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Parliament Recalled for Jan. 19 Sitting to Fast-Track Hate Speech and Extremism Laws

Ministers say the package is rushed to survive High Court scrutiny.

Overview

  • The first sitting fortnight is brought forward to January 19 from February 3, with both houses recalled for two days.
  • MPs will first debate a cross-party condolence motion on Monday, followed by the combatting antisemitism, hate and extremism bill on Tuesday.
  • The bill creates serious offences targeting hate preachers, lifts penalties for hate crimes, and requires courts to weigh extremist motivation at sentencing.
  • A new prohibited-group regime would allow listings that make membership, recruitment, and fundraising criminal, alongside an expanded ban on prohibited symbols.
  • The plan strengthens visa cancellation powers and establishes a national gun buyback, with ministers acknowledging the package pushes constitutional limits.