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Legislation

At its root, terrorism is a crime. As with all criminals, terrorists are charged and prosecuted for the most appropriate, serious criminal offences they have committed.

Many are prosecuted for general firearms and explosives offences or for offences such as conspiracy to murder. But while terrorists are like other criminals, the investigation and prosecution of their crimes raises distinct challenges that are not encountered in other areas of law enforcement. The need for specific terrorist legislation has therefore long been recognised.

The UK has developed a framework of law that allows us to prevent terrorism, protect the right to life, disrupt and pursue terrorists and their supporters and bring them to justice.

Having effective legislation in place is an important part of the Pursue element of our counter-terrorism strategy.

The acts of Parliament that give the UK government its chief powers to combat terrorism are: 

  • The Terrorism Act 2000
  • The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001
  • The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005
  • The Terrorism Act 2006
  • The Counter-Terrorism Act 2008

Before 2000, counter-terrorism legislation in the United Kingdom had primarily been developed in response to Irish-related terrorism.

These laws were:

  • The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989
  • The Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996
  • Sections 1 to 4 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998

The Terrorism Act 2000 reformed and extended these previous pieces of counter-terrorism legislation and put it, largely, on a permanent basis. Prior to this, parts of counter terrorism-legislation had been subject to Parliamentary renewal. 

Since the attacks of 11 September 2001, we have continued to review and update our counter-terrorism legislation to make sure the police, security and intelligence agencies have the powers they need to counter the evolving threat from international terrorism. 

The legislation is designed to respond to the changing threat from modern international terrorism and is used regularly.

As well as further information about counter-terrorism legislation and links to the full text of the acts and accompanying Explanatory Notes, you can find codes of practice, Home Office circulars and forms related to the legislation in the news and publication  section.

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