Threats To MPs Should Be Classed As Terrorism, Says Government Adviser On Terrorism Law

Threats of violence towards MPs should be investigated as terror offences, the government’s terrorism legislation adviser has said.

In an interview with The House magazine, Jonathan Hall, the UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, said the police should be “open to carrying out terrorism investigations” where they find threats of violence towards MPs.

Hall said terrorism as currently defined in this country is "absolutely what's in play" when MPs receive violent threats.

"The definition of terrorism is really simple," he said.

"It's violence or threat of violence in order to advance a cause – for example, a political, racial, religious cause – and it's done with the intent to influence the government or intimidate the population.

"That is absolutely what's in play where MPs are being threatened with rape and death.”

He added that while he is not suggesting "terrorism should suddenly rain down" when it comes to people threatening MPs on social media, there is a "role" for that sort of investigation to play.

"It does have an effect on national security, and really is threatening democracy.”

Hall said he has been in discussions with both the previous Tory government and the Keir Starmer administration about having threats of violence to MPs investigated as terror offences.

Terrorism investigations are conducted by Counter Terrorism Policing, a specialist branch of the Metropolitan Police. Under a terrorism investigation, police are able to detain a suspect for up to 14 days before charging them, compared to four days for a standard arrest. Police can also arrest suspects without a warrant, and are able to stop and search more freely.

Hall said recent unrest over Gaza, which led to MPs feeling intimidated over House of