Member

Let me first clarify the purpose of the encouragement offence in Section 1 of the Terrorism Act, which was introduced after the 7/7 attack. It is designed to act as a precursor offence and reduce the risk of future terrorist offences. The offence applies equally to statements made online and offline and applies where an individual is reckless about the impact of their statement. The noble Lord, Lord Elliott, talked about his experiences. I understand that; I cannot imagine carrying the coffin of a workmate who has been murdered and I understand what is driving colleagues today. However, I say to them that the glorification element has been examined not just when the legislation was proposed but, as the noble Baroness said, following the 7 October attacks, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation examined clearly and independently of government whether a stand-alone glorification offence was needed—not just in 2023, but following the 7 October attacks. He concluded in his recommendations to government that there was no legislative gap and warned that such an amendment would cause serious concern for freedom of expression and risk infringing fundamental rights.