Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Metropolitan Police on the arrest of French publisher Ernest Moret in London; and if she will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department does not comment on operational decisions made by the police. This would undermine the principle that the police are independent of government and are free to conduct their operations without political influence.

By way of general background, under Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000 Counter-Terrorism Police Officers are able to stop, question and if necessary, detain and search individuals travelling through UK ports, to determine whether they appear to be someone who is or has been involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Parliament enacted Schedule 7 on the basis that its exercise is necessary and proportionate to secure the legitimate end of ensuring public safety and national security.

The powers are subject to independent oversight by the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation whose annual reports are laid before Parliament.