Humberside Police yesterday withdrew controversial proposals to treat all Irish-born citizens and those of Irish descent as potential terrorist suspects after facing charges of racism and violating human rights.
The Irish Ambassador to Britain, Mr Edward Barrington, raised the issue with the Home Office Minister with responsibility for race relations, Mr Mike O'Brien, on Monday. Mr Barrington sought "clarification" of the policy, pointing out that if a leaked memo on it was true, the government viewed Humberside's approach "with great concern". The force's chief constable, Mr David Westwood, said the policy had been withdrawn "with immediate effect".