Asked by: Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications of the Islamic doctrine of hijrah for the United Kingdom and Europe in the context of increased migration from the Middle East and North Africa; and whether in the light of that assessment increased resources are being given to police and security agencies within the United Kingdom to manage any potential threat.
Answered by Lord Bates
We work closely with our European partners to assess the threat we face from terrorism and to respond appropriately. This includes ensuring that appropriate screening processes are in place where necessary with regard to individuals entering and exiting our borders.
A Written Ministerial Statement in December 2013 confirmed that the police counter terrorism resource budget would be at least £564 million for 2014-15. A further Written Ministerial Statement in December 2014 confirmed at least the same amount would be available for 2015-16. In addition, HM Treasury has increased funding in 2015-16 for counter terrorism policing by a further £14.9 million to strengthen our capabilities in response to the increased threat from terrorism.
In the Summer Budget this year, the Chancellor announced that counter terrorism spending will be protected in real terms for the 2016/17 - 2020/21 Spending Review period. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing the resources needed to tackle threats from terrorism.
Asked by: Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to consider further the banning of the use of masks by demonstrators in order to avoid identification; and what assessment they have made of the current policy's impact on police forces and members of the community.
Answered by Lord Bates
Face coverings can be worn in public places for a variety of legitimate reasons. In the context of a public order situation, where face coverings are being worn with the express intention of concealing identity, section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 enables a police officer in uniform to require any person to remove any item which the officer reasonably believes is being worn wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing their identity. Section 60AA also enables a police officer in uniform to seize any item which they reasonably believe any person intends to use to conceal their identity.
A refusal to comply with a direction under this section of the Act is punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 and/or one month’s imprisonment.
These powers only apply in the locality and for the period for which an authorisation under section 60 or section 60AA of the Act has been given by a police officer of the rank of inspector or above. An inspector’s authorisation lasts for a maximum period of 24 hours, unless a police officer of the rank of superintendent or above authorises their use for a further 24 hours.
There are currently no plans to ban the use of masks in public order situations.
Asked by: Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Christian street preachers have been (1) arrested and questioned, (2) charged with an offence, and (3) convicted, in each year from 2010; why Christian preaching in public may be deemed offensive; whether similar measures are applied to other religions; and if so, whether they will provide comparable statistics.
Answered by Lord Bates
The Home Office does not hold information on arrests and convictions in relation to Christian or other religious preachers.
We have a proud history in this country of allowing free speech. Speakers must stay within the law and the police have comprehensive powers to take action against those who glorify terrorism or stir up hatred on the grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation. The right to free speech must be balanced with the right of others to not be caused harassment, alarm or distress.
The law provides equal protection for all ethnic and religious groups, and applies to crimes that are committed both offline and online, including through social media.
Asked by: Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following the United States removal of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) from the list of foreign terrorist organisations and a French court’s dismissal of terrorism and financial misconduct charges, they will lift the bar on Maryam Rajavi visiting the United Kingdom.
Answered by Lord Bates
The Home Office do not routinely comment on individual cases. The Home Office has obligations in law to protect this information. This case is also subject to ongoing legal proceedings.