BLAIR TO REVEAL PLAN AGAINST TERROR
Blair to reveal action plan against terror
TONY Blair will today outline a terrorism crackdown intended to put bombers and gunmen behind bars just for being members of an illegal organisation.
The Government is expected to borrow from tough Republic of Ireland legislation unveiled last week in the wake of the Omagh bombing in which 28 people were killed.
QUESTION: What was the main plank of the anti-terror crackdown?
ANSWER: Some of the new Irish legislation was itself inspired by British laws. However, its key measure is one expected to be adopted by the UK - the conviction and imprisonment of a person based on the word of a police officer who says the suspect is a member of a terrorist organisation.
QUESTION: What practical difference will this make?
ANSWER: This could lead to the jailing of a significant number of individuals who the police insist are known terrorists but who previouslv could not be brought to justice for lack of evidence of specific crimes.
QUESTION: Is internment also likely to be brought back?
ANSWER: Although ministers insisted nothing was being ruled out in the wake of Omagh, internment is not a realistic option. Perhaps the most controversial British anti-terrorist policy during the Troubles.' it was widely seen as acting like an lRA recruiting sergeant".
QUESTION: Will Parliament also be recalled from the summer recess to push through laws enacting the new terrorism crackdown?
ANSWER: Mr Blair will announce a Parliamentary recall today.
TONY Blair will today outline a terrorism crackdown intended to put bombers and gunmen behind bars just for being members of an illegal organisation.
The Government is expected to borrow from tough Republic of Ireland legislation unveiled last week in the wake of the Omagh bombing in which 28 people were killed.
QUESTION: What was the main plank of the anti-terror crackdown?
ANSWER: Some of the new Irish legislation was itself inspired by British laws. However, its key measure is one expected to be adopted by the UK - the conviction and imprisonment of a person based on the word of a police officer who says the suspect is a member of a terrorist organisation.
QUESTION: What practical difference will this make?
ANSWER: This could lead to the jailing of a significant number of individuals who the police insist are known terrorists but who previouslv could not be brought to justice for lack of evidence of specific crimes.
QUESTION: Is internment also likely to be brought back?
ANSWER: Although ministers insisted nothing was being ruled out in the wake of Omagh, internment is not a realistic option. Perhaps the most controversial British anti-terrorist policy during the Troubles.' it was widely seen as acting like an lRA recruiting sergeant".
QUESTION: Will Parliament also be recalled from the summer recess to push through laws enacting the new terrorism crackdown?
ANSWER: Mr Blair will announce a Parliamentary recall today.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0252
Published Date: 25-Aug-98
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