West Chelmsford Conservative MP Simon Burns is jubilant his Private Member's Bill to crack down on football hooliganism has become law.

The new legislation, which came into force last week, is expected to enhance this country's chances of hosting the World Cup in 2006.

Mr Burns said: "I am delighted that my Private Member's Bill, which will give the police and the courts more powers to deal with a small mindless group of moronic football hooligans, has passed all its stages.

"This bill is an important measure to tackle football hooligans because it now gives the courts the power to take away convicted football hooligans' passports for up to five days before an overseas international football match, and strengthens the law on racist chanting and ticket touting and increases the definition of football related offences.

"I am grateful for the government's support for this bill and it shows that this country is determined to do everything in its powers to combat football hooliganism.

"It amply demonstrates to the rest of the world, including those who will determine the siting of the World Cup in 2006, that Britain will have no truck with football hooligans."

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