Cracking Down on glorification of terrorism: TUV leader Jim Allister Calls for Action

Jim Allisterhas urged the Government to tackle the “glorification of terrorism” of people singing “the Republican mantra, up the Ra”. TheTUV leaderwelcomed that the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill would “for the first time” make it an offence to “have a banner which glorifies a proscribed organisation”. He spoke in theCommonsduring the second reading of the Bill which includes a range of measures from tackling knife crime to anti-social behaviour.

Mr Allister's Concerns

Mr Allister referred specifically to clause 123, which would enable the seizure of a flag or poster which “arouses reasonable suspicion the individual who displayed it was a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation”.

Glorification of Terrorism

The MP for North Antrim highlighted the issue of glorification of terrorism and its legislative gaps, emphasizing the example of the phrase 'up the Ra'. He pointed out the disparities in current laws and the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Call for Action

He further called for adjustments in legislation to effectively address glorification of terrorism and ensure consistency in dealing with instances like singing 'up the Ra'.