BRITISH TO APPROVE ANTI TERROR LEGISLATION
British to approve anti terror legislation
By BERNARD PURCELL
London Editor BRITISH MPs are today expected to endorse a package of anti-terror laws designed to clamp down on Northern Ireland's paramilitary splinter groups.
Parliament has been specially recalled to coincide with today's special Dail sitting.
Cabinet ministers yesterday went on television and radio to answer criticisms that the measures are too rushed and parliament has not been given enough time to consider them.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has already written to MPs to explain the need for recalling Parliament, will address MPs and take questions before Home Secretary Jack Straw formally introduces the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill.
The new 10-clause, two-schedule Bill will include powers to seize assets, such as homes, cars or farms, if it is proved they were used in terrorist activities.
Downing Street has been trying to reassure Labour MPs that convictions for membership of illegal organisations will not be possible solely on the word of a senior officer but will have to be backed by supporting evidence.
Jack Straw said the age old right to silence of a suspect was not being categorically removed and that there would be residual safeguards.
By BERNARD PURCELL
London Editor BRITISH MPs are today expected to endorse a package of anti-terror laws designed to clamp down on Northern Ireland's paramilitary splinter groups.
Parliament has been specially recalled to coincide with today's special Dail sitting.
Cabinet ministers yesterday went on television and radio to answer criticisms that the measures are too rushed and parliament has not been given enough time to consider them.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has already written to MPs to explain the need for recalling Parliament, will address MPs and take questions before Home Secretary Jack Straw formally introduces the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill.
The new 10-clause, two-schedule Bill will include powers to seize assets, such as homes, cars or farms, if it is proved they were used in terrorist activities.
Downing Street has been trying to reassure Labour MPs that convictions for membership of illegal organisations will not be possible solely on the word of a senior officer but will have to be backed by supporting evidence.
Jack Straw said the age old right to silence of a suspect was not being categorically removed and that there would be residual safeguards.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/206
Published Date: 02-Sep-98
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