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Progress is made in the fight to counter terrorism

15 December 2005

The Home Secretary has published a progress report detailing how the measures outlined in the Prime Minister's 12-point plan have been taken forward.

The 12 point plan - published by Tony Blair on 5 August 2005 - outlined new security measures, which are currently being implemented.

Progress made so far includes:

creating new grounds for deportation and exclusion
developing new legislation to tackle terrorism and extremism (currently before Parliament)
expanding the use of biometric technology in border control
gathering responses to the consultation on proposed police powers to close places of worship if they are being misused by extremists

Responses to the preventing extremism together consultation

The consultation, a measure outlined in the 12-point plan, sought views on how the government and communities can work together to prevent extremism. Sixty-six responses were received from a wide range of individuals, faith groups and law enforcement organisations.

The responses demonstrated strong support for joint-working and information-sharing as the most effective ways to stop places of worship being abused by extremists.

Mr Clarke stated that this commitment represented significant progress. He has decided therefore not to introduce a specific new power to order the closure of places of worship that foment extremism, but will keep the matter under review.

Mr Clarke said:

'Since 7 July, we have made very significant progress in tackling the scourge of terrorism and extremism, including strengthening the grounds for deporting and excluding extremists and bringing forward new laws to enhance our ability to deal with terrorism.

'I am very grateful to everyone who took the trouble to submit views to the consultation on places of worship.'

No plans for public inquiry into events of 7 July

The Home Secretary also confirmed today that the government does not propose to hold a public inquiry into the events of 7 July 2005.

He said 'The government does not believe that such an inquiry would add to our understanding of the causes of those atrocities, in particular when there are a five Parliamentary and other inquiries underway into these and related events.

'However, I believe that it is important to clearly set out an authoritative account of what happened before and around 7 July. The Home Office will develop this narrative, which I intend to publish, subject to the need not to compromise intelligence sources or put at risk possible prosecutions.'