The Government’s updated counter-terrorism strategy will include closer cooperation with local authorities, Sajid Javid says.
Last year’s terrorist attacks in London and Manchester prompted a fundamental review of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, known as CONTEST.
The home secretary today announced the updated version of CONTEST which, he says, is a ‘more agile, flexible and co-ordinated approach’ to preventing terrorism and for dealing with the aftermath of successful attacks.
A central component of the new strategy will be closer working between the security services and councils to improve the Government’s understanding of those at risk of involvement in terrorism.
This will continue to be through Prevent, the controversial counter-terrorism programme which requires frontline workers to report signs of possible radicalisation.
Other measures in the updated strategy include making it an offence to repeatedly view streamed video content online; strengthening the sentencing framework for terrorism; and enabling further terrorism offences committed overseas to be prosecuted in the UK courts.
‘As home secretary my priority will always be to keep our country safe. The threat from terrorism is one of the starkest we face and it is clear there has been a step change,’ said Mr Javid.
‘The biggest threat is from Islamist terrorism particularly from Daesh, but extreme right-wing terrorism is also an increasing threat. Both exploit grievances, distort the truth, and undermine the values that hold us together.
‘As the threat evolves so must our response. Ultimately, our approach is about ensuring that there are no safe spaces for terrorists to operate – internationally, in the UK or online.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said it looked forward to seeing more detail on the initiative.
Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: '“Information sharing could be a positive step but what is crucial is that councils are not treated as a replacement for the expertise and resources of the security services and police. Local authorities are not MI5 and it’s essential that the police and security services lead on responding to and acting on any threats.
'We will continue to engage with government to ensure residents are kept safe and that local authorities can play their role in supporting and protecting communities. While we can all be on the lookout, preventing and protecting us from terrorism is a responsibility that should remain with the police and security services.
'With councils also facing significant and ongoing funding pressures, local authorities’ work to tackle radicalisation also needs to be properly funded over the long term.'
