Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021

Key Points

• Introduces a new serious terrorism sentence for severe offences, with special rules for under-18s and mirrored arrangements in Scotland.
• Strengthens post-release controls: Parole Board to set licence conditions; limits automatic further release after recall; introduces stricter licensing and recall regimes.
• Extends and aligns youth justice provisions and cross-border rules (England, Wales and Scotland), including adjustments to how detention and youth sentences are handled.
• Adds new oversight and reporting requirements, including an independent reviewer and Schedule A1, plus timetable for monitoring terrorism legislation.
• Implements practical changes to the Sentencing Code and related acts (e.g., polygraph conditions for terrorist offenders, and adjustments to ensure new sentences are properly codified and applied).

Progress

The Bill completed its passage and received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021, turning it into law. It involved extensive amendments (notably Schedule 13) to implement the new sentencing framework and cross-border provisions.

Voting

An amendment at Report Stage (Amendment 30) was defeated in a significant division. Across party lines, Labour, Lib Dem, and other groups generally supported the bill, while the Conservative Party and some others opposed many provisions. The voting data show a clear split between the governing party and most opposition parties on key changes.