ANTI WAR PROTESTS AND THE USE OF ANTI-TERRORIST POWERS

Early day motion 1666, tabled 10 September 2003 by Adam Price (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes with deep concern the use of powers provided by the Terrorism Act 2000 to police anti-war protests during the recent conflict in Iraq; further notes with deep concern that the use of these powers labels legitimate peaceful protesters as terrorists; condemns the use of section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 against protesters at the arms fair in London on 9th September; calls for the Home Affairs Committee to investigate the use of these powers to police anti-war protesters during the recent conflict in Iraq, as well as the protesters at the arms fair; and further calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to basic human rights by establishing an independent human rights commission, and in future to allow anti-terror legislation to be used only against individuals who pose a genuine threat to the security of the United Kingdom, and not citizens practising their right to peaceful protest against their government's actions.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 1.