Britain to Push for Tougher Anti-Terrorist Laws
The Madrid and London bombings were not the only terrorist attacks after 9/11 but they might be the most reported at least in western media. Certainly the longstanding relationship between the United States and United Kingdom explains the amount of attention these stories receive. Some other stories have pointed the cameras at both countries. Much controversy has characterized decisions made by President Bush not only about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq but on terrorism in general. Former British PM Tony Blair took on the criticism of his close relationship with President Bush with style and flare and is staying in the game in Middle East peace process since leaving the PM’s job in Britain.
Another story that received much attention was about the British military and an incident where nine or more of their service people were captured by Iran and the claim they had drifted into Iranian waters. The tale as it developed over the next days portrayed the group as less than impressive if not down right unpatriotic. Fair or not, together with the sense that the UK is soft on terror and tripping over itself to appease complaints from the Muslim community paints a rather disappointing picture of the island nation. Like most stories there is probably some truth and some misconception within the details.
That is why the story below is of interest. There are indications that while Tony Blair was PM he was unable to get agreement within government to stiffen ‘anti-terror laws’ and the same landscape will face the new PM Gordon Brown. After Brown entered office he was described as a no-nonsense kind of man that may prove to be a formidable adversary to those who disagree with him. But the fact may remain that opposition in the UK to tougher legislation against terrorist activities is more proof that the UK is soft on terror.
Britain to Push for Tougher Anti-Terrorist Laws
By Tom Rivers
London
06 November 2007
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In time-honored British tradition, Queen Elizabeth presided over the state opening of parliament, and unveiled several government proposed pieces of legislation, including new anti-terrorist measures the government hopes to pass in the new lawmaking session. For VOA, Tom Rivers reports from London.
The queen’s been here many times before. An ornate horse-drawn carriage pulled up at Buckingham Palace for the short journey down the road to the House of Lords, where members of both parliamentary chambers gathered to hear her deliver a speech outlining the government’s planned legislative initiatives for the new term.
Amid the pomp and ceremony, political observers were watching closely as this was Gordon Brown’s first time to set the lawmaking agenda as prime minister.
And as the queen read out the words of the Brown government, it is clear that the prime minister sees more anti-terrorism work to be done.
“My government will take further action to create stronger communities and tackle terrorism,” she said. “Legislation to reform the criminal justice system will continue to be taken forward.”
That means Brown will try to do something his predecessor Tony Blair could not do in his final days and that is to get cross-party agreement on strengthening Britain’s terrorism laws.
“My government will seek consensus on changes to the law on terrorism so that the police and other agencies have the powers they need to protect the public while preserving essential rights and liberties,” said Queen Elizabeth.
And trying to find that balance will be key. Specifically, it is thought the government will try to double the time terrorist suspects can be held before formal charges must be brought from the current 28-day period.
The new counter-terrorism bill will also seek to allow for additional questioning after a suspect has been formally charged.
In addition, it is thought the government will try to ban convicted terrorists from traveling abroad after any release.
In addition to measures here, the queen’s speech highlighted the prime minister’s intention to work even more closely with international bodies to counter global terrorism.
“My government will continue to work with the United Nations, G-8 [Group of Eight] and [the] European Union to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including addressing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear intentions,” she continued.
Britain is behind efforts to impose a third wave of U.N. sanctions on Iran.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is currently proposing the collection of more flight data on passengers and tighter internet laws as part of its anti-terrorist moves. All EU member states would have to sign off on the new measures if they are to become law.
(end)
Just in case memory is a little vague on the days following the bombings in London in 2005 here is an extensive list of stories from that time.
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London Bombs Death Toll Expected to Remain Below 100
Authorities say number of deaths now exceeds 50, with more than 700 wounded
08 July 2005
Europe Needs Unity to Battle Terrorism, Analysts Say
Some say London blasts are a wake-up call for EU fractured by infighting
08 July 2005
Bush to Sign Condolence Book in Washington for London Victims
President is now en route to Washington from Group of Eight summit in Scotland
08 July 2005
NATO Ambassadors Express Solidarity with Britain Over London Attacks
Ambassadors meeting in Brussels, condemned terrorism in all forms
08 July 2005
London Police Sift Through Bomb Scenes for Clues
Terror bombings Thursday killed at least 50, injured 700
08 July 2005
British Launch Massive Hunt for London Bombers Who Killed 37
Londoners end terrifying day with resolve to carry on
07 July 2005
US Lawmakers Condemn London Bombings
Lawmakers also say attacks should serve as harsh reminder that war on terrorism must continue, and of weaknesses remaining to be addressed in mass transportation security
07 July 2005
Transit Systems in US Increase Security Measures
A higher level of protection is ordered for all forms of passenger travel
07 July 2005
London Bombing Overshadows G-8
Summit members indicate ending the summit early would play into the hands of those who killed dozens of innocent civilians
07 July 2005
Local US Officials Extend Condolences to Victims of London Attacks, Heighten Security
US officials say they have no information that US transit system is threatened, but they have heightened security on buses and trains
07 July 2005
London Bombings Kill 37; Officials say ‘Hallmarks of Al-Qaida’ Attack
British government suspects Islamic terrorists responsible; massive investigation under way
07 July 2005
Iran, Syria, Others in Middle East Condemn London Attacks
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad condemned the attacks in a cable sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair
07 July 2005
London Bombings Draw Media Focus from G-8 Summit
07 July 2005
US Muslim Groups Condemn London Attacks
The group has said in the past that those who commit acts of terror in the name of Islam are betraying that religion’s values
07 July 2005
World Leaders Pledge United Front against Terror after London Attacks
Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, whose city lost bid to host Olympics to London, said after attacks ‘right now, we are all Londoners’
07 July 2005
Scenes of Mayhem Terrorize London
Multiple blasts in transit system creates horrific situations for thousands, hundreds known to be injured
07 July 2005
Australia, Japan Offer Support to Britain in Aftermath of Attacks
Australia’s PM John Howard says it is important his country stands ’shoulder to shoulder’ with its British allies
07 July 2005
UN Security Council Condemns London Blasts in Emergency Session
Measure expresses condolences for British people, victims of four bombings in London; says any act of terrorism threatens peace and security
07 July 2005
France On Alert After London Bombings
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin asks ministers to provide ways to beef up security around France’s vulnerable sites
07 July 2005
London Olympic Bid Team Devastated by News Of Bombings
Chief executive of London’s bid team, Keith Mills, says delegation is shocked by the news
07 July 2005
Bush Condemns London Blasts, Expresses Condolences to British PM
President says ‘we will not yield’ to terrorists
07 July 2005
IOC Expresses Confidence in London after Blasts
International Olympic Committee selected London to host 2012 games during meeting in Singapore, Wednesday
07 July 2005
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