Priti Patel announces counter-terrorism package

Tuesday 21st January 2020 13:43 EST
 

On Tuesday 21st January, in a bid to strengthen the UK's response to increasing terror threats, the government announced an end to early release of prisoners and a major review of the management of convicted terrorists.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC, announced that the new Counter-Terrorism Bill, will force terrorist offenders who receive extended determinate sentences to serve the whole time behind bars and ensure those convicted of serious offences such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation spend a mandatory minimum of 14 years in prison.

According to the Government, the funds allocated for counter-terrorism policing is expected to grow to £906 million in 2021, recording a a £90 million year-on-year increase. The money will support and maintain the record high number of ongoing counter-terrorism policing investigations and ensure a swift and effective response to terrorist incidents across the country.

“I have announced a counter-terror package including tougher sentences for offenders, an overhaul of probation, and a £90m increase in funding for CT Police. We are also investing in support for victims of terrorism,” tweeted Home Secretary Priti Patel.

It will also overhaul the terrorist licensing regime, doubling the number of specialist counter-terrorism probation officers and introducing measures such as polygraph testing. It will increase the number of places available in probation hostels so that authorities can keep closer tabs on terrorists in the weeks after they are released from prison.

Additionally, the government will also launch an independent review of the way different agencies, including police, the probation service, and the security services investigate, monitor and manage terrorist offenders – called Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This is expected to be led by Jonathan Hall QC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.


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