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, 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, , said:
“Terrorists seek to divide us and sow hatred. We will not let
them. Our commitment to the values we cherish is too strong.
“But as the nature of terrorism continues to evolve and endure,
so must we.
“We will ensure that our response to the terror threat continues
to be world-leading and ensure we have a strategy that allows
people to go about their lives freely and with confidence.”
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:
“Since its launch in 2003, CONTEST has proved to be an enduring
and effective strategic framework for the UK’s counter terrorism
response, but it shouldn’t stand still.
“Today’s threat is dominated by increasingly fragmented
ideologies, self-initiated terrorism, and the reach of hateful
online ideologies into the lives of the young people.
“It is vital that any future strategy reflects these learnings
and also looks forward to the collaborations we will need in the
future to keep people safe.
“Counter Terrorism Policing, uniquely, has made an evolving
contribution to all four pillars of the CONTEST strategy and will
continue to be at the heart of our preparedness for the terrible
moments when attacks happen.”
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.
EDITORS NOTES
- CONTEST is delivered through a collaborative approach made up
of four key components:
-
- ‘Prevent’ – supporting early intervention of those
vulnerable to radicalisation by raising awareness of the
signs of radicalisation and where to report concerns
- ‘Protect’ – providing the public with information on
suspicious behaviours, incident tactics and how to report
concerns in relevant environments, as well as advising
owners/operators of public spaces to improve security
measures
- ‘Prepare’ – ensuring we have the right plans and
capabilities in place to enable a rapid, multi-agency
response to the range of possible attack methodologies,
wherever they might occur and ensuring we have systems in
place to minimise the post-attack impact on affected
individuals and communities
- ‘Pursue’ – disrupting terrorist plots and their wider
activity through our counter-terror police
- CONTEST has been refreshed periodically over the last 20
years, in step with the enduring and evolving nature of
terrorism. This is the next iteration of that effective process
and should not be viewed as an inability to address today’s
threats
- Support is available for anyone affected by a terror attack,
please visithttp://victimsofterrorism.campaign.gov.uk
