UK warns of two more years of 'severe terror threat'
The UK Government today warned that Britain faces a severe threat from Islamist terrorism for at least two more years and the danger could increase further. The assessments emerged as the government prepares to unveil a strengthened counter-terrorism strategy. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that the Government plans to recruit 2,000 extra security officers to fight the "severe terrorist threat". Here's more.
UK assesses threat from extreme right-wing terrorism
"We assess the threat from extreme right-wing terrorism is growing. Globally, terrorist groups and networks of all ideologies continue to develop organically, exploiting social media, technology, and science to further their aims and ambitions," Javid said.
Technology companies to tackle extremist content posted online
As part of the new package of counter-terrorism measures, British terror suspects will be monitored more closely and convicted terrorists given longer prison sentences, Javid added. Technology companies will be called on to do more to tackle the extremist content posted online, while new powers will be introduced to fast-track terror suspects to jail before they have finalized any plans for an attack.
IS attacked UK last year, killing 8 and injuring 48
Javid's keynote speech follows a review of UK's counter-terrorism strategy, known as "Contest", and coincides with the anniversary of IS-claimed vehicle and knife attack in London Bridge and Borough Market areas of the British capital on June 3 last year. The attack involved three attackers led by Pakistani-origin terror suspect Khuram Butt going on a rampage killing eight people and injuring 48 others.
Government is doing everything possible to tackle terrorism: Javid
"The government is absolutely committed to doing everything possible to tackle the terrorist threat. We are working with the police, intelligence and security agencies, the private and public sector and international partners to make sure we have the best plans in place," Javid said.
MI5, counter-terrorism police run more than 500 live operations
According to official estimates, MI5 and counter-terrorism police are currently running more than 500 live operations involving roughly 3,000 subjects of interest. Also, Britain's security services foiled 12 Islamist and four extreme right-wing plots since March 2017. However, over 20,000 people who have previously been investigated and categorized as a "closed subject of interest" could still pose a threat, officials warn.
UK's strategy to deal with terrorism
The strategy to be launched tomorrow is expected to set out plans for MI5, Britain's internal security service, to share its intelligence more widely and work with partners such as local authorities on how best to manage the risk posed by closed subjects of interest.
