A new act giving police in Britain extended powers of arrest for suspected terrorist offences is being introduced today.
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Mr Jack Straw,
British Home Secretary |
The Act - The Terrorism Act 2000 - replaces the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989 and the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act which have been repealed today.
It also provides the British Home Secretary with power to proscribe organisations believed to be involved in terrorism.
The Act will allow ministers to add groups to a list of proscribed organisations, which currently includes terrorist groups such as the IRA and the Ulster Volunteer Force.
Other new provisions under the Act include:
- A new definition of terrorism which will apply to all types of terrorism, including cyber terrorism - the act of sabotaging companies via the internet, or by other electronic means;
- A UK-wide anti-terrorist legislation (to replace the existing, separate pieces of temporary legislation for Northern Ireland and Great Britain);
- New powers to seize suspected terrorist cash at borders;
- A new offence of inciting terrorist acts abroad from within the UK;
- New judicial arrangements for extensions of enabling Britain to lift its derogations under the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and
- Specific offences relating to training for terrorist activities.
Mr Jack Straw, the British Home Secretary, says the Act is a proportionate and flexible response to a changing and evolving threat.
"This Act strengthens the powers of the police and other enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, and is fully consistent with our obligations under the Human Rights Act," Mr Straw said
"Terrorism is a uniquely cowardly yet barbaric crime. Its perpetrators are no respecters of borders and are continuously developing new approaches and techniques.
"With the implementation of the Terrorism Act 2000, the UK is making a very firm statement of our intent to combat terrorism, with every legitimate means at our disposal, whenever or wherever it occurs."