The Prevention of Terrorism Act: Normalising the Politics of Repression

Abstract

In 1979 Stuart Hall argued, on the advent of the new Conservative government, that their much lauded free market economy demanded, as a necessary corollary, the development of a powerful, centralised state apparatus to maintain order.[1] After four years of Thatcherism it is possible to add flesh to the bones of Hall's original outline and in particular how the Prevention of Terrorism Act contributes towards the growth of the strong state. Before focusing on this legislation we touch briefly on what Hall has called the great moving right show of British politics in order that the anti-terrorist legislation can be placed contextually.[2]