Report on the Prevention of Terrorism Act in London and report on consultation with the Irish community

This report focuses on the impact of the 1974 Prevention of Terrorism Act on London's Irish Community. It was commissioned by the Ethnic Minorities in London Unit established by the Greater London Council in the 1980s and was one in a series of pamphlets published by the Unit focusing on the racism experienced by London's 'ethnic minorites'. The report was published in 1984, this year having been declared by the GLC as 'Anti-Racism Year.' The purpose of the report, undertaken in consultation with the Irish Community, is outlined in the booklet as 'to examine the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and its effects on London with specific reference to London's Irish Community. The Prevention of Terrorism Act came into force on 29 November 1974 following the bombing of two Birmingham public houses on 21 November in which 21 people died. The IRA were heavily involved in military activity against British forces at this time and the media attributed the Birmingham bombs to Irish Republicans. That one of the public houses had a sizeable Irish clientele and the IRA issued a denial of any involvement in the bombings was ignored. Between 1974 and 1980, 4,977 people were arrested under the PTA. 1,072 arrests took place in London. Total number charged under the Act was 1.76%. The Irish community regards the PTA as a punitive measurement against it by the British Governement. Apart from the hurt and damage to individuals so unjustly detained, it has created an atmosphere of fear among the Irish community. It has fed the fires of suspicion and discrimination against Irish people.'
The report was produced against a backdrop of escalating IRA activity in London during the 1980s. This included the bombing of Harrods department store, in 1983, by Irish Repubicans the year before the report was published that resulted in the death of 6 (including 3 police officers) and injury to a further 90 people.