Part IIntroductory
1Terrorism: interpretation
1
In this Act “terrorism” means the use or threat of action where—
a
the action falls within subsection (2),
b
the use or threat is designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, and
c
the use or threat is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
2
Action falls within this subsection if it—
a
involves serious violence against a person,
b
involves serious damage to property,
c
endangers a person’s life, other than that of the person committing the action,
d
creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or
e
is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system.
3
The use or threat of action falling within subsection (2) which involves the use of firearms or explosives is terrorism whether or not subsection (1)(b) is satisfied.
4
In this section—
a
“action” includes action outside the United Kingdom,
b
a reference to any person or to property is a reference to any person, or to property, wherever situated,
c
a reference to the public includes a reference to the public of a country other than the United Kingdom, and
d
“the government” means the government of the United Kingdom, of a Part of the United Kingdom or of a country other than the United Kingdom.
5
In this Act a reference to action taken for the purposes of terrorism includes a reference to action taken for the benefit of a proscribed organisation.