Changes to counter terror powers announced

New measures include changing pre charge detention period and stop and search powers

New measures have been announced to rebalance Britain's counter-terrorism powers, which will restore British freedoms while enabling the police and security services to continue to protect the public and national security.

The period terror suspects can be held on pre-charge detention will revert to 14 days and can be temporarily increased to 28 days only in exceptional circumstances.

Stop and search powers proposes to be replaced with a more tightly defined power allowing a senior police officer to make an authorisation for stop and search powers where they have reason to suspect a terrorist attack will take place.

On the use of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the government will prevent local authorities from using these powers unless it is to prevent serious crime and has been authorised by a magistrate.

The review proposes to draw upon powers already available for tackling racial and religious hatred and public disorder as well as the work to tackle extremism and promote integration and participation.

It also found that it will seek to extend arrangements with more countries to deport foreign nationals involved with terrorism.

Where prosecution, conviction and imprisonment or deportation for dealing with terrorists is not immediately possible, the government proposes to repeal control orders and introduce a new, more focused regime, under which restrictions that impact on an individual’s ability to follow a normal pattern of daily life will be kept to a minimum.

The new measures will have a two year maximum time limit and will only be imposed by the Home Secretary with prior permission from the High Court, except in urgent cases.

The Home Secretary will need reasonable grounds to believe that an individual is or has been involved in terrorism-related activity and be satisfied that applying measures from the regime will protect the public from a risk of terrorism.

A more flexible overnight residence requirement will replace the current curfew arrangements and forcible relocation will be replaced with the power to order more tightly-defined exclusions from particular areas and to prevent foreign travel.

Further information:
Home Office