Monday, June 15, 1998 Published at 14:28 GMT 15:28 UK
Straw slams "treacherous" hooligans
Jack Straw condemns "shameful behaviour"
Jack Straw has led the House of Commons in slamming the "treacherous behaviour" of football hooligans in Marseille.
During Home Office questions, he said he "condemned unreservedly" the actions of hooligans "who so besmirch the name of English football and undermine our nation's reputation".
"The country has been betrayed by their treacherous behaviour," the home secretary said.
Mr Straw revealed that he had spoken to the French Interior Minister on Monday morning. He said he had apologised for the behaviour of British people and had underlined the government's support for the actions of French police.
Compensation for the French
In reply to a question about compensation from Shadow Home Secretary Norman Fowler, he said:
"Compensation for innocent victims is primarily an issue for the country where the offence occurred, but I am urging a further discussion with the French Interior Ministry."
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