Cameron to unveil counterterror measures in Queen's speech

David Cameron is to set out a string of new powers to tackle radicalisation, saying the UK has been a "passively tolerant society" for too long.

The bill will include new immigration rules, powers to close down premises used by extremists and "extremism disruption orders".

Chairing the first meeting of the UK’s National Security Council on Wednesday, the prime minister will outline the key components of his counter-extremism legislation before it is announced formally in the Queen’s Speech later this month and fast-tracked through parliament.

The policies include disruption orders to prevent extremists airing their views in public or radicalising young people, new powers to close premises such as mosques where extremists are seeking to build influence, and extra immigration restrictions for those thought to be preaching extremist views.

The Charity Commission will also be awarded a boosted remit to root out charities who misappropriate funds towards terrorism and Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, will be empowered to act against channels which broadcast extremist content.

The proposals were first set out by Home Secretary Theresa May before the general election.

But the Conservatives were unable to secure the backing of their then Liberal Democrat coalition partners for the measures.

The measures are also expected to introduce banning orders for extremist organisations who use hate speech in public places, but whose activities fall short of it being proscribed as a terror group.

According to details given by May at last year's Conservative Party conference, such orders would apply if ministers "reasonably believe" a group intended to incite religious or racial hatred, to threaten democracy, or if there was a pressing need to protect the public from harm, either from a risk of violence, public disorder, harassment or other criminal acts.

The granting of a ban, which would be subject to immediate review by the High Court, would make membership or funding of the organisation concerned a criminal offence.

The extreme disruption orders could be imposed on individuals, using the same criteria.