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See other news storiesReports on Terrorism Legislation laid in the House
7 June 2007
Lord Carlile's report into the operation of the Terrorism Act 2000 in 2006 and the Government response was laid before the House today.
Lord Carlile is the independent reviewer of counter terrorism legislation. The role's terms of reference are derived from a House of Lords debate in 1984 which state that "the Reviewer should make detailed enquiries of people who use the act, or are affected by it, and the Reviewer may see sensitive material." Lord Carlile was formally appointed Reviewer of the Terrorism Act 2000 by the Secretary of State in September 2001 and provides an annual report on the operation of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He was also appointed Reviewer of the control order provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (which replaced the 2001 Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act Part 4 detention provisions) and Part 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006. He has also responded to ad hoc requests from the Home Office as with his recent report, "The Definition of Terrorism".
Countering the threat facing the UK from terrorism demands an innovative and flexible approach. As part of this, the Government must continuously review legislation to ensure that it remains up to date and effective. Lord Carlile's annual reports, of course, have a key part to play in that process.
The Home Secretary is obliged to lay an annual report before the house on the operation of various counter terrorism measures. Lord Carlile's role is also part of ensuring that the Government is held accountable for its legislation and the operation of that legislation.
Read the Government's response
Definition of terrorism
The Government reponse to Lord Carlile's report on the definition of terrorism was also laid before the House today.
The definition of terrorism that is included in section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000 has given rise to considerable debate over the years and Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has produced a report that makes an important contribution to that debate. The Home Secretary said "I am very grateful to you for providing such a considered and comprehensive review of the existing definition". Read the Government's response to Lord Carlile's report on the definition of terrorism
