Counter-terrorism strategy
The threat to the UK
Terrorism is not new to the UK. There is a continuing domestic threat from dissident Irish republican groups. However, the most serious threat we face is from international terrorism.
Since 2003 we have had a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy - known as CONTEST - in place. A version was published in 2006 and in March 2009 we published the first major revision of that strategy.
Al Qa’ida and similar groups are the main international terrorist threat to the UK. They deliberately target innocent people and attack without warning, regardless of faith, race, or background. They aim to inflict mass casualties and are motivated by a violent extremist ideology, which wrongly uses religion to justify violence.
The September 11th 2001 attacks showed that these terrorists are willing and able to carry out devastating acts of violence. Since then, terrorists have killed hundreds of people around the world.
On July 7, 2005, four British terrorists attacked the London transport system, murdering 52 people and injuring hundreds more. A second planned attack two weeks later was unsuccessful. Those involved in these operations were working with Al Qa’ida.
These were the first successful attacks of their kind in the UK. There have been a number of plots against us since.
We know that some British citizens still travel abroad to be trained in how to commit terrorist attacks, that terrorists want to strike the UK again, and that they will keep on trying.
The current threat to the UK is substantial, meaning an attack is a strong possibility and could happen at any time without warning.
An international effort
Work is required at the international, national, and local level. Thanks to the dedication of the many people and partnerships who work tirelessly to counter the terrorist threat, we have stopped the majority of planned attacks against us.
The international problem we face needs international solutions: we work with partners across the globe to tackle problems at their source and improve our collective security.
Our strategy is closely coordinated with our counter insurgency work overseas, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq, led by Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
We have adopted a parallel Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Strategy which will protect the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games so that they are safe, secure and resilient against all types of risks including terrorism.
By 2011 the government will spend £3.5bn a year on counter-terrorism and security measures, in addition to the considerable sums invested by the private sector.
