- Conference
- 2002 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 25 February 2002
- Decision
- Carried
Conference recognises the distress and horror felt across the world at the terrorist attacks in September 2001. Conference appreciates that the UK Government is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of our citizens, and is entitled to pass appropriate legislation, but tough legislation must always be balanced by appropriate safeguards to protect civil liberties. UK anti-terrorism legislation was widely regarded as the most extensive in Europe even before the latest measures introduced in December 2001 and Conference believes that the additional legislation rushed through Parliament is disproportionate in its response.
The Anti-Terrorism Act 2001 allows indefinite detention on the basis of very little evidence. This draconian power requires a derogation from Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects people from arbitrary detention and imprisonment. It is justified on the grounds that the country is in a state of emergency. Other European countries, although facing similar threats, have not found it necessary to introduce such legislation.
Conference believes that imprisoning people on the basis of suspicion sets a dangerous precedent. Under previous and existing UK anti-terrorism legislation, such as the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions Act) 1989 and the Terrorism Act 2000, many innocent people have been detained, increasing rather than decreasing tension within communities, and so diminishing security overall.
Conference notes the statement issued by the National Executive Council, issued in December 2001, expressing concern at the rushed, ill-thought out measures that cut across the basic principles of democratic government and the basic rule of law.
Conference calls on the Government to:
1)Amend the legislation to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights without derogation;
2)Monitor and review the impact that this legislation has made on the fight against terrorism; and
3)Redress the balance in favour of civil liberties.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to:
a)Actively campaign for improvements to current anti-terrorism legislation;
b)Continue to work with Liberty, and to seek continued support from the General Political Fund, to ensure that a proper balance is struck between national security and basic liberties.