Tough new anti-terrorism laws introduced in the wake of the July 7 bombings have now taken effect.

With the Terrorism Act now in force, it has become an offence to 'glorify' terrorism.

After a prolonged parliamentary clash, the Act received Royal assent on March 30.

Ministers say the tough new laws were not a direct response to the London bombings as they had already been planned.

However the law aims to target extremists who encourage others to commit terrorist acts.

It is now a criminal offence to commit acts preparatory to terrorism or to directly or indirectly incite or encourage others to commit acts of terrorism.

This includes the controversial move to outlaw the glorification of terrorism.

And the sale, loan, or other dissemination of terrorist publications is also now banned.

Anyone who gives or receives training in terrorist techniques can also be prosecuted.

Critics of the law say it represents a severe threat to free speech and traditional liberties.

Gareth Crossman of human rights group Liberty said: "These new powers make us not only less free, we are also less safe when we drive dissent underground and alienate minorities.

"Swept up in this new anti-terror safety net could be those who protest against dictators, like Zimbabwe's Mugabe, or North Korean dissidents."

The law takes effect just one day after a High Court judge ruled that the law on the use of control orders to monitor terror suspects is incompatible with human rights legislation.

But a measure allowing police to detain terrorism suspects without charge for up to 28 days has not yet been put into effect.

Shadow home secretary David Davis said: "We welcome much of what is in this Act but have concerns about the glorification of terror offence.

"During the passage of the Bill we secured an assurance from the government that this would be revisited when the home secretary consolidates the terror laws.

"It is important to remember, however, that the fight against terror is not simply about introducing new laws, but also having the will to use them.

"Abu Hamza was eventually convicted but it was under legislation that pre-dated 9/11 – in fact six of his convictions were under legislation dating back to 1861."