The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill received Royal Assent on 12 February 2019. Sputnik takes a look at some of the measures which are included in the legislation.
UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid gave a speech on Monday, 20 May, spelling out how he plans to use new powers to combat jihadist terrorism.
- It gives the Home Secretary the power to ban people from travelling to, or remaining in, certain areas and invidivuals could face up to 10 years in prison if they ignore the ban.
- It makes it an offence to express an opinion or belief that supports a proscribed organisation, such as Daesh or the New IRA.
- It criminalises the publication of certain images which would arouse reasonable suspicion the offender was a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.
- It strengthens the existing offence of downloading terrorist material and extends it to live streaming such material, where this is done at least three times.
- It is designed to manage terrorist offenders better following their release from custody.
- It strengthens powers of the police to prevent and investigate terrorist offences.
- It allows local councils to refer people who are considered vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism to multi-agency panels, which assess them and provide support.
- It “hardens the UK’s defences at the border against hostile state activity”, according to the Home Office.