Ban on legal aid for terrorists ‘could backfire’

A new law to end terrorists declaring lawful support dangers “unintended consequences” and could improve the danger of them carrying out a new assault, the government’s terror watchdog has warned Parliament.

Jonathan Corridor QC claimed that clauses in the new Nationwide Stability Bill bringing in a 30-calendar year ban on terror convicts professing civil legal help were supposed by ministers to be “symbolic”.

He mentioned the government’s goal was “to mirror the significance of the bonds with the point out and society that are damaged by the fee of terrorist offences”.

But he warned that the reform could backfire by halting them from receiving help for mental well being, housing or other troubles, and by undermining the prospects of them reintegrating effectively again into society right after launch from jail.

“Even symbolic limitations may have practical repercussions,” Mr Hall warns parliamentarians in a briefing be aware on the new laws.

“No launched terrorist offender is heading to reoffend just for the reason that their obtain to civil authorized aid is limited. But authorized guidance and help is relevant to securing aid on housing, personal debt and psychological well being.

“A homeless terrorist offender, or 1 whose mental wellness demands are unaddressed, will present a bigger risk to the community. There is a hazard of unintended outcomes.”

Mr Hall, the unbiased reviewer of terrorism legislation, provides that while unveiled terrorist offenders “do current a unique risk” the “best outcome” for the community is for them to reintegrate into culture successfully.

“A terrorist offender who goes back again into culture and life quietly is a rosier prospect than one who demands perpetual monitoring,” his briefing note states.