Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

Message from the Independent Reviewer

As Independent Reviewer since February 2011, my main task is to review the operation of the UK's laws on terrorism, and to write up my findings and recommendations in regular reports.  Those reports are published on this website, and laid before Parliament by the Home Secretary or the Treasury, with a view to informing the public and political debate. From time to time, at the invitation of Ministers or on my own initiative, I also produce other reports in relation to terrorism. You can find a more detailed account of my role on the reviewer's role page of this site.

My reports and recommendations are based on conversations with a wide range of people who enforce or are otherwise affected by the terrorism laws in all parts of the UK, and on my reading which includes comparative materials and - crucially - unrestricted access to sensitive security documents. Past reports of the Independent Reviewer (who from 2001 until 2011 was Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE QC) are accessible from this site.

The functions of the Independent Reviewer are funded on a part-time basis by the Home Office and Treasury, but I remain a self-employed barrister in private practice, proud of my complete independence from Government. Do feel free to contact me.