6W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: British nationality Football Foreign relations Police Racial harassment Spain
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk