Government to refresh UK counter-terror strategy

The Home Office and security minister Tom Tugendhat have announced a refresh of the government’s counter-terror strategy.

The refresh aims to protect citizens from new, emerging and persistent threats.

The announcement highlights a shift towards self-initiated terrorists operating independently from organised groups and that the tactics and methodologies used by terrorists are diversifying.

CONTEST, the counter-terrorism strategy, will be updated to reflect this. A diverse range of views will be sought from across the UK and abroad in order to protect the public from terrorist threats.

The refresh will also consider reviews, including the second volume of the Manchester Arena inquiry, which is due to be published next week.

The announcement also includes a renewed commitment to introduce the Protect Duty.

Security minister, Tom Tugendhat, 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 updated CONTEST is set to be published next year.