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How the proposed new anti-terror laws would work

Friday 05 August 2005 19:00 EDT

Proposed measure New grounds for deportation include fomenting terrorism; justifying or glorifying terrorism; fomenting other serious criminal activity; advocating violence in support of beliefs.

Process of implementation Consultation for two weeks, then introduced without legislation. Government seeking agreement with 10 countries that they will not torture deportees.

Critics say Could be catch-all measure; terms like 'glorifying' difficult to pin down in law. Judges could resist. Amending HRA could be tricky.

Proposed measure Anti-terrorism legislation will make it an offence to condone or glorify terrorism. This will apply to justifying or glorifying terrorism anywhere, not just in the UK.

Process of implementation Legislation to be introduced in autumn.

Critics say Will not be retrospective and will not catch those who have already spoken in favour of suicide bombers.

Proposed measure Anyone who has participated in terrorism or has "anything to do with it anywhere" will automatically be refused asylum.

Process of implementation Could be introduced without legislation.

Critics say Could catch anyone who goes on holiday and visits extremist madrassas or associates with those who have terrorist training.

Proposed measure The Government wants to extend powers to strip citizenship or naturalisation rights from those engaged in extremism.

Process of implementation Would require primary legislation.

Critics say David Blunkett introduced the law for those guilty of a serious offence. Now it is proposed to widen the threat to anyone engaged in extremism. Likely to cause human rights protests.

Proposed measure A limit is to be put on the length of extradition proceedings. It is aimed at stopping cases such as that of Rashid Ramda, wanted by France for 10 years for a Paris Metro bombing. This could also affect Algerians wanted by the French.

Process of implementation Consultation started with lawyers and others, but the Government favours a maximum of 'months, not years'.

Critics say Hits human rights. Lawyers likely to object.

Proposed measure A new pre-trial process being considered to allow possible use of sensitive intelligence information, agents, and telephone tap evidence. It would be submitted to a judge sitting in camera. The Government is also looking at a police request to allow detention without charge for up to three months, instead of the current 14 days.

Process of implementation Consultation going on across the parties, and with lawyers.

Critics say Clear challenge to human rights and legal practices. MI6 worried about compromising its systems.

Proposed measure The provision for control orders providing for effective house arrest could be extended to British nationals who cannot be deported. Any breach could mean imprisonment.

Process of implementation Would require change to the legislation already under way.

Critics say Control orders highly contentious, already challenged by judges because of alleged infringement of human rights.

Proposed measure Court capacity is to be expanded with the appointment of more special judges to hear cases such as control order applications.

Process of implementation Lord Chancellor will be expected to appoint more special judges quickly.

Critics say Government open to claims that they are picking judges to carry out unpopular laws. Could still face challenges in the Court of Appeal.

Proposed measure The Government intends to proscribe Hisb-ut-Tahrir and any "successor organisation".

Process of implementation Changes to the grounds for proscription to allow more groups to be banned could be introduced in anti-terror legislation.

Critics say Muslim groups say it is a 'tactical mistake' driving groups underground, and boosting some which are being discredited in their communities.

Proposed measure A review of the threshold for acquiring British citizenship from the current requirements of swearing allegiance, and possessing rudimentary grasp of the English language. In future a higher level of English might be required. The aim is to encourage greater integration and build pride in British citizenship.

Process of implementation Could be introduced without legislation, following consultations. A new commission will advise on changes.

Critics say Could raise the threshold too high for some who wish to become British citizens.

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