UK terror watchdog warns government: ‘Don't criminalise thought’

The government has been warned not to “criminalise thought” as ministers seek to introduce harsher punishments for people who view extremist content online.

Max Hill QC, the government’s independent terrorism legislation reviewer, said that “knee-jerk” reactionary legislation should not go forward, the BBC says.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd recently announced a plan to increase jail sentences from 10 to 15 years for those found guilty of repeatedly viewing extremist content online. Other new measures including banning orders and extremism disruption orders will be used to target potential terrorists. Theresa May has given her backing to the new powers, which she says will combat the “scourge of extremism”.

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However, in a speech to human rights group Justice on Tuesday, Hill said that new laws should only target individuals who attempt to or do carry out acts of violence.

“We do not, and should not, criminalise thought without action or preparation for action,” he said in quotes released to the London Evening Standard before his speech.

“Whilst we can all agree that there should be nowhere for real terrorists to hide, we should also agree that legislating in the name of terrorism when the targeted activity is not actually terrorism would be quite wrong.”

Hill suggested that ministers and British authorities go out and speak to a wider range of Muslims, including those whose don’t share their views, to counter the view that there was “one law for Muslims, and another for the rest”.

He said that terrorists who commit less serious offences should not face longer jail sentences and that “naïve” British Islamic State fighters should be reintegrated back into society rather than prosecuted if they return.

A No. 10 spokeswoman said the UK needed to tackle ideologies that inspire terrorism.

“What we want to do is to send a clear message that we will not tolerate terrorism, those who help radicalise terrorists with their extremist views, or those who turn a blind eye to terrorist activity.”