BLE seek updates to terrorism law

Wednesday 04 November 2020

The States’ Assembly will debate changes to the Terrorism and Crime Law in their first ‘ordinary’ meeting of the new political term today, which could see Bailiwick Law Enforcement given enhanced powers to stop and question people whose purpose for visiting the island is not known.

While a broader review of Guernsey’s terrorism legislation is underway, the previous Home Affairs team consulted with Bailiwick Law Enforcement to identify any swifter changes that could be made to increase their powers.

Proposals include new powers to be able to inspect, seize and retain travel documents, as well as extensions to powers to stop and question people, search suspects, ships, aircraft and goods, and detain property in relation to ‘hostile acts’ that do not fall within the traditional definition of terrorism.

Following the UK cases of the assassinated Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, and the poisoning of former Russian double-agents in Salisbury, BLE said that they occasionally interacted with nationals from ‘hostile states’ whose behaviour was of concern. 

However, current regulations do not allow for lawful searches and interviews that would enable them to better determine the purpose of their visit to the Bailiwick, or onwards travel to the UK.

Pictured: Rob Prow, the new President of the Home Affairs Committee. Click HERE to read more about which Deputies are on what Committee in the new Assembly.

This is set to be the first policy letter to be discussed by the new Assembly, now that all committee elections have taken place.

It also includes general updates from three committees, fronted by Deputy Peter Ferbrache's Policy & Resources, and the election of two non-States members to the Scrutiny Management Committee. 

The meeting starts at 9:30 and is expected to be all wrapped up by lunchtime.