Oxford experts play key role in independent review of UK counter-terrorism

Oxford Law academics Professor Lucia Zedner and Visiting Professor Murray Hunt joined fellow Commissioners in Whitehall earlier this month for the launch of a major new report on the UK’s counter-terrorism framework. 

The final report of the Independent Commission on Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, chaired by the Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan KC PC, former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, has been published after three years of research and consultation that gathered evidence from over 200 experts, practitioners, academics and community representatives. 

The Commission presents 113 recommendations to ensure the UK’s counter-terrorism system remains effective, proportionate, and rooted in the rule of law. The review offers the most comprehensive assessment in over two decades of how the UK should tackle terrorism while upholding democratic values and human rights. Other Commissioners included the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC PC (former Attorney General), Sir Peter Fahy KPM (former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police), and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi PC (former Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office). 

The report’s recommendations include a narrower statutory definition of terrorism, an overhaul of the Prevent programme, reforming proscription and citizenship deprivation powers, strengthening parliamentary oversight, and ensuring fair process in prosecutions and appeal hearings. 

Reflecting on their participation in the Commission, Professors Zedner and Hunt say they are honoured to have contributed and believe the report and its recommendations “chart a strongly evidence-based roadmap for reforms that will strengthen public safety and national security while safeguarding civil liberties and democratic accountability”. 

Read the full counter-terrorism report on the website of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, secretariat for the Commission.