National Action member charged in connection with plot to murder Labour MP
1 min read
The alleged leader of banned far-right group National Action has been charged with encouragement to commit murder in connection with an apparent plot to kill a Labour MP.
Christopher Lythgoe, 31, has also been charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation, along with five other men.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.
A 22-year-old man, who cannot be named, has been charged with the intention of committing acts of terrorism and threats to kill, according to Greater Manchester police.
According to the Times, prosecutors will argue that the younger man sought and received permission from Mr Lythgoe to carry out an attack.
MP for West Lancashire Rosie Cooper said: "I would like to thank everyone involved in this case, especially the counter-terrorism police, for keeping me, my staff and the public safe.
"There remains an ongoing criminal investigation so it would not be appropriate for me to comment further."
Home Secretary Amber Rudd banned the group last year, meaning membership of, or inviting support for them is a criminal offence and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
She branded the neo-Nazi group a "racist, antisemitic and homophobic organisation" in December, when it became the first far-right group banned in the UK.
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