:Section 1. –
::(1) In this Act "terrorism" means the use or threat of action where-
:::(a) the action falls within subsection (2),
:::(b) the use or threat is designed to influence the government (an international governmental organisation )〔Words in square brackets inserted by Terrorism Act 2006.〕 or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, and
:::(c) the use or threat is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious(racial )〔Word in square brackets inserted by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.〕 or ideological cause.
::(2) Action falls within this subsection if it-
:::(a) involves serious violence against a person,
:::(b) involves serious damage to property,
:::(c) endangers a person's life, other than that of the person committing the action,
:::(d) creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or
:::(e) is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system.
::(3) The use or threat of action falling within subsection (2) which involves the use of firearms or explosives is terrorism whether or not subsection (1)(b) is satisfied.

"acts of terrorism" means acts of persons acting on behalf of, or in connection with, any organisation which carries out activities directed towards the overthrowing or influencing, by force or violence, of Her Majesty's government in the United Kingdom or any other government de jure or de facto.

In this Act "terrorism" means the use of violence for political ends, and includes any use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear.