Clause 11 - Suspension and revocation of licence
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
2:30 pm
David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)
I am grateful for way in which the hon. Gentleman moved the amendment. I entirely understand the sentiment behind it and share much of it. The prospect of individuals returning triumphantly to Northern Ireland, receiving a hero’s welcome and parading their activities is unattractive, and would certainly prove galling to victims and the community at large.
I understand entirely the sentiments that have driven the hon. Gentleman to table the amendment. There is a place for restricting the glorification of terrorism—indeed, ensuring that we do just that is a key part of the Government’s proposals this Session. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Terrorism Bill that was recently before the House seeks to do exactly what he wants: to prevent the glorification of terrorism.
My difficulty is that, although I share the hon. Gentleman’s sentiment, I do not think it appropriate that we should rely on this Bill to curb such glorification specifically in respect of offences in Northern Ireland. There is a place for restricting the glorification of terrorism, but I remain of the view that it is best dealt with by the Home Office anti-terrorist legislation, which applies to Northern Ireland and has recently been considered by the House.
I remind Members of the exact terms of the legislation that has already been considered by the House. It states that
“the statements that are likely to be understood by members of the public as indirectly encouraging the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism or Convention offences include every statement which ... glorifies the commission or preparation (whether in the past, in the future or generally) of such acts or offences”.
I believe that that meets the obligations that in the amendment.