Libraries welcome amendment to Terrorism Bill

9 February, 2006

At the Third Reading of the Terrorism Bill in the House of Lords on 1 February the Government introduced an amendment. Like the successful opposition amendment on 17 January it removes the possibility of librarians committing a criminal offence by acquiring or distributing a terrorist publication in the course of their normal duties. This will facilitate library support for research into terrorism. (The crucial amendment restricts criminality to those who intend to encourage or assist terrorism through disseminating publications.) Since the Government sponsored this amendment it is likely to remain when the bill is enacted.