Terrorism Act 2000

[Ken Brown]

This is a bloody good idea, if anyone wanted to get publicity against
the actions of the government. Do you mind if I forward it to some
friends of mine?

Ken Brown

Ian Jackson wrote:
> 
> Pete Chown writes ("Re: Terrorism Act 2000"):
> > Ken Brown wrote:
> > > The bombing of Baghdad is terrorism under these definitions.
> >
> > Acts of Parliament don't bind the Crown unless they specifically say
> > that they do.  So although you are right that the definition is
> > satisfied, the government would not have committed an offence.
> 
> Indeed.  However, does this not make it an offence to pay tax ?
> 
>    15. - (3) A person commits an offence if he-
>          (a) provides money or other property, and
>          (b) knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that it
>              will or may be used for the purposes of terrorism.
> 
> There doesn't seem to be an exception for people who give Crown agents
> money for (partly) terrorist purposes.
> 
> There is an exception to this:
> 
>    21. - (1) A person does not commit an offence under any of sections 15 to
>              18 if he is acting with the express consent of a constable.
>          (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), a person does not
>              commit an offence under any of sections 15 to 18 by
>              involvement in a transaction or arrangement relating to
>              money or other property if he discloses to a constable -
>           (a) his suspicion or belief that the money or other property is
>               terrorist property, and
>           (b) the information on which his suspicion or belief is based.
>          (3) Subsection (2) applies only where a person makes a disclosure-
>           (a) after he becomes concerned in the transaction concerned,
>           (b) on his own initiative, and
>           (c) as soon as is reasonably practicable.
> 
> Therefore how about the following tactic:
> 
> * If you are already a taxpayer through PAYE, then you probably fall
> under 21(3)(a) at the moment and should immediately write, recorded
> delivery, to your local Police station, and ask for a confirmation
> that they've received your letter.  Your letter should state that you
> believe the UK government may be committing terrorism abroad and your
> reasons, and that your source is the newspapers and general media.
> 
> * If you are *not* already a taxpayer then 21(3)(c) and (b) can't both
> apply.  You cannot lawfully start paying tax without express consent
> of a constable.  So you must write, recorded delivery, to Inland
> Revenue and your local Police, asking for permission from the Police
> to pay your taxes.  You have to make sure to let the Inland Revenue
> know why you're not paying, so that they know that you have an excuse.
> 
> Alternatively perhaps Inland Revenue could confirm that taxes will not
> be used for terrorist purposes, such as bombing Baghdad.
> 
> Interestingly, seeking money or property for terrorism is an offence
> too, so ad agencies involved with tax-raising campaigns should perhaps
> look out.
> 
> What have I missed ?
> 
> Ian.