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Terrorism Bill

And, my Lords, in this season of the year, there is forgiveness as well. One of our problems is the definition of language. The noble Lord’s helpful remarks about looking at the definition of terrorism might point to the issue that lies behind the problems we have with the word ““glorification””. I share the view expressed around the House that this is not the time to pursue this matter further. I am sure the Minister will be pleased to hear that. What do we mean when we use this language? Are those who are fighting in Iraq insurgents or terrorists? How do we define the IRA? These are difficult questions. It needs to be placed on the record, as we think about what is not a very tidy use of language—the use of ““glorification””—that, when we on these Benches are engaged in giving glory to God, that is an expression of the heart and of the feeling of the community, and the consequences of that cannot be spelt out in terms of the actions that flow from it. There is looseness in the language here, which I think the courts will have some difficulty with. Nevertheless, at this moment in our community, we need some sense of coherence and unity in the face of the perceived sense of threats that there are around our society. Now is the time to bring this matter to a conclusion and to trust our courts to help us to give some common-sense definition to the language we use.