Terrorism Bill — Terrorism: interpretation — 15 Mar 2000

I beg to move amendment No. 122, in page 1, line 7, leave out from "means" to end of line 8 and insert--

'the commission of, or the threat to commit, any criminal act with the intention of--

(a) putting the public or any section of the public in fear, or

(b) coercing the institutions of democratic government,

provided that the act'.

the use or threat, for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause, of action.

Amendment No. 123, which I also tabled, would insert "seriously" before "endangers" in subsection (1)(b).

if a better definition of terrorism emerges, we are prepared to consider it.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee D , 8 February 2000; c. 325.]

advancing a political, religious or ideological cause

putting the public or any section of the public in fear

coercing the institutions of democratic government.

If people are killed or injured, the fact that the bombs, the shrapnel and the glass carry a label marked "Animal rights" or the name of some foreign country is immaterial to those who suffer.--[ Official Report , 14 December 1999; Vol. 341, c. 165.]

acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population.

Each State Party shall adopt such measures as may be necessary, including, where appropriate, domestic legislation, to ensure that criminal acts within the scope of this Convention, in particular, where they are intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public or in a group of persons or particular persons.

in order to promote political, social or ideological objectives,

The fundamental thrust of what we should be trying to achieve is a definition of terrorism as an attempt to undermine democratic processes by the use of violence.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee D , 18 January 2000; c.18.]

We are trying to meet my hon. Friend's request, while meeting the spirit of Lord Lloyd's recommendation. That is the Government's intention, but it is not included in their definition.

putting the public or any section of the public in fear.

to intimidate or coerce a government, one or more political bodies or organisations, the public or any section of the public . . .

persons acting on behalf of, or in connection with, any organisation which carries out activities directed towards the overthrowing or influencing, by force or violence, of Her Majesty's government in the United Kingdom or any other government de jure or de facto.

advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.

a serious risk to the health or safety of the public.

involves serious violence against any person or property.

endangers the life of any person.

In Trafalgar square, the police were very much at risk and they said so at the time. Subsection (1)(c) refers to action that

creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public.

to intimidate or coerce a government, one or more political bodies or organisations, the public or--

any section of the public for political ends.

It being Ten o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business),

That, at this day's sitting, the Terrorism Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.-- [Mrs. McGuire.]

The House divided: Ayes 279, Noes 40.

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