Terrorism Bill and Terrorism Act 2005-2006

The Terrorism Bill 2005-2006 was introduced to the House of Commons in October 2005, following the London bombings of July 2005. It sought, among other things, to create an offence of 'encouragement of terrorism' which includes 'glorification of terrorism, past, present or future'.

This caused concern in the arts sector because of its potential to be damaging to freedom of speech and the right of artists to provoke, question and challenge. The NCA does not believe that the Government ever intended the Bill to restrict freedom of expression. However, the NCA was concerned that the Bill would create a climate of self-censorship, with artists being unclear about what would be prosecutable. There was also potential to fuel the activities of pressure groups who might perceive the Bill as backing for campaigns against artistic expression which they found offensive, even if it did not.

The NCA consulted members, lobbied MPs and Peers at every stage of the Bill's progress, and informed members of developments.

Progress of the Bill and the Terrorism Act 2006

NCA briefing paper, February 2006

Letter from the Home Office, November 2005

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