Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (UK)
Summary
Extended UK counter-terrorism powers including new offences of expressing support for proscribed organisations in a way likely to be heard or seen by a person susceptible to being radicalised (s.1, amending Terrorism Act 2006 s.12), and publishing images of proscribed organisations in a way arousing reasonable suspicion (s.2, amending Terrorism Act 2000 s.13). Also expanded Schedule 7 port and border stop powers.
Relevance to the diaspora
The 2019 Act's expanded s.12 offence (expression of support likely to encourage others) significantly widens the chilling effect on Tamil diaspora political expression including social media posts; Schedule 7 stops have been widely used at UK airports to question British Tamil passengers returning from Sri Lanka or Tamil community events.
Key provisions
- s.1 — amended TA 2006 s.12: expression of support to person 'susceptible to radicalisation'
- s.2 — amended TA 2000 s.13: images arousing reasonable suspicion of support
- s.9 — Schedule 7 expansion (port stops)
- s.22 — designated area offences (entering an area associated with terrorism)