Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005

What has the Act achieved?

The Act provides for "Control Orders" - preventative orders - to be made in respect of individuals believed to be engaged in terrorist related activity but against whom it is not possible to take action through the courts.

Control orders impose obligations on individuals designed to disrupt and prevent potentially terrorist-related activity. Obligations can be tailored to the particular risk posed by the individual.

Breach of a condition imposed by an order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Timetable for Act coming into effect

The Act came into force on 11 March 2005

Changes to the Bill made during its passage

Major changes included:
Courts to make derogating orders;
Secretary of State to apply to the court for leave to make a non-derogating orders;
Requirement to consult the police about the prospects of prosecuting the individual before making a control order and to refer control order cases to the police for ongoing investigation with a view to prosecution during the life of  the control order;
Act subject to annual renewal; 
Affirmative resolution procedure in respect of the accompanying Rules (of court).