Patel reiterates pledge to get tougher on sentencing

Home Secretary Priti Patel has reiterated the government’s stance on getting tougher on terrorism sentencing following the recent attack in Reading.

Three people were killed and three others injured during a knife attack in a Reading park on 20 June. It has since been revealed that the suspect, a 25-year-old Libyan refugee, was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly afterwards but was later re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

Khairi Saadallah was reportedly already known to MI5 but was found to pose an insubstantial risk.

Patel said that the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill, due to be debated in Parliament this week, will introduce ‘much tougher penalties for terrorists to keep the public safe’, adding that the government will take further measures if needed.

Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Patel said: “We continue to pursue every option available to tackle the terrorist threat and to take dangerous people off our streets. Our world-class CT, police and security services have my unequivocal backing as they hunt down hate-fuelled terrorists and extremists.

“My message today is clear, simple and strong: swift justice will be done, victims will be supported and if further action is needed to stop terrorists in their tracks, this government will not hesitate to act.”