Refresh ensures UK system is able to continually adapt to new, emerging and persistent security threats
The government will carry out a wholesale refresh of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, to protect its citizens from new, emerging and persistent threats.
In the UK and overseas, there has been a shift towards self-initiated terrorists operating independently from organised groups with increasingly personal ideologies, warped views used to justify violence.
The tactics and methodologies used by terrorists are diversifying and becoming increasingly fragmented.
To meet those threats, the counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) will be updated to reflect these new challenges. This will involve seeking a diverse range of views and engaging security experts from across the UK and overseas, so that CONTEST continues to robustly protect the British public from terrorist threats.
Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:
The update will take into account a series of important reviews, including the second volume of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, set to be published next week.
In addition, the findings from the Independent Review of Prevent, led by William Shawcross, will strengthen the government’s ability to stop individuals being drawn into terrorism in the first place.
The government will do everything possible to strengthen the UK’s protection against terrorist attacks.
This includes a renewed commitment to introduce the Protect Duty, which will enhance the safety of public venues while avoiding placing additional burden on small businesses.
The UK counter-terror system already encompasses the efforts of more than 20 government departments and agencies.
Since 2017 alone, more than 200 recommendations have been implemented in response to terrorist attacks, including the creation of the world’s first multi-organisational Counter Terrorism Operations Centre, in London in June 2021.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes said:
The government expects to publish an updated and enhanced version of CONTEST next year. In the meantime, it will continue to deliver a counter-terror strategy to keep the public safe.