§ 33. Mr. BowisTo ask the Attorney-General how many current cases relating to possible prosecutions for sedition are being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.
§ Mr. BowisDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that the laws of sedition that remain on the statute book cover threats below the level of treason, where the interests of the state are at risk? Does he agree also that they could apply to, and be used in bringing prosecutions against, republicans in the newspaper world who seek to undermine state institutions—including of course the monarchy?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralAlthough the material to which my hon. Friend refers is highly offensive to many, it must be remembered that an essential element in sedition is the intention to incite violence for the purpose of disturbing constituted authority. The attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has not so far been drawn to any material that falls into that category.