Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism

26 February 2020 · 8 other contributors

Opened by James Brokenshire Con Richmond Park

Crime & Law Enforcement

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Brokenshire raised concerns about prevention and suppression of terrorism in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Moves an order to amend the list of proscribed organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000, adding Sonnenkrieg Division and two aliases of PKK, and updating System Resistance Network's alias
  • Emphasises the need for a robust counter-extremism strategy against both Islamist and neo-Nazi terrorism
  • Minister confirms commitment to an independent review of the Prevent programme and a full recruitment process for the next reviewer

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

James Brokenshire Con Richmond Park

Moves an order to amend the list of proscribed organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000, adding Sonnenkrieg Division and two aliases of PKK as well as updating System Resistance Network's alias. Emphasises the need for robust counter-extremism strategy against both Islamist and neo-Nazi terrorism. Provides statistics on arrests and disruptions of far-right terrorist plots.

Other contributors (8)
  • Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

    Announces that the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments has considered the draft order and has nothing to report concerning it.

  • Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

    Thanks Jessica Morden for her announcement and notes that the House can proceed with good ease.

  • Stuart McDonald SNP unknown constituency

    Supports the additions and amendments to proscribed organisations. Acknowledges the limitations of proscription as a solution alone and calls for a review on effectiveness of proscription measures.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Thanks the Minister and inquires about talks with PSNI regarding right-wing extremism. Acknowledges positive response from Minister and raises concern over IRA dissident threat alongside right-wing terrorism.

  • Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op Feltham and Heston

    Agrees that updates from other police forces could be useful. Raises concerns about systematic way of sharing information on threats with MPs.

  • James Brokenshire Con

    Reassured the House that proscription aids in tracking terrorists' finance and assets. Stated his openness to briefings and updates for Members with concerns.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asked about the handling of ill-gotten gains turned into legitimate businesses by paramilitary or criminal groups, stressing the importance of addressing the origins of these assets. Inquired about contact between security partners and the Garda Síochána.

  • James Brokenshire Con

    Confirmed close contacts with security partners but did not provide specifics due to sensitive nature of information.

Government Response

Government Minister

Confirms commitment to independent review of Prevent programme and upcoming full recruitment process for the next reviewer. Mentions maintaining contact with PSNI. Reassured Members on tracking terrorists' finance and assets through proscription. Opened door for briefings and updates. Acknowledged the importance of addressing assets derived from ill-gotten gains but did not provide specific details regarding security partner contacts.

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