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15 December 2005
An update on the action plan set out in the wake of the London bombings of 7 July today shows the Government is making substantial progress in its fight against terrorism and extremism.
The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, today published details of how measures outlined in the Prime Minister’s 12 point plan were being taken forward.
The progress report includes the outcome of a consultation into tackling the misuse of places of worship by extremists. Mr Clarke also published the responses to the consultation paper, which was issued on 6 October.
The responses from a range of individuals, faith groups and law enforcement organisations demonstrated strong support for joint working and information sharing as the most effective way of stopping the abuse of places of worship by extremists.
Mr Clarke has concluded that this commitment, together with wider measures already being taken by the Government and community groups including existing provisions in the current Terrorism Bill, represents a significant package of action. He has decided therefore not to introduce a specific new power at the present time to order the closure of places of worship that foment extremism.
The Home Secretary said that the matter would be kept under review.
Mr Clarke said:
'Since the 7 July we have made very significant progress in tackling the scourge of terrorism and extremism, including strengthening the grounds for deporting and excluding extremists and bringing forward new laws to enhance our ability to deal with terrorism.
'I am very grateful to everyone who took the trouble to submit views to the consultation on places of worship.
'I have been encouraged by the very significant commitment from communities to work with the police to deal with misuse of places of worship. Alongside other work that the Government and community groups are taking forward, this represents a significant package of action to address the issue of extremism. Consequently, the Government has decided not to introduce a new power in the legislation currently going before Parliament. However, we will keep the situation under close review.'
Mr Clarke also published details of progress on other measures in the plan, set out by the Prime Minister on 5 August, including the new grounds for deportation and exclusion, new legislation to tackle terrorism and extremism currently before Parliament and the expanding use of biometric technology in border control.
The Home Secretary also confirmed today that the Government does not propose to hold a public inquiry into the events of 7 July 2005.
Mr Clarke said:
'I have given careful consideration to the views of those who have asked the Government to establish a full public inquiry into the atrocities of 7 July. The Government does not believe that such an inquiry would add to our understanding of the causes of those atrocities, in particular when there are a five Parliamentary and other inquiries underway into these and related events. Additionally, to establish one would be to divert the attention of our police and security services during an extended period of time when they are still actively engaged in both the murder investigation which continues and the detection and prevention of further atrocities.
'However, I believe that it is important to clearly set out an authoritative account of what happened before and around 7 July. The Home Office will develop this narrative, which I intend to publish, subject to the need not to compromise intelligence sources or put at risk possible prosecutions.'
Notes to Editors
1. Mr Clarke today laid a written ministerial statement detailing progress on counter terrorism measures and action since 7 July.
2. The consultation paper “Preventing Extremism Together: Places of Worship” was published by the Home Office on 6 October 2005 and closed on 11 November 2005. The Preventing Extremism Together paper and responses (new window) can be viewed at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-prev-extreme
3. The majority of respondents to the consultation (who included a range of individuals, faith groups and law enforcement organisations) were not in favour of new legislation. Instead they felt that, in the small number of cases where there were extremists at a place of worship, strengthening partnerships between the police and the community and working together to promote community cohesion was the way forward.
4. The Preventing Extremism Together (PET) working group made a number of recommendations for better self regulation of mosques. Home Office Press notice 170/2005 refers.
5. The Terrorism Bill was published on 12 October 2005 and can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmbills/061/2005061.htm (new window)
6. The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill was published on 22 June 2005 and can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldbills/043/2006043.htm (new window)
7. The Intelligence and Security Committee, chaired by Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP, is currently investigating intelligence matters relating to the July terrorist attacks with a view to reporting to the Prime Minister in early spring 2006.
