By Joanna Dawson 

The Government can proscribe organisations that it considers engage in or promote terrorism. When an organisation is proscribed, it becomes a criminal offence to belong to it or to support it. This briefing describes the recent history and present status of proscribed organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. Proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 Prior to the 2000 Act, proscription was exclusively concerned with terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland. Under the 2000 Act, proscription was extended to include organisations concerned with both domestic and international terrorism. The Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is “concerned in terrorism”. If the Home Secretary believes that an organisation meets this statutory test, they must then decide whether to proscribe the organisation. In doing so, they must take into account various policy considerations. Consequences of proscription The 2000 Act sets out a number of proscription offences. These include: • belonging to or inviting support for a proscribed organisation • arranging or assisting with the arrangement of a meeting that supports a proscribed organisation • addressing such a meeting • wearing clothing or displaying articles in public which arouse suspicion of membership or support of a proscribed organisation. The maximum penalty for these offences (except wearing clothing or displaying images) is 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine. The Government can also impose financial sanctions on proscribed organisations. 

London: House of Commons Library, 2024. 78p