The House of Lords approved an amendment to lower the threshold for criminalising the glorification of terrorism. Baroness Arlene Foster of Aghadrumsee tabled the change to the Crime and Policing Bill. Peers voted 231 to 188 in favour, a majority of 43.

Baroness Foster stated the proposal targets current endorsements of past terrorism acts. She aims to prevent the normalisation of terrorism among young people. At a St Patrick's Day event in Newry on Tuesday, she observed parents purchasing balaclavas and scarves bearing IRA logos for children. She described this as having become commonplace.

Baroness Foster, a former DUP first minister, emphasised that the amendment concerns the future. She argued it counters community mistrust and devastation caused by terrorism.

Lord Rogan of the Ulster Unionist Party recounted an incident on the London Tube after St Patrick's Day celebrations. He saw five young people wearing tricolours and chanting support for the IRA.

Baroness Fox of Buckley questioned the amendment's practical application. She raised examples such as chants at Rangers-Celtic football matches and children wearing balaclavas.

Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint said the government rejects the amendment as drafted. He noted the existing encouragement offence, introduced after the 2005 London bombings, covers statements online or offline made recklessly.

In a separate vote, peers supported Lord Davies of Gower's amendment for a government review of proscription for Iran-related entities. The vote passed 220 to 191, a majority of 29. Lord Davies called for proscribing the IRGC amid recent Iranian actions.