UK journalists and NGOs risk terrorism prosecutions under new security bill

The report warns that the UK National Security (State Threats) Bill, which would give the Home Secretary power to designate state-backed organisations as threats, contains vague wording that could criminalise British foreign correspondents and NGO workers who engage with designated groups. Independent reviewers and press bodies caution the bill’s definitions of “support” and “material benefit” (including information) might lead to prosecutions and harsh sentences unless explicit protections for journalists and NGOs are added.