§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the extent of support for Osama bin Laden by(a) organised groups and (b) individuals within the United Kingdom. [13677]
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§ Mr. BlunkettThe estimate of support for Osama bin Laden by organised groups and individuals in the United Kingdom is an operational matter for the security service and the police, who attach a high priority to monitoring and countering any possible activities in the country by foreign extremists. Any credible information is fully investigated. An investigation which yields evidence that organisations or individuals are supporting terrorism will result in the appropriate action being taken.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has collated on the extent to which the views and values of Osama bin Laden have been promoted in public within the United Kingdom since 1997. [16410]
§ Angela EagleThe police and security forces closely monitor the activities of those who seek to promote the views of proscribed organisations. As head of al-Qaeda, an organisation proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000, the views of Osama bin Laden, or those who advocate support for this organisation, fall into this category. The Metropolitan police are investigating a number of possible breaches of the provisions of the Terrorist Act 2000 as well as allegedly racially-inflammatory comments made after the terrorist attacks in the United States. Osama bin Laden's views have in any case, of course, long been in the public domain, and particularly since the events of 11 September.
The Government have proposed new laws on incitement to religious hatred which specifically address those who seek to stir up hatred against members of religious groups. No individual or group can be considered exempt from prosecution under these laws.