David Cameron is due to unveil a counter-terrorism bill that will impose greater restrictions on extremists trying to radicalise young people.
Exercising his post-election authority, he will outline the key points of the bill at a National Security Council (NSC) meeting today and formally announce the legislation in the Queen's Speech later this month.The Home Office issued several proposals to crack down on extremism following the murder of fusilier Lee Rigby in London in 2013, but these were vetoed by the Liberal Democrats last year.Under an all-Conservative government, Home Secretary Theresa May now hopes to fast-track the policies through parliament.Measures are likely to include:
- Disruption orders to limit "harmful activities" of individual extremists, such as airing certain views in public or radicalising young people.
- New powers to close premises, including mosques, where extremists are attempting to build influence.
- Increased immigration restrictions for anyone believed to be preaching extremist views.
- Strengthened powers for the Charity Commission to root out charities that fund terrorism
- Empowering Ofcom to act against channels that air extremist content.
Additional plans to extend the so-called "snoopers charter" are set to be introduced later in the parliament, says The Guardian. This would include increased powers to retain records of emails and other internet data.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Today Cameron is expected to tell the NSC that the UK has been a "passively tolerant society" for too long, allowing a "narrative of extremism and grievance" to be fostered."This government will conclusively turn the page on this failed approach. As the party of one nation, we will govern as one nation and bring our country together," he will say. "That means actively promoting certain values. Freedom of speech. Freedom of worship. Democracy. The rule of law. Equal rights regardless of race, gender or sexuality."
May will also address the council, promising to "challenge those who seek to spread hatred and intolerance by forming a new partnership of every person and organisation in this country that wants to defeat the extremists".
-
Trump wants a weaker dollar but economists aren’t so sureTalking Points A weaker dollar can make imports more expensive but also boost gold
-
Political cartoons for February 3Cartoons Tuesday’s political cartoons include empty seats, the worst of the worst of bunnies, and more
-
Trump’s Kennedy Center closure plan draws ireSpeed Read Trump said he will close the center for two years for ‘renovations’
-
How the ‘British FBI’ will workThe Explainer New National Police Service to focus on fighting terrorism, fraud and organised crime, freeing up local forces to tackle everyday offences
-
How the Bondi massacre unfoldedIn Depth Deadly terrorist attack during Hanukkah celebration in Sydney prompts review of Australia’s gun control laws and reckoning over global rise in antisemitism
-
Who is fuelling the flames of antisemitism in Australia?Today’s Big Question Deadly Bondi Beach attack the result of ‘permissive environment’ where warning signs were ‘too often left unchecked’
-
Ten years after Bataclan: how has France changed?Today's Big Question ‘Act of war’ by Islamist terrorists was a ‘shockingly direct challenge’ to Western morality
-
Arsonist who attacked Shapiro gets 25-50 yearsSpeed Read Cody Balmer broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and tried to burn it down
-
Manchester synagogue attack: what do we know?Today’s Big Question Two dead after car and stabbing attack on holiest day in Jewish year
-
The Miami Showband massacre, 50 years onThe Explainer Unanswered questions remain over Troubles terror attack that killed three members of one of Ireland's most popular music acts
-
The failed bombings of 21/7The Explainer The unsuccessful attacks 'unnerved' London and led to a tragic mistake
