United Kingdom unveils laws to stop early release of terrorists

Bill comes after recent London attacks

February 11, 2020 10:15 pm | Updated 10:15 pm IST

Britain will end the automatic early release of convicted terrorists under new fast-tracked legislation to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.

The new Bill follows an attack earlier this month by an Islamist militant just days after he was set free half-way through his jail term, despite authorities believing he still posed a threat to the public.

The government had already promised tougher rules on terrorism after another former convict killed two people and wounded three before being shot dead by police near London Bridge in November.

The emergency measures, which the government wants to become law by the end of the month, will mean convicted terrorists cannot be released before the end of their sentence without an assessment of whether they are still a risk. They will have to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence before being assessed.

“No dangerous terrorist should be released automatically only to go on to kill and maim innocent people on our streets,” said justice minister Robert Buckland in a statement.The government said around 50 people currently in jail would see their release blocked as a result of the change to the law

The government plans to boost deradicalisation measures in prison.

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