New law considered on terrorist propaganda following inquests
THE GOVERNMENT is considering introducing a new law to tackle terrorist propaganda in the wake of the 2017 London Bridge terror attack.
Chief Coroner Mark Lucraft QC identified a potential gap in legislation following inquests into the deaths of the eight people killed in the June 3 atrocity and their attackers.
Ringleader Khuram Butt, 27, had looked at extremist material online, including propaganda from the so-called Islamic State, violent images and sermons from extremist preachers.
The coroner said current legislation means it may be impossible for police or MI5 to act against fanatics even when “the material is of the most offensive and shocking character”.
And he suggested a new law could be introduced to tackle possession of the “most serious material glorifying or encouraging terrorism” in a preventing future deaths report.
Home Secretary Priti Patel yesterday said: “The Government accepts this recommendation and is currently considering the necessity for a further offence of possessing the most serious extremist material which glorifies or encourages terrorism.”
Mr Lucraft suggested extremist material could be criminalised in the same way as the most offensive pornography.
Ms Patel said talks were ongoing between the Home Office and counter-terrorism police “as to whether there is a gap in the current legislation”.
Eight people were killed and 48 others seriously injured when terrorists used a hired van to plough into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random around Borough Market on June 3, 2017.
The coroner identified 18 “matters for concern” in a report published in November and told those responsible to take action.
But Patrick Maguire, an injury lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represents the family of victim Xavier Thomas and some surviving victims, said the recommendations came too late for those maimed and killed.