Key Facts

• The Public Bill Committee meets on June 25, 30, July 2, 7, and 9.
• Oral evidence sessions are scheduled for various witnesses over these dates.
• The Prison Officers Association is to appear on Tuesday at 9:25 am.
• There are two cases where a gap of up to 16 months occurred between the expiry of one TPIM and the imposition of another.
• The current law allows for managing risks during such gaps as no significant incidents have occurred in these periods.
• Jonathan Hall believes that TPIMs have been used responsibly by the Government, but lowering the standard of proof could increase the margin of error.
• The original control orders set up in 2005 had reasonable suspicion as the burden of proof.
• Between 2005 and 2012, a lower burden of proof was enforced.
• Intelligence coverage in Daesh-controlled areas is limited due to evidential constraints.
• Jonathan Hall suggests raising the age for mandatory minimum sentences to 21 years.
• Judges face difficulty in accurately assessing long-term terrorist risks at sentencing.
• The Parole Board's ability to reassess an offender’s status as they change over time is highlighted.
• The definition of terrorism-related offences is taken from the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 and incorporated into the new sentencing code.
• Polygraphs provide an additional source of information for managing released terrorist offenders, particularly in identifying deception and reducing burdens on authorities.
• Scotland's Risk Management Authority issues orders for lifelong restriction which are more flexible than determinate sentences for assessing risk changes over time.
• Jonathan Hall has written an extensive report on counter-terrorism measures.
• There is a suggestion that a lifelong restriction order could be more flexible than a serious terrorism sentence.
• A legislative consent motion from the Scottish Parliament would likely be required for aspects of the Bill impacting devolved matters.
• Most terrorism sentences are short due to early intervention by counter-terrorism police.
• Judges can designate any offence connected to terrorism, allowing up to 30 years of monitoring.
• Hall is cautious about public perception and prefers criminal prosecution over TPIMs.
• There was a concern that the standard of proof change might lead to an increase in TPIM usage.
• Laurence Robertson is chairing a Public Bill Committee session.
• The session includes discussions and questions regarding TPIMs, sentencing changes for young adults, and the overall impact of the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill.
• Assistant Chief Constable Tim Jacques from the National Police Chiefs' Council will give evidence on counter-terrorism policing.
• Six TPIMs currently in place in the UK.
• MI5 identifies three cases where a lower standard of proof could enhance operations: rapid risk increase, individuals returning from abroad with limited evidence, and instances involving sensitive material disclosure.
• A gap between TPIM expiries can lead to an increased threat to public safety.
• Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill addresses sentencing and TPIM measures.
• Concerns about 'cliff edge' situations where offenders come out without licence conditions.
• TPIMs are seen as a way to manage risks when licence conditions do not offer sufficient control.
• The Government has tabled 17 pages of amendments to the Bill.
• Further consideration of the Bill is adjourned until later in the day.