The new law includes thought-control measures. Individuals deemed to be “glorifying, exalting or celebrating any terrorist act” can now face up to five years in prison. Groups accused of doing so could be banned. Publishing, distributing or selling literature “encouraging” terrorism will carry a maximum seven-year term.

A new offence of acts preparatory to terrorism has been added that carries a maximum of life imprisonment. Offering training or attending a training camp will carry a maximum of 10 years in jail. Those charged under the new law may be prosecuted in British courts even if the alleged acts have been committed abroad.

The government of Prime Minister Anthony Blair pressed, with backing from the cops, to extend the maximum detention without charges to 90 days. This was defeated—the first time the government has lost a parliamentary vote since its election in 1997.

An editorial in the Financial Times criticised Blair for using the fact that police officials supported the 90-day measure to pressure MPs (members of Parliament) to vote for it. “A similar argument was made for internment in Northern Ireland in the 1970s,” the big-business daily argued, “a policy that failed to end the violence and fueled republican discontent.”

In a reflection of growing factionalism in bourgeois politics, a scuffle broke out in Parliament between two MPs within the Labour Party, one an opponent and the other a supporter of the 90-day extension, the Times reported. Opposition Tory leader Michael Howard called on Blair to resign, claiming he has “diminished” authority.

The government is now pushing to cut weekly incapacity benefits for those too sick to work from £76 to £56, and privatize some medical services that are currently provided free of charge by the National Health Services.
 
 
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