Police welcome proscription of extreme right wing group

Police have welcomed the proscription of neo-Nazi group National Action. This is the first extreme right wing organisation to be banned in the UK.

As of midnight on Thursday December 15 it is an offence to be a member or support National Action. Anyone convicted could face up to 10 years in prison and or an unlimited fine.

Officers have pledged to tackle the far right with the same commitment they give to countering other forms of extremism.

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, says: “The police service is committed to tackling extremism in all forms and this includes the threat from the extreme right wing.

"Forces across the country have already been taking decisive action against the criminal activities of suspected members of National Action. Since the start of this year, 22 suspects have been arrested for a range of offences such as hate crimes and public order.

“Officers have been briefed about the proscription and, going forward, will apply the legislation to this group as they would any other terrorist organisation. This includes taking action against their online activities.

"The overriding threat to the UK remains from Daesh inspired groups and individuals but our operations reflect a broader range of dangerous ideologies and we will work tirelessly with our partners to confront them.

“Of concern is the fact that we are now seeing around a quarter of the Prevent cases supported by the Channel programme relating to this ideology. It has the real potential to drive vulnerable people into committing criminal acts.

"We will continue working with all our communities to inform them about the range of threats to the UK and the role they can play in helping police. Anyone with concerns should contact their local force."

Anyone with any concerns about this or any potential extremist activity should contact police on 101 or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 798 321. In an emergency always call 999.