Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 October 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 October 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Protest: Animal Experiments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government classifies offences committed by organisations that define themselves as pursuing animals' rights as acts of terrorism; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: No animal rights extremist has been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 or other related terrorism legislation. However, should the activities of animal rights extremists, or any other individual or group, meet the required threshold of terrorism contained within the Act, it is possible that the Terrorism Act 2005 could be used. It is for the police and Crown Prosecution Service to select the most appropriate charge in individual cases.

Secondary information