Government launches CONTEST 2023

The UK government has launched CONTEST 2023, billed as "a refreshed approach to the evolving and enduring threat from terrorism".

The UK has experienced nine declared terrorist attacks since 2018 and 39 late-stage attacks disrupted since 2017.

CONTEST 2023 sets out the UK’s approach to a domestic terrorist risk and addresses a persistent and evolving overseas threat from Islamist groups, and the exploitation of technology by terrorists.

According the the press release, Islamist terrorism makes up around three quarters on MI5's caseload, with extreme-right wing terrorism making up the majority of the remainder of the caseload.

CONTEST 2023 has been developed by the Home Office, working with a range of government departments, police and the intelligence agencies.

The press release points out actions already being taken such as Fully operationalising the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre (CTOC), delivering William Shawcross’ Independent Review of Prevent and implementing the recommendations and implementing Martyn’s Law to ensure better protection for people in public places.

Home secretary, Suella Braverman, said: "Any death or injury resulting from terrorism is a tragedy, and the impact on survivors, witnesses and wider society is immeasurable.

"The terrorism risk we face today is rising and becoming harder to detect. This is why the transformational changes and vital partnerships set out in CONTEST 2023 will modernise our approach and make us all safer.

"The safety and security of our people is the leading duty of government; terrorism will not prevail.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes said: "The Counter Terrorism Operations Centre is a clear marker of the continued collective commitment to tackle the enduring terrorist threat.

"Our mission to keep the public safe cannot be achieved by one organisation alone and we are pleased that CONTEST underlines the importance of collaboration.

"Together with our partners, counter-terrorism policing will always strive to enhance our response, keeping the safety of the public at the very heart of our efforts."

Braverman launched the strategy at at Central Hall, Westminster on Tuesday.

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