NEW AGREEMENT ON INDIAN IMMIGRATION OFFENDERS
(30 January 2003)

Indian nationals without permission to remain in the UK will be returned to India more quickly under a new agreement reached today by Home Secretary David Blunkett. Mr Blunkett reached the agreement at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Advani in New Delhi, India. The increased co-operation of the Indian authorities will help to reduce delays in returning those who have destroyed their travel documentation. In a speech delivered this evening Mr Blunkett set out the need for greater co-operation between India and the UK on a range of issues in order to build security in an increasingly interdependent world.

Speaking ahead of his speech, after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Advani, Mr Blunkett said:"The UK has strong ties with India and a history of good co-operation - between families and communities, business and government. This can be seen in the movement of people between our two countries - the UK has 1.3 million citizens of Indian origin and 300,000 Britons visit India each year.

"This exchange is of great value to us. In Britain it has enriched our society and contributed to the health and prosperity of our economy. But this increasingly interconnected world brings with it new challenges, raising the importance of co-operation on home affairs issues.

"Issues we are used to dealing with nationally such as crime and security increasingly need an international response. It is vital for governments to work together if we are to effectively fight shared problems like the threat of internationally organised crime, terrorism and illegal immigration.

"The agreement we have signed with India today demonstrates our commitment to improved co-operation between our two countries on illegal immigration. We will continue to welcome Indians travelling legitimately to the UK as visitors, students or on business but we will take swift action to remove those who break immigration rules.

"We have also agreed to a joint meeting to explore the opportunies for further increasing co-operation on policing issues. India and the UK share a strong democratic tradition. Together we can rise to the challenge of finding new ways to guarantee the safety and freedom of our people. This means co-operation on tough law enforcement. But equally important in giving our people a feeling of security is fostering understanding between countries and communities and engaging our citizens."

The Home Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Advani also agree to continue to work closely together to tackle the threat of global terrorism.

Mr Blunkett said: "In tackling the scourge of terrorism, it is critical to find the right balance. For Governments this means distinguishing between information the public need for re-assurance, protection and to help the authorities from information which merely creates panic and disrupts our society and economy.

"We must also strike a difficult balance in the security measures we take which must not so restrict our freedom and way of life as to do the terrorists job for them.

"Finally, we must find the right balance in one of the greatest challenges we face together - the issues of prevention, prosecution and punishment and effective deterrence."

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