Counter Terror Business 45

2021: A new year, but the same problems

The start of 2020 may seem a little quiet with most parts of the western world in various stages of coronavirus-fuelled lockdown, but that is not to say it has not been without incident.

Most noticeably in Washington, D.C, where a mob of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump attempted to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election by storming of the United States Capitol. Much was made of Trump’s decision to rile those involved, before labelling them ‘very special’, but more importantly it raises questions overs the issue of domestic terrorism in the US.

Dozens of people present at the riot were later found to be listed in the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Database, most as suspected white supremacists. New President Joe Biden has been quick to overturn many of his predecessors policies on climate, but how he handles the fallout of the insurrection, and the discontent behind it, remains to be seen.

Closer to home, the Manchester Arena inquiry continues with the response and coordination of the emergency responders under review. The inquiry has not been easy for any involved, but there is no denying that it has highlighted the need for Martyn’s Law to pass through Parliament sooner rather than later.

Michael Lyons, editor