§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action he proposes to take to restrict the activities of those involved in recruiting British citizens for paramilitary training(a) in the UK and (b) overseas on behalf of Islamic fundamentalist organisations; and if he will make a statement; [7437]
- (2) if he will make a statement on the activities of Al Muhijiroon and Supporters of Sharia in recruiting for training which is linked to terrorism; [7633]
- (3) what action he plans to take concerning the statement by Omar Bakri Mohammed of 30 May 2000 in al Sharq al Awsat, on British passport holders being sent on Al Muhijiroon guerrilla training courses in the USA; [7670]
- (4) what assessment he has made of the number of British citizens who (a) have recently undergone and (b) are undergoing (i) military and (ii) paramilitary training overseas, organised by Islamic fundamentalist groups; and if he will make a statement; [7438]
- (5) if he will make a statement concerning the activities of Abu Yahya in respect of recruitment for military training camps in Kashmir. [7555]
§ Mr. BlunkettI am aware of the allegations relating to the training of United Kingdom nationals overseas. Under Section 54 (1) and (2) of the Terrorism Act 2000, it is an offence to provide instruction or training or to receive instruction or training in the making or use of firearms, explosives, or chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. In addition, under subsection (3) (b) a person commits an offence if he invites another to receive instruction or training and the receipt would constitute an offence under subsection (2) but for the fact that it is to take place outside the United Kingdom. Any concrete and verifiable evidence of such activities will be dealt with immediately, and the police and intelligence services are fully aware of this.