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Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 19:57 GMT 20:57 UK
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Terrorism Bill
AIM
This bill addresses the UK's need to tackle terrorism at home and abroad, particularly in the wake of the 7 July bomb attacks on London.

MAIN PROVISIONS
BILL'S PROGRESS
Responsible department: Home Office
Origin: House of Commons
Introduced: 12 October 2005
Second reading: 26 October 2005
Committee stage: 2,3 November 2005
Remaining stages: 9,10 November 2005
Consideration of Lords amendments: 15 February, 16 March 2006
LORDS:
First reading: 10 November 2005
Second reading: 21 November 2005
Committee stage: 5,7 & 13 December 2005
Report stage: 17 & 25 January 2006
Third reading: 1 February 2006
Consideration of Commons amendments: 28 February, 22 March 2006

ROYAL ASSENT: 30 March 2006
  • Extends maximum pre-trial detention period for terror suspects from 14 to 90 days and amends other investigatory powers
  • Introduces new power to outlaw groups which glorify terrorism with intent to incite terrorist acts
  • Creates new offence of attending a terrorist training camp or being instructed in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism
  • Introduces new nuclear terrorist offences
  • Sets out new procedures in preparing terrorist cases for trial

    KEY VOTES
    15 February 2006
    Commons consideration of Lords amendments
  • Reinstating offence of "glorifying" terrorism
    Ayes: 315, Noes: 277
  • Reinstating ability of police to order ISPs to remove terror material without a warrant
    Ayes: 319, Noes: 255


    28 February 2006
    Lords consideration of Commons amendments

  • Vote against keeping the term "glorification" in the bill
    Contents: 160, Not contents: 156


    16 March 2006
    Commons consideration of Lords amendments

  • Rejection of Lords amendment to exclude 'glorification' offence
    Ayes:296 Noes: 237


    22 March 2006
    Lords consideration of Commons amendments

  • Tory peers finally backed down and allowed the government's provisions on 'glorification' to pass
    Contents: 60, Not contents: 172

    BACKGROUND
    This legislation emanates from the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act passed - with difficulty - in March 2005, on condition that the subject would be more fully scrutinised after the general election. This led to the publication of the Draft Terrorism Bill in June 2005.

    The main concerns are about the maximum pre-trial detention period.

    The home secretary has had his powers redefined.

    Opposition parties favour the admission of intercept evidence - such as phone-taps - but the security services have advised against this.

    The Conservatives are broadly in favour of the proposals, save for the detention clauses and the Liberal Democrats will seek to modify these sections.

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    • BBC PARLIAMENT

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    Parliament at-a-glance guide

    BILL TRACKER
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    Crossrail Bill
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    Further Education Bill
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    Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill
    Legal Services Bill
    Local Government Bill
    Mental Health Bill
    Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Bill
    Offender Management Bill
    Organised Crime Bill
    Pensions Bill
    Statistics and Registration Service Bill
    Terrorism Bill
    Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill
    Welfare Reform Bill

    RELATED INTERNET LINKS
    Text of Bill
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


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