§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is towards the activities in the United Kingdom of individuals advocating terrorism abroad. [135015]
§ Mr. StrawThe Government are determined to ensure that the United Kingdom is not used as a base for the planning and preparation of terrorism here or abroad. The Terrorism Act 2000, which is due to come into force early next year, further strengthens our response to international terrorism by the inclusion of powers to proscribe organisations concerned in international terrorism; to counter the financing in this country of terrorism anywhere overseas, and includes a new offence of incitement here to commit an act of terrorism, wholly or partly outside the United Kingdom, where that act, if committed in England and Wales, would constitute one of a number of specified offences, in particular murder.
It is a high priority for the police and the Security Service to counter the activities of those who may be seeking to support terrorism outside the United Kingdom. Where there is any evidence of terrorist activity, action is taken either under the criminal law, supported as necessary by the current counter-terrorist legislation, or under immigration legislation.