Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012.

Extremism

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government for what actions, including actions which were not, or were not intended to be, criminal, a person would be classified a ““domestic extremist”” and so qualify to appear on the police database of domestic extremists.

Answer: There is no legal definition of domestic extremism in the UK. Police databases, including those containing data on domestic extremism, are maintained in compliance with the statutory Code of Practice on the Management of Police Information. This provides a framework for the police to collect information for policing purposes, which are described as protecting life and property, preserving order, preventing the commission of offences, bringing offenders to justice, or any duty or responsibility of the police arising from common or statute law. This applies to protestors or a person alleged to be a domestic extremist who had not committed any criminal act.

Secondary information