Proscribed Organisations
What is a "proscribed organisation"?
A “proscribed organisation” is an organisation or group that is illegal to join or show support for, because it has been identified as being concerned in terrorism.
The Home Secretary can choose to proscribe an organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000, if that organisation:
- commits or participates in acts of terrorism
- prepares for terrorism
- promotes or encourages terrorism (including the unlawful glorification of terrorism); or,
- is otherwise concerned in terrorism
Dozens of terrorist organisations are proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000. The full list can be found on the Home Office website:
Proscribed terrorist groups or organisations – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What are proscription offences?
Once an organisation is proscribed, there are a number of criminal offences that are associated with membership or showing support for that organisation.
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to:
- belong to a proscribed organisation
- invite support for a proscribed organisation
- recklessly express support for a proscribed organisation
- arrange a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation
- wear clothing or carry articles in public which arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation or
- publish an image of an article such as a flag or logo in the same circumstances
These offences can be committed both in the real-world, and online.
Can support for a proscribed organisation be backdated to before they were banned?
Posts made on social media or other forums in support of an organisation before it is proscribed are not considered. The proscription does not operate retrospectively so conduct done before proscription cannot be an offence. Only once an organisation is proscribed is it illegal to be a member or supporter of it.
However, for example, any posts not deleted once an organisation is proscribed may be considered to be expressing an ongoing opinion or belief that is supportive of that proscribed organisation.
What could happen if I breach counter-terrorism laws?
The law is clear and being unaware that you are committing an offence does not mean you won’t face the consequences. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the penalties can include a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a fine.
If the police suspect that you have committed a criminal offence, they may choose to investigate your actions. This might include you being contacted for a voluntary interview. Should they assess that your actions cross a criminal threshold, you could face prosecution.
I am a foreign national. What do I need to be aware of regarding my visa and immigration status?
You are subject to the same legislation and legal restrictions as anyone else in the UK. Depending on your particular situation, your immigration status may be affected.
Do the offences relating to a proscribed organisation apply overseas?
Yes. From 12 April 2019, offences of inviting or recklessly expressing support for a proscribed organisation, and the offences of displaying or publishing articles, also have extra-territorial jurisdiction for British nationals and UK residents. The offences do not prevent non-governmental organisations interacting with proscribed organisations overseas.
Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism by Acting Early
It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. The Home Office programme called Prevent is designed to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists.
Act early and tell us your concerns in confidence. You won’t be wasting our time, and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
Signs of radicalisation- what to look for
There are many factors that can make someone vulnerable to radicalisation. They can apply to any age, social class, religion, ethnic or educational background.
More important than any one specific sign is the sense that something is not quite right with the person you’re worried about. You could spot one sign or a combination of signs that are increasing in intensity.
Sometimes they can be indicators of other underlying issues or challenges that are not connected to radicalisation. If you are concerned, trust your instincts and contact us or one of the organisations listed on the website for advice.
Share a concern
Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers. The Support Line is open 24 hours every day.
Wellbeing and Student Support – wellbeing@warwick.ac.uk
Report and Support – reportandsupport@warwick.ac.uk