Arrests as part of Operation Protector - 2008 Labour Party Conference (North Manchester) - 18-08-2008

A major operation to police the 2008 Labour Party Annual Conference has resulted in the arrest of three more people on suspicion of immigration offences.

A man from Zimbabwe and two men from Nigeria were arrested by Greater Manchester Police, working in partnership with the UK Border Agency, following security checks ahead of next month's conference.

The 37-year-old Zimbabwean man was working at a city centre hotel and during the vetting process for the conference, he was arrested on suspicion of being an overstayer. He is currently awaiting interview with the UK Border Agency.

A 30-year-old Nigerian man working at a city centre venue was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a false passport and has been bailed pending further inquiries. A 27-year-old Nigerian man was also arrested on suspicion of being an overstayer and is currently in custody awaiting interview with the UK Border Agency.

GMP is responsible for policing the conference and fundamental to the security operation is the creation of a secure 'island site' within which the delegates will be based.

Venues both outside and inside the 'island site' are fully co-operating with GMP and all staff are being vetted to ensure they do not present a security threat. Individuals must be accredited and issued with a conference pass after being validated and vetted by GMP.

In June, GMP identified a man who was working at one of the city centre hotels when his work permit had long since expired, and he was also removed from the UK by the UK Border Agency.

Superintendent Chris Ullah, GMP's planning co-ordinator for the conference, said: "These latest arrests highlight the excellent work that is being done by our accreditation officers, in partnership with the UK Border Agency, to ensure that people wanting to work at the conference do not present a security threat.

"Thorough checks are being carried out on all individuals who will be working in the 'island site' during the conference, including passport and visa checks. These checks will continue and anyone who does not meet the legal requirements to work in this country will be dealt with.

"We are really grateful for the support we have received from all of the venues.

"We regard the 2008 conference as a fantastic opportunity for the city and GMP has been planning for many months to ensure that it is a safe one and that the appropriate levels of security are in place.

"This is another excellent example of how working in partnership is helping make the 2008 conference a safe one."

Chief Immigration Officer Chow said, "Operation Protector is a clear example of how the UK Border Agency works with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal working and illegal immigration. Our close working relationship has proved fruitful over the last month with four illegal workers encountered and removed from the workplace.

"Our message is loud and clear, we will do all we can to combat illegal working and will continue to help GMP any way we can to stop those responsible."

Greater Manchester Police, Chester House, Boyer Street, Manchester, M16 0RE, 0161 872 5050

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