Menu
03/10/2008
Government To Update Terror Strategy
The UK counter-terrorism strategy is to be updated to increase focus on preventing the radicalisation of Muslims.
The government's new strategy, known as 'Contest', will be aimed at reducing the supply of terror recruits.
Working with local communities and monitoring the relationship between the internet and terrorism will be key.
Focus will be increased on the threat of lone radicals not connected to al-Qaeda.
Although al-Qaeda, affiliated groups based in north and east Africa and non connected groups still remain a major threat.
Since last summer the government's terrorism threat status has remained at 'severe', and senior Whitehall officials have said there is no sign of it being downgraded.
A senior counter terrorism source told the Telegraph: "We were looking at the threat level six months ago and asking how severe is severe? But it is October now and we are at the severe end of severe.
"Al-Qaeda's core exists on the Afghan-Pakistan border. The arrangement of people changes at a frighteningly rapid pace but they have enough people to replace them and there are people who are looking at us and at external operations, some at this country in particular.
"We are not chasing shadows. These are potential threats to security and life. Police and the security network are operating at full capacity."
(GK/JM)
The government's new strategy, known as 'Contest', will be aimed at reducing the supply of terror recruits.
Working with local communities and monitoring the relationship between the internet and terrorism will be key.
Focus will be increased on the threat of lone radicals not connected to al-Qaeda.
Although al-Qaeda, affiliated groups based in north and east Africa and non connected groups still remain a major threat.
Since last summer the government's terrorism threat status has remained at 'severe', and senior Whitehall officials have said there is no sign of it being downgraded.
A senior counter terrorism source told the Telegraph: "We were looking at the threat level six months ago and asking how severe is severe? But it is October now and we are at the severe end of severe.
"Al-Qaeda's core exists on the Afghan-Pakistan border. The arrangement of people changes at a frighteningly rapid pace but they have enough people to replace them and there are people who are looking at us and at external operations, some at this country in particular.
"We are not chasing shadows. These are potential threats to security and life. Police and the security network are operating at full capacity."
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 April 2015
Coventry Teenagers Arrested By Counter Terrorism Unit
West Midlands Police have reported that two Coventry teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of preparing to travel to Syria to engage in terrorism. Officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit detained the two teens, both aged 17, at their homes at 6am on Tuesday morning.
Coventry Teenagers Arrested By Counter Terrorism Unit
West Midlands Police have reported that two Coventry teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of preparing to travel to Syria to engage in terrorism. Officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit detained the two teens, both aged 17, at their homes at 6am on Tuesday morning.
10 December 2014
Man Arrested Over Police Threat
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threats made to West Midlands Police officers and staff on Tuesday. The man was detained at a property in the West Midlands by officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit, who are leading the investigation. He is currently being held in police custody.
Man Arrested Over Police Threat
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threats made to West Midlands Police officers and staff on Tuesday. The man was detained at a property in the West Midlands by officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit, who are leading the investigation. He is currently being held in police custody.
20 July 2009
Terror Threat Reduced
The potential threat from a terrorist attack in the UK has been downgraded by one level. However, the Home Secretary, whose department sets the risk level, said the public can expect little change in security measures.
Terror Threat Reduced
The potential threat from a terrorist attack in the UK has been downgraded by one level. However, the Home Secretary, whose department sets the risk level, said the public can expect little change in security measures.
14 August 2006
Government lowers terror threat level
The terror threat level to the UK has been downgraded from critical to severe, the Home Office has announced. The change means that the chance of a terror attack occurring in the UK is still regarded as "highly likely", but not "imminent".
Government lowers terror threat level
The terror threat level to the UK has been downgraded from critical to severe, the Home Office has announced. The change means that the chance of a terror attack occurring in the UK is still regarded as "highly likely", but not "imminent".
05 November 2003
Fall in food aid funding could see millions starve
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has said today that funding for its operations in southern Africa was at less than half of what was needed and unless donations pick up some 6.5 million people "will face severe hunger".
Fall in food aid funding could see millions starve
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has said today that funding for its operations in southern Africa was at less than half of what was needed and unless donations pick up some 6.5 million people "will face severe hunger".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
