Government renews Terrorism Act for coming year

The government has confirmed that the Terrorism Act 2000 will be renewed in Northern Ireland for the coming year.

In a speech to the House of Commons yesterday, Secretary of State Paul Murphy confirmed that he had accepted the report – which is published today – from the independent reviewer on the legislation, Lord Carlile of Berriew QC.

Commenting on the report, Mr Murphy said: "I welcome Lord Carlile's report. The Independent Reviewer plays a crucial role in ensuring the fair and proper working of the UK's anti-terrorist legislation and I am grateful for the important work that he does.

"His scrutiny of the temporary provisions of the Act is especially valuable. Lord Carlile's advice and recommendations are given the most serious consideration by the Northern Ireland Office."

The Terrorism Act 2000 is permanent and applies UK wide. It contains a temporary section for Northern Ireland, which is time limited to five years and subject to annual renewal.

Lord Carlile was tasked to consider the workings of the Act during 2002 and whether it had been used fairly. The purpose of the report is to assist the Secretary of State and Parliament in relation to the renewal of the whole or portions of Part VII of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Welcoming the report, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "It is clear from the report that Lord Carlile believes that Part VII of the terrorism Act 2000 was used fairly in 2002. He has made several recommendations which will be considered fully. I am grateful for his work on this report and recognise his efforts to balance the issues of public reassurance with the continued need for vigilance."

In compiling his report, Lord Carlile consulted representatives of the political parties in the currently suspended Northern Ireland Assembly. He also sought the views of academics, officials, the military and police and of members of the public with 'real-life experiences' of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Lord Carlile was appointed in September 2001 as the independent of the Terrorism Act 2000, and this is his second annual report on Part VII of the act. He is also the independent reviewer of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 and the detention provisions in Part IV of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, which are subject to separate reports.

(GMcG)