Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has praised a new terrorism bill that was put before the House of Commons on Monday (06/06/18).
The new bill has been introduced just two weeks after the anniversary of the horrific attack that took place last year at the Manchester Arena.
The legislation will create new terrorism offences, closing gaps in the law, and introduce tougher measures aimed at thwarting the radicalisation tactics employed by terrorist groups.
The bill will also seek to increase the maximum penalty for certain preparatory terrorism offences to 15 years’.
In November of last year a man in Nelson was arrested by counter-terrorism officers under the suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism.
Husnain Rashid, of Leonard Street, Nelson, was accused of sending encrypted messages which encouraged violence against members of the Royal Family and suggested targets for attacks.
Andrew Stephenson MP said, ‘When we see individuals being arrested here in Pendle for preparing to commit an act of terrorism and Pendle residents caught up in the Manchester attacks there is a clear need for the government to do everything possible to keep people safe.’
‘We need to strengthen the power of those who protect us so that they can more easily tackle ever-changing threats before they are able to be realised.’
Fellow Lancashire MP the Rt Hon Ben Wallace, Minister of State for Security Said, ‘Terrorists always seek to exploit our weaknesses so if we don’t take forward new legislation I believe society will be vulnerable to further exploitation by people intent on causing serious harm.