This Bill will extend special anti-terrorist provisions designed to deal with the specific security situation that exists in Northern Ireland. Measures contained in Part 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 are due to expire in February 2006.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said:

“The security situation in Northern Ireland has improved immeasurably and the Government wants to see the day when, in an enabling environment, these provisions are no longer necessary.

“However I have a duty to ensure the safety of the people here and these provisions remain, for the time being, a necessary and proportionate response to the threat of terrorism in Northern Ireland.”

House of Commons

First reading: October 11 2005 (HC Bill 52)

Second reading: October 31 2005

Standing Committee E: November 8 2005

Remaining stages: November 30 2005

House of Lords

First reading: December 1 2005 (HL Bill 50)

Second reading: December 20 2005

Grand Committee:  January 12 2006

Third reading: February 14 2006

Royal Assent: February 17 2006