Use of Terrorism Powers In London Must Not Become The Norm - Hughes

3.56.40pm GMT Thu 30th Oct 2003

On the day that a judgment is expected on the use of stop and search powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 at the DSEi arms trade fair in Docklands in September, Liberal Democrat reveal that draconian stop and search powers have been in use across the whole of Greater London since February 2001.

The blanket authorisation of powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 was revealed yesterday in response to a parliamentary question.

Commenting on the government's admission, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Simon Hughes said: "Anti-terrorism powers were meant to be exceptional powers, used occasionally and only when the circumstances demanded it."

"We must protect London's residents, workers and visitors. But people will rightly question the government's decision to authorise the use of Section 44 on a rolling basis in every corner of London."

"The experience has been that these powers have been used not against terror suspects, but against thousands of peaceful protesters."

"People understand and accept the need for special powers at times of heightened threat. But we cannot have a situation where exceptional powers become the norm in our capital city."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows the police to apply to the Home Secretary for permission top stop and search terrorist suspects within all or part of a police force area. Each authorisation lasts for one month.

2. A parliamentary answer to Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, today reveals that a rolling programme of monthly authorisations has been in place for the entire area of greater London since February 2001, long before September 11th:

Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has given to the police on publicising the fact that powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 are in operation in the local area. [133967]

Ms Blears: The publicising of the use of section 44 powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 in any particular area is an operational decision for the force concerned. Any decision to publicise the fact that the powers are being used would be made in light of the operational objective, and mindful of the need to ensure that the information released can not be exploited by those intent on committing acts of terrorism.

That said there is a legal requirement under section 45 of the Terrorism Act to inform any individual who is stopped and searched under section 44 that he or she has been stopped and searched under that section of the Act.

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3. The judicial review of the use of section 44 powers in Dockland has been taken by Liberty. Liberty can be contacted on 020 7403 3888.

4. The Home Secretary requested a review of the use of Section 44 powers at this year's Excel arms trade fair on 10th September. The Metropolitan Police report is understood to have been submitted to the Home Office but no findings have yet been made public.