Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Lord Blunkett (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of the impact of the threat of terrorism on (a) community relations and (b) social cohesion.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the impact of the threat of terrorism on (a) community relations and (b) social cohesion. [196627] Mr. Blunkett: The Government are aware of concerns in all communities about the threat from terrorism to the UK and its interests. In response to these concerns the Government are taking a number of measures to ensure that any tensions affecting particular communities arising from this threat are listened to and dealt with proactively. The Home Secretary has regular meetings with the leaders of faith and ethnic minority communities to discuss their concerns and ensure that they are receiving the support and protection that they need. The Government have progressively strengthened the law against racially and religiously motivated crime, and against racial and religious discrimination and have recently announced their intention to outlaw religious discrimination in the provision of goods and services and to create an offence of incitement to religious hatred.

Secondary information