Britain moves to ban TTP under terror law

 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)

LONDON: Britain has moved to ban the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist group, making it illegal to belong to or raise funds for the organisation in Britain, the government said on Tuesday.

Home Secretary (interior minister) Theresa May introduced the order, which needs legislative approval, in parliament on Monday and it will be debated later this week. The order would ban TTP under the British Terrorism Act.

"Proscription is a tough but necessary power to tackle terrorism and is not a course of action we take lightly," said a statement from May whose order states she believes the group "is concerned in terrorism".

"Proscription means that membership of Tehrik-e-Taliban will become a criminal offence, and the organisation will not be able to lawfully operate in the UK, including by raising funds."