Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism

Asked for figures on how many terrorist attacks have been thwarted by security services, highlighting the importance of such information.

The Labour Opposition supports the proscription of Atomwaffen Division as a terrorist organisation, emphasising the need to protect British public safety from far-right extremism. The group's ideology involves violence to bring about a white ethno-state through societal collapse. Charalambous highlighted that AWD’s online propaganda has influenced other terror groups and raised concerns over the timing of the Government's action against AWD, given its operational presence since 2015. He also questioned whether adequate funding and resources have been granted to counter-terrorism policing and asked about measures taken to prevent the group from operating under new formats or aliases.

McDonald thanked the Minister for setting out reasons to proscribe Atomwaffen Division and supported the proscription. He raised concerns about timing, international discussions with allies, effectiveness of proscription, and scrutiny process of these orders.

Peacock welcomed the banning of AWD but emphasised that enforcement should be more than just the ban. She highlighted the threat posed by the Order of Nine Angles and called for a review of the proscription process, urging the Government to consider the proscription of other groups like O9A.

Fascist political activity online has global reach, inspiring and encouraging Nazis in different countries to engage in race-obsessed ideologies. Charlotte Nichols emphasises the need for government action against extremist groups like Atomwaffen Division and the Order of Nine Angles, which have been linked to terrorist activities and increased far-right ideology in custody over recent years. She urges the Government to take faster and tougher measures to ban these Nazi organisations, particularly concerning online recruitment of vulnerable individuals.

Jim Shannon supports the proscription of Atomwaffen Division and commends the Minister for his efforts in tackling extremist threats. He highlights the importance of addressing radicalisation early, as it destroys lives regardless of whether it comes from the left or right. Shannon asks if this order will apply to Northern Ireland and address affiliated youth programmes, given evidence that National Action and AWD are attempting to gain influence there.

Minister thanked Members for constructive tone, addressed concerns about speed of process and careful consideration required. Noted £90 million increase in counter-terrorism funding last year. Confirmed Northern Ireland receives fair share of resources. Emphasised importance of aliases to prevent organisations from changing identities. Highlighted international discussions with security partners but did not provide specifics due to sensitive nature. Acknowledged proscription is a beginning and not an end, with 49 convictions secured since 2001. Mentioned existence of appeal process for proscribed organisations through Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission. Concluded by urging support for the order.