Written question asked by Paul Farrelly (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps have been taken to reduce football hooliganism since 1997.

Answer: Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to reduce football hooliganism since 1997. [198608] Caroline Flint: Since 1997 the Government have introduced extensive powers to enable police and courts to tackle football disorder, notably in the form of rationalising and extending the scope to impose football banning orders. Following disorder during Euro 2000 the Home Office has co-ordinated a multi-agency strategy, working closely with police, football authorities and supporter groups towards: (i) maximum use of legislation preventing known troublemakers from attending matches or the surrounding area; (ii) maximum influence on expectations and preparations of overseas host police and civil authorities; and (iii) maximum encouragement of supporters taking responsibility for their behaviour and reputation. Statistics published by the Home Office last month confirmed that violence and disorder at football matches is now rare, with an average of less than two arrests per match for offences inside and outside of stadia. The number of banning orders now stands at 2,647. There is no complacency. Football disorder will not be tolerated but our stadia are now widely recognised as being amongst the safest and securest in the world, and the reputation of English and Welsh football fans at home and abroad has improved dramatically in recent years.

Secondary information