18 February 2009
Maybe Not a Terrorist After All?
The latest exchange of letters with the Home Office about my being stopped for no good reason by a plain clothed individual who refused to identify himself at St Pancras Eurostar terminal last March reveals cracks appearing between officials.
The following letter has just gone to Scotland Yard:
13 February 2009
Commander Shaun Sawyer
Counter Terrorism Command
New Scotland Yard
London
cc: Jacqui Smith MP, Home Secretary
The Home Office
I am obliged to return to the matter of my being stopped by an “individual” either masquerading as a plain clothes officer under your command, or committing a criminal impersonation.
You referred in your letter and enclosures of 5 June last to my being stopped under Schedule 7 section 40 (1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000. This refers specifically to a person who “has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.
Using the Freedom of Information Act I have obliged the Home Office to admit that “the Home Office does not hold any information about your being stopped at St Pancras station… examining officers must use the powers proportionately and should make every reasonable effort to minimise causing embarrassment or offence to a person who has no terrorist connections.”
In effect, the Home Office is admitting I have no terrorist connections although, as is the way with bureaucrats, they have carefully avoided saying so unequivocally. The Home Office goes on to tell me that they are working with the police on a revised code of practice for examining officers – presumably because there have been several cases like mine and the situation is unacceptable.
Therefore, using your own criteria, ie the relevant section of the Terrorism Act 2000, my question to you stands: on what grounds did your alleged officer decide to stop me for questioning at St Pancras station on March 25 last. This time, I would appreciate a clear answer to a clear question.
Ashley Mote MEP
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