Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 facts for kids
|
|
| Long title | An Act to make provision in place of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984; to make further provision in relation to powers of search under, and persons convicted of scheduled offences within the meaning of, the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978; and to enable the Secretary of State to prevent the establishment of new explosives factories, magazines and stores in Northern Ireland. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1989 c. 4 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 15 March 1989 |
| Repealed | 19 February 2001 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes | Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 |
| Repealed by | Terrorism Act 2000 |
|
Status: Repealed
|
|
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 was an important law in the United Kingdom. It was part of a series of laws called the Prevention of Terrorism Acts. These laws were created to help deal with serious problems during a time known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland. This Act aimed to prevent acts of terrorism and keep people safe.
Contents
Understanding the 1989 Terrorism Act
This law, passed in 1989, gave the government special powers. These powers were put in place to stop groups involved in terrorism. The Act had several main parts, each dealing with different ways to prevent terrorist activities.
Making Groups Illegal
One part of the Act allowed certain groups to be made illegal. If a group was "proscribed" (meaning outlawed), it became against the law to be a member. It was also illegal to ask for money to support these groups. Displaying signs of support or attending meetings that backed these groups was also forbidden. The main groups made illegal at first were the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). Many loyalist groups in Northern Ireland were also outlawed.
Using Exclusion Orders
The Act also allowed for "Exclusion Orders." These orders could stop individuals from entering or staying in certain areas. For example, a person could be stopped from entering Great Britain. They could also be prevented from being in Northern Ireland or even the entire United Kingdom. Breaking one of these orders was a serious offense.
Stopping Financial Support for Terrorism
Another key part of the Act focused on money. It made it illegal to give or receive money for terrorism. This also included helping to hide or control funds for illegal groups. If someone suspected that money was being used for terrorism, they had to tell the police. This part of the law aimed to cut off funding for terrorist activities.
Powers of Arrest and Detention
This section of the Act gave police special powers to arrest people. They could arrest someone without a warrant if they suspected them of terrorism. A person could be held for up to 48 hours. The Home Secretary (a government minister) could extend this detention for up to five more days. This part also allowed for quick searches of people or property. Checks could also be made at ports and border crossings.
