A major review has found that British counterterror laws are being used too widely, highlighting the recent ban on Palestine Action, and has recommended an overhaul of the Prevent counter-extremism programme.
The Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice has completed a three-year review led by Sir Declan Morgan, former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, and 14 commissioners.
Its report, launched on Tuesday at an event hosted by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in Westminster, calls for the UK's definition of terrorism to be tightened.
It is a significant intervention following the recent ban on direct action group Palestine Action (PA) as a terror group, which has led to the arrest of almost 2,000 protesters under the Terrorism Act at demonstrations against the ban.
Jonathan Hall, the government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told MEE at the report's launch: "This is a far reaching and impressive document that is not full of wafty generalities but shows a real commitment to making practical recommendations."
