Counter-Terrorism Act 2008

Overview

After the 2005 London Bombings, HM Government pledged that the fight against terrorism would be a centrepiece of its agenda over the next three decades. The plan to implement legislation included proposals to increase in the pre-charge detention period, allow intercept evidence to be used in court and reform the control order system. Such power was necessary to combat terrorism in every way, shape or form. A number of the proposals, such as the 42 day detention period, were dropped by the time the final draft was released.

The Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 makes a number of distinct amendments to the law in relation to terrorism.

It includes provisions relating to: 

• the gathering and sharing of information for counter-terrorism and other purposes 
• the disclosure of information to and by the intelligence services 
• post-charge questioning of terrorism suspects 
• the prosecution of terrorism offences and punishment of convicted terrorists 
• notification requirements for persons convicted of terrorism-related offences 
• powers to act against terrorist financing, money laundering and certain other activities reviews of certain Treasury decisions
• inquiries dealing with sensitive information

These provisions of the Act create and assign new powers and offences, thereby reforming and amending existing terrorism legislation.