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State Papers Detail Christy Moore’s 2004 Detention and Irish Challenge to UK Port Powers

Newly released State Papers show Ireland challenged UK port practices following Christy Moore’s 2004 detention.

Overview

  • The National Archives of Ireland released files documenting a complaint that Moore was locked in an examination room and questioned at Holyhead in October 2004.
  • He and his driver were interrogated separately for more than two hours, he was asked about his song lyrics, and he said his car and bags were not searched.
  • A 1 December 2004 meeting shows Irish officials raised wider Common Travel Area concerns, including covert photography, Schedule 7 stops, and the use of embarkation cards known as “carding”.
  • UK ports policing chief Commander Bob Milton described concerns over questioning as a training issue, said locking rooms was at officers’ discretion, and acknowledged possible health and safety issues.
  • The British side said photographs were retained no longer than 48 hours, agreed to better signage and training, and accepted providing records to airlines when detentions caused missed departures.