Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act (Public Consultation)

Baroness May of Maidenhead Excerpts

Thursday 13th September 2012 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May)]

I am today launching a public consultation inviting views on potential changes to the counter-terrorism border security powers contained in schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000.

Individuals who engage in terror-related activity travel across borders to plan, finance, train for and commit attacks. Examining people at ports and airports is necessary to protect public safety and an essential part of our border security arrangements. However, the operation of these powers must not erode the freedoms which terrorists seek to undermine.

We would welcome a wide response to the consultation to support us in ensuring the changes address these principles, particularly from those who may be affected by the use of these important powers. A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the House Library and is available on the Home Office website at:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/schedule-7-review