Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure the safety of Eritrean refugees.

Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights state that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association. This Government fully supports these rights, including the right of individuals to protest peacefully.

There is a long tradition in this country of people being free to assemble and demonstrate their views, however uncomfortable they may make others, provided they do so within the law.

Of course, there is a balance to be struck. The right to peaceful protest does not extend to violent behaviour. The police have powers to deal with such behaviour and we expect them to use them where appropriate.

The management of protests is an operational matter for the police. The police have a duty to ensure the protection and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, origin or views and will take appropriate steps to do so.