This section describes the most important recent changes to UK law in terrorist cases, and explains the new offences that have been created by three important recent Acts of Parliament:
- Terrorism Act 2000 (TA 2000)
- Anti-Terrorism, Crime & Security Act 2001 (ATCSA 2001)
- Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (PTA 2005)
Whilst, to an extent, previous anti-terrorist legislation (particularly those provisions designed to deal with paramilitary violence emanating from Northern Ireland) has been adopted in the new Acts, many new offences have been created. In addition, there has been a significant increase in police powers. The extent to which the police and prosecuting agencies can and do now operate has been widened, with a major impact on civil liberties.
The main provisions are:
- Terrorism
- Proscribed organisations
- Weapons training
- Directing terrorist organisations
- Possession for terrorist purposes
- Fund-raising
- Disclosure of information
It is important to note:
That there are many other offences, for instance relating to money laundering and public order, that arise in a terrorist context. Some of these are new, but have not been included here. Some arise from the operation of increased police powers and are explained in the section on Police Powers. In addition, the Terrorism Act 2006, which has very recently come into force, again creates new offences. Because of the controversy surrounding this Act, its main provisions are dealt with separately.
